Day 4: New River Gorge Journal

"Attention is the beginning of devotion." — Mary Oliver

If that is true, then today was an act of devotion.

We woke this morning to the unmistakable sound of a storm coming. Tornado warnings flashed across phones as dark clouds gathered over the mountains of New River Gorge. Within twenty minutes, our STEAM in the PARK family was mobilized. Windows were closed. Shutters were secured. Campers and staff gathered in the dining hall as the wind began pushing rain sideways across the landscape. The skies turned an eerie shade of gray, and for a while it appeared we might be directly in the path of the storm.

There is something about uncertain moments that causes us to pay attention. We watched the trees bend in the wind. We listened to the weather reports. We kept an eye on the sky. We stayed together. And then, because educators are nothing if not creative, we turned on Twist and Shout.

Soon the dining hall was filled with laughter, dancing, and enough enthusiasm to convince ourselves that perhaps a tornado would think twice before interrupting our morning.  Not long after, the clouds broke apart, sunshine returned, and breakfast was served.

Steve calls moments like these "The Dacia Effect." After years of camps, road trips, weather alerts, and outdoor adventures, we've somehow managed to avoid major disasters during STEAM in the PARK. Storms seem to split around us. Problems somehow find solutions. Forecasts that look intimidating often turn into little more than stories we laugh about later. I always smile when he says it because I don't think it has anything to do with me. I think it has everything to do with remembering that while we cannot control what happens around us, we can choose how we respond. Today we chose preparation, community, and a little dancing.

The rest of the day became a beautiful reminder of why we gather in places like New River Gorge.

This morning, Ranger Lori helped us explore one of nature's most important lessons: biodiversity. We learned why healthy ecosystems depend upon a rich variety of plants, animals, insects, fungi, and microorganisms. Every species has a role to play. Every living thing contributes something valuable to the whole. Nature's resilience comes not from sameness but from diversity.

As we listened, it was impossible not to think about our own community.

Some of us are scientists. Some are artists. Some are naturalists. Some are storytellers. Some are first-time campers, while others have attended several STEAM in the PARK adventures. We come from different schools, different states, and different life experiences. Yet together we create something stronger, richer, and more meaningful than any of us could create alone. Nature teaches us that diversity creates strength, and this week has shown us that the same is true for people.

The afternoon offered a chance to slow down and enjoy some free time. Campers explored the beauty of Sandstone Falls, wandered through the Sandstone Visitor Center, visited the historic railroad town of Thurmond, and, of course, made an important stop at the Dairy Queen along the river. There were conversations, photographs, quiet moments of reflection, and plenty of ice cream. Sometimes the most meaningful moments of a week are not found on the schedule but in the spaces between activities, when friendships deepen and memories quietly begin to settle into our hearts.

After a spud-tastic baked potato dinner loaded with toppings and laughter, we gathered once again for an evening filled with wonder. We headed out on a camera walk, slowing our pace long enough to notice details we might otherwise overlook. We watched The National Parks Adventure and were reminded once again of the incredible landscapes that inspire our work as educators. We also continued building our collaborative Framework of Nature project, adding ideas, observations, and perspectives gathered throughout the week. Like the ecosystems we studied earlier in the day, the project became richer because every person contributed something uniquely their own.

Then came one of the most meaningful traditions of STEAM in the PARK—our Firefly Ceremony.

As darkness settled over New River Gorge, tiny lights began appearing in the field. One by one they flickered against the night sky, reminding us that even the smallest light can be seen when darkness falls. We reflected on the week, on lessons learned, on friendships formed, and on the countless moments of wonder we have experienced together. Standing beneath the evening sky, it felt impossible not to notice how much can happen in just a few days when people gather with open hearts and curious minds.

Tomorrow, another STEAM in the PARK adventure will come to an end.

That reality always arrives too quickly. Perhaps that is the gift of these gatherings. They remind us that beautiful things are not beautiful because they last forever. They are beautiful because they are fleeting. The campfires burn low. The conversations end. The cabins empty. The roads call us home. Yet somehow, what matters most remains.

Tonight, our campers will linger a little longer around the tables, stay up a little later than they should, laugh a little louder, and try not to think about the goodbyes waiting for them in the morning.