Day 4 | Sitka National Historical Park

Day 4 started with bears. Really, really big bears.

We spent our morning at Fortress of the Bear, learning more about this incredible organization and the animals that call it home. Fortress of the Bear provides lifelong care for orphaned bears who cannot return to the wild. What makes the place even more interesting is that it was created from part of Sitka's old pulp mill, transforming enormous industrial tanks into habitats for rescued bears. Their work is about caring for these animals, of course, but also education, conservation, and helping people better understand the bears that share this part of Alaska with them.

Watching the bears up close was incredible. I kept thinking about the fact that each one has a story that could have ended very differently. Instead, they are here, cared for and teaching thousands of people who come through the Fortress every year. There was a lot to notice, a lot to learn, and plenty we will take back to our classrooms.

Afterward, everyone headed out for some free time around Sitka. Some went whale watching and came back with stories from the water. Some wandered through the shops downtown looking for one last Sitka treasure. Others headed out hiking in lots and lots of rain because apparently by Day 4 in Sitka, you simply accept that wet shoes are part of the experience. Everyone got to choose their own little adventure for the afternoon, and I loved hearing the stories when we all came back together.

​Then Our Firefly Ceremony.

Standing together tonight, I kept looking around at these people who were strangers just a few days ago. Now I know their laughs. I know who will jump into something without hesitation and who will stand back and take it all in first. I know who will make the entire room laugh, who notices the smallest details, and who quietly makes sure everyone else is okay. Four days doesn't sound like enough time for any of that to happen, but somehow at STEAM in the PARK, it is.

And then came Kampioke, because after getting a little emotional, the obvious next step is handing everyone microphones. We sang. We laughed. We cheered for each other. Some performances were surprisingly good, and some should probably stay right here in Sitka with the rest of our secrets. It was silly and loud and exactly what I wanted our last night together to be.

Tomorrow we pack the bags, leave the keys, turn out the lights, and begin heading toward airports and homes and classrooms all over the country. Tonight, though, I just wanted to stay right where my feet were and take it all in.

Somewhere between the bears and salmon, museums and trails, Legos and skits, rain-soaked adventures, conversations around tables, Fireflies and karaoke, these people became part of our story.
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We found our people.
Friends for life.