STEAM in the PARK – Day 3: Rocks, Leaves, Carbon, and Campfire Magic

From sunrise to stars, today was packed with discovery, laughter, and just the right amount of dirt under our fingernails.

We began the day with a geology session led by Ranger Anna, who helped us read the story of this landscape through its layers of rock and sediment. Campers examined fossils, held ancient stones, and asked questions that would make any scientist proud.

Next, we joined Ambassador Melaney for leaf identification and nature sketching. Surrounded by trees, campers tuned into the small details—edges, veins, shapes—and turned observation into art. The forest became both classroom and canvas.

Ambassador KT followed with an energetic session on carbon sequestration. Campers measured tree diameters, did some math (yes, willingly!), and learned how our forests are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. Pokey the bear kept close watch—and maybe learned something too.

Later, we explored the Ecozone at PEEC, an immersive space filled with hands-on exhibits. Campers climbed into a life-size eagle’s nest, crawled through a bat cave, peeked inside a beaver lodge, and learned how different habitats support different species. Holli, PEEC’s amazing education director, guided us through each experience, connecting every zone to what we’ve seen out on the trails.

The afternoon gave us time to rest and roam—some chose hikes, others took quiet time to nap, read, or reflect. The camp rhythm is settling in, and it’s beautiful to watch.

Dinner brought us back together, followed by our always-hilarious Scat Party where campers identified animal droppings like true wildlife biologists (and laughed a lot along the way). We closed the evening around the campfire—sharing stories, songs, and s’mores under the stars.

These 33 campers are stepping up—caring for each other, this place, and our faithful mascot Pokey with genuine heart.

Tomorrow we paddle the Delaware River. Let the next adventure begin.