Voyageurs Conservancy, Expeditions in Education, National Park Service host outdoor workshop week with teachers from across the U.S.

Expeditions in Education is a North Carolina-based nonprofit that connects teachers and students with national parks across the country. In February, Voyageurs Conservancy partnered with Expeditions in Education to host a livestream event with park staff from the ice roads of Rainy Lake. 8,000 students tuned in live and the program has since been shown to close to 29,000 students! This summer we welcomed teachers from eight states to Voyageurs National Park as part of the STEAM in the Park experience, and had an incredibly immersive week learning, exploring, and creating new ways to connect students to Voyageurs National Park. These teachers will be writing curriculum that will build our library of lessons for our Voyageurs Classroom Initiative, and they are now ambassadors for the wonder and learning to be found at Voyageurs National Park.

Notes from Dacia Penley Jones, Expeditions in Education:

We have reached the end of STEAM in the PARK, as our final camp took place at Voyageurs National Park while the summer sun begins to fade. What an incredible adventure it has been, filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable experiences that have left a lasting imprint on our hearts and minds.

Our days were graced by the haunting calls of loons echoing across the tranquil waters, their melodies becoming a comforting soundtrack to our explorations. Majestic eagles soared high above, reminding us of the power and grace of the natural world.

Among the vibrant wildflowers that painted the landscape, the aster stood out with its burst of color, a testament to the delicate beauty that thrives in even the harshest environments. As we wandered through rock gardens, we couldn't help but marvel at the ancient stories etched into the oldest rocks in the world, a reminder of the profound history that this land carries within its very foundation.

Our journeys on boats were more than mere transport—they were voyages of discovery, each ripple on the water reflecting the excitement and curiosity in our hearts. With journals in hand, we penned our thoughts, capturing the essence of each moment as we tried to bottle the magic of this place with ink and paper.

Cooking over camp stoves became an art in itself, a symphony of sizzling pans and tantalizing aromas that filled the air. And what better way to end a day of exploration than by gathering around the campfire, indulging in the sweet decadence of s'mores and chocolate tacos as the stars blinked into view.

But it wasn't just the earthly wonders that captivated us. As the night sky unveiled its cosmic canvas, we were treated to the sight of meteorites streaking across the dark expanse, a reminder of the vast universe that stretches beyond our gaze. We spent several hours lying on the dock and giggling at each sight.

And who could forget the thrill of casting a line into the crystal waters, feeling the tug of a fish beneath the surface? The camaraderie that came from sharing tales of the catch brought us closer together, forging bonds that will surely endure. (PS- Actually only Karen and Rodney felt that tug but the rest of us tried)

Perhaps the greatest treasure of all, however, was the friendships we made along the way. From shared discoveries to laughter-filled evenings, we found kindred spirits in each other, weaving a tapestry of connections that spanned beyond the boundaries of the park.

As we bid farewell to this chapter of #STEAMinthePARK, we carry with us the memories of loons and eagles, red squirrels and aster, ancient rocks and cosmic wonders. Our journals may be filled, but our hearts are brimming with the echoes of this summer's adventures. Until we meet again,Voyageurs Conservancy andVoyageurs National Park, thank you for reminding us of the beauty and magic that exists in the world around us. We’ll be back in 2024