Joy Abounds at the 2024 Armstrong Scholars Resupply Rendezvous!
Editor's note: This message from Kim Laizer, Yosemite Education Manager, originally appeared in an email sent to Armstrong Scholars supporters. Visit our Yosemite Armstrong Scholars page to learn more about this annual program, which is inspired by and in memory of former NatureBridge environmental science educator Joie Armstrong.
A few days ago, I had the pleasure of hiking 6+ miles up 2,000 feet in elevation, by picturesque Barney Lake and Crown Point, with a team of eight wonderful humans who had volunteered to carry a resupply of food and various supplies to the 2024 Armstrong Scholars. Just before meeting the group, we painted our faces, as we Resupply Angels traditionally do, but this year we painted our faces like cats, knowing how much many of the Scholars love and miss their feline friends! We arrived at our meet-up location with joy in our hearts as the Armstrong Scholars serenaded us with a beautiful rendition of “Ain't No Mountain High Enough.” They were GLOWING!
Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, avocados, carrots, cheese, humus, baked tofu, and lunch meats were served with ciabatta and french rolls. And for dessert? A HUGE apple pie. This was an extra-special treat, especially after five days of so much freeze-dried food! While we feasted, we shared with one another a bit about ourselves and why we wanted to be a part of Armstrong Scholars. Such goodness!
To top things off, we Resupply Angels presented the Armstrong Scholars with their very own “disco shirts” so that they, like every other Armstrong Scholar since the program began in 2000, would be able to celebrate in style at the top of their next pass, to don colors of courage the next time they need to face their fears, or to weave daily memories into the fabric that they will take with them when they go their separate ways. Disco shirts are powerful, as are those who wear them.
As someone who was lucky enough to know Joie Armstrong, I know she would be so very proud of these young women. They’ve been challenged by long days, heavy packs, mosquitos, and thunderstorms, and yet they sang while hiking up Burro Pass in the moonlight. They’ve laughed wholeheartedly and found joy and beauty, even in the darkness.
The day was absolutely magical. Though thunderstorms were in the forecast, we were embraced by a bright blue bubble and given the time to celebrate one another as well as Joie, on the 25th anniversary of her passing. Her spirit, spunk, and light shine on!
Huge thanks to Armstrong leaders Mia and Felicity for their love and expert leadership, to the Resupply Angels for all their enthusiasm and strength, to parents and guardians for their encouragement and support, to all the NatureBridge staff who invest so much in making such good things happen, and to all the donors who continue to make the Armstrong Scholars program possible. I appreciate you more than you may know and look forward to seeing those of you who can make it at the closing campfire at Point Bonita this Friday!
Gulping life deeply,
Kim
Stories
In Memory of Ty Cobb: A Visionary Leader of Resilience and Impact
Ty Cobb, former CEO of Yosemite National Institutes (now NatureBridge), passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024 in Reno at the age of 84. Known for his visionary leadership, resilience, and ability to inspire collaboration, Ty guided YNI through some of its most difficult moments while building a foundation for its future growth and success.
WildLink November 2024: Woodlake High School
This November, Woodlake High School students and chaperones arrived in Yosemite for their first year as a WildLink school, and we are so excited to have them on the team! That means that the brave students who signed up for this expedition had virtually no idea what to expect before signing up for the trip, because none of their peers had experienced it before them! The week, although quite frigid, was full of lovely views, learning about Wilderness, spending lots of time by the river, and enjoying the beauty of Yosemite Valley and Wilderness. Their educators Sarah and Amelia were excited to help this group feel a sense of belonging in this place. They were also lucky enough to be joined by Ranger Lissie on their first day in the Wilderness!
Fall Reflections from NatureBridge Yosemite
As an environmental science educator, I spend a lot of time teaching about nature, but this season I’ve been finding that as it turns out, nature has a lot to teach us, too. Sometimes I can let the trees, the meadow, and the lichen teach for me. They show us how to respect each other’s boundaries, how to celebrate differences, how to work together, and how to lean on each other’s strengths in order to exist in a new place. These lessons felt incredibly relevant to me heading into the first week of November, a notoriously busy time at NatureBridge Yosemite. I wanted to focus on messages of kindness and inclusivity with my students, I wanted them to feel a sense of belonging in this new space, and I also hoped that they would share those messages with others.