Jubilation at the 2025 Armstrong Scholars Resupply Day!
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.
I am thrilled, though not surprised, to report that the 2025 Armstrong Scholars are THRIVING!!!
It was such a delight to see them glowing radiantly this past weekend when we, the Resupply Angels, arrived. They were standing arm in arm in a tight arc, singing the most beautiful round for us. SO precious! The round then transitioned into a boisterous rap-rendition dance party! After our collective laughter subsided, the Scholars greeted us with smiles, appreciation, and hugs for those they knew. Such warmth, such beauty, such joy!
The Resupply Angels hiked about 7 miles and about 2,000 feet in elevation to find the Armstrong Scholars at a trail junction 9,200 feet above sea level. We carried five days-worth of food for fourteen people plus loads of freshies for their gourmet lunch. It was our joy to serve them ciabatta and gluten-free bagel sandwiches with all the fixings, chips, watermelon, and cherry pie. It was their joy to eat it!
Each of the Resupply Angels shared why we were there, beyond just wanting to be helpful, and the Armstrong Scholars shared something they were each taking from their experience thus far. Such goodness!
In a few short days, the Scholars will return to the place where they started this incredible journey. They will share with those fortunate enough to be able to attend the closing campfire stories of all they learned, discovered, realized, saw, heard, and felt while backpacking as a close-knit sisterhood though this gorgeous landscape.
Stories
Jubilation at the 2025 Armstrong Scholars Resupply Day!
I am thrilled, though not surprised, to report that the 2025 Armstrong Scholars are THRIVING!!! It was such a delight to see them glowing radiantly this past weekend when we, the Resupply Angels, arrived. They were standing arm in arm in a tight arc, singing the most beautiful round for us. SO precious! The round then transitioned into a boisterous rap-rendition dance party! After our collective laughter subsided, the Scholars greeted us with smiles, appreciation, and hugs for those they knew. Such warmth, such beauty, such joy!
Welcoming Our Newest Board Leaders to the NatureBridge Community
NatureBridge is thrilled to welcome a group of dynamic new leaders to our National Board of Directors and Regional Boards. These all-volunteer roles are vital to our mission and governance of our organization by people who are inspired by outdoor education. Board members offer invaluable guidance and support across our campuses, helping us expand access to transformative environmental science experiences for young people across the country.
“Everyone Needs to Be A Naturalist”: A Conversation with Parks Project CEO Keith Eshelman
Keith Eshelman, Los Angeles-based founder and CEO of Parks Project, is also an active member of NatureBridge’s Yosemite regional board of directors. His stewardship journey began not in a boardroom, but at the trailhead of a closed trail in Big Sur, CA. Hoping to share an outdoor experience with his young daughter, Keith found the trail shut down—and it sparked a question that changed his life: How are we leaving parks and trails for the next generation?