2026 Armstrong Scholars Resupply
The 2026 Armstrong Scholars are thriving! They were absolutely radiant when we saw them at resupply weekend, singing, dancing, laughing, sharing stories, and feasting on freshies! It was a joy to hear of their adventures thus far and learn what they are taking from their first week together in the Yosemite Wilderness. Several shared appreciation for being able to be their true selves, to feel truly seen and heard, and to learn so much from one another.
Huge thanks to the 11 resupply volunteers who joined me in hiking in 6.6 miles from 7,200 to 9,000 feet above sea level carrying 14 loaded bear cans, fresh food for lunch, stove fuel, replacement supplies, disco shirts, and more. Among us were past Armstrong Scholars leaders and participants, friends of Joie, past and present NatureBridge educators, and friends of the program. One volunteer flew in from Colorado, one took the bus from Los Angeles, and others drove from two and a half to five-plus hours to get to the trailhead. What a gift! We love you, Resupply Angels!
Stories
2026 Armstrong Scholars Resupply
The 2026 Armstrong Scholars are thriving! They were absolutely radiant when we saw them at resupply weekend, singing, dancing, laughing, sharing stories, and feasting on freshies! It was a joy to hear of their adventures thus far and learn what they are taking from their first week together in the Yosemite Wilderness. Several shared appreciation for being able to be their true selves, to feel truly seen and heard, and to learn so much from one another.
“It’s Human Education”: Why Tashanda Giles-Jones Has Been Bringing Students to NatureBridge for Over a Decade
For Tashanda Gilies-Jones, hands-on activities are at the heart of an education that leads to true understanding and transformation. In 2014, Tashanda chaperoned an ECS seventh-grade trip to NatureBridge’s Southern California campus in the Santa Monica Mountains. More than ten years later, she’s still bringing students back to experience NatureBridge programs.
WildLink June 2026: San Lorenzo High School
On bright summer morning students gathered at San Lorenzo High, eager and excited for the adventure to come. This was the second year San Lorenzo participated in the program and everyone here at NatureBridge looked forward to welcoming their new group of students. A long car ride full of music, snacks and conversation got the San Lorenzo students to Yosemite. They arrived at the National Environmental Science Center (NESC) and unloaded their vehicle taking in a big breath of fresh mountain air. Greeted by their educator Sophia, the group settled into their cabins and once they were set they all gathered for dinner. The group’s awesome chaperones Alli O’Brien and Yobani Lopez rested easy once the students were eating dinner in Yosemite. After dinner the group stayed together for the evening and began to get to know each other a little better now that they were all experiencing this new environment. The evening went on with a campfire and s'mores before going to bed for their first night.