Donor Spotlight: Elaine Schear
Elaine Schear grew up in a working-class family near the Adirondacks with limited opportunities to attend outdoor camps—and she knew what she was missing. As a writing tutor, teacher and founder of a non-profit dedicated to developing, supporting and enriching the academic and social development programs for under-resourced young people, Elaine, who now lives in Somerville, MA, recognizes that the ability to experience outdoor education programs is often affected by financial constraints.
Elaine first learned of NatureBridge when her daughter took an environmental science education course during her last semester of college and became very excited about teaching science through hands-on, outdoors discovery. Through that course, she heard about NatureBridge and applied to be an Environmental Science Educator at our campus in Olympic National Park. "Visiting her there, we could immediately see why she loved it. The program, the jaw-dropping outdoor 'classroom', the chance for students to develop a sense of stewardship of the environment—this learning was not only unique, but also environmentally urgent."
The program, the jaw-dropping outdoor “classroom”, the chance for students to develop a sense of stewardship of the environment—this learning was not only unique, but also environmentally urgent.Elaine Schear, Monthly Donor
Eventually, Elaine got in the habit of reading the NatureBridge blog where she learned about Joie Armstrong and the Armstrong Scholars, a program dedicated to offering multi-day backpacking experiences in the Yosemite National Park wilderness for young women from ages 15-18. "This is exactly the kind of program I wish that I had access to as a kid. I can also see what a difference these experiences have made in my daughters’ development, as well as how many young girls are left out of the opportunity to experience the life-changing courage, camaraderie and fun offered by programs like the Armstrong Scholars."
From that point on, Elaine knew she had to support NatureBridge's mission to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world. Elaine understood that her donation, along with others like her, directly support the social and emotional development of young people around the world, providing opportunities for an exploration into new fields of study and a deeper personal connection to the world around them.
NatureBridge’s model is different. It works through donations. I want opportunities like the Armstrong Scholars, and in fact all of NatureBridge’s programs, to continue to grow far into the future.Elaine Schear, Monthly Donor
Photos courtesy of Elaine Schear
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.