International Women's Day: Remembering Joie Armstrong
On International Women’s Day, we recognize the women who help make the world a better place. Those who inspire others to be courageous, to follow their hopes and dreams, to be brave in the face of adversity.
Changemakers don’t have to be big and loud. Sometimes, the memory of one person who cared enough to make a difference in the lives of her students can be multiplied tenfold. Such is the case of Joie Armstrong, a woman whose time on Earth was short, but her passion for connecting kids to nature has lived on since her passing 18 years ago.
Joie Armstrong, a NatureBridge educator at Yosemite National Park in 1999, was a bright light to all who knew her. She was full of laughter and love, creativity and spunk; she gifted the world with her glowing smile and warm heart.
She is remembered as a young woman who had a tremendous enthusiasm for life and a deep desire to give of herself for the betterment of the world around her. It was this desire to create a more idyllic world that inspired her decision to become an environmental science educator for what was formerly known as Yosemite Institute.
My passion lies with teaching children about their environment, and I have dedicated all of my efforts toward it.Joie Armstrong
Although her time as a NatureBridge educator was tragically cut short, her family chose to honor her legacy by finding a way to motivate other young women to be as brave, courageous, and tenacious as Joie was in life.
That is how the Armstrong Scholars Program was born.
Each year, thirteen girls aged 15-18 are selected to participate in an empowering summer backpacking adventure in the High Sierra of Yosemite National Park. The program inspires young women to reach their highest potential, develop a stronger sense of self and community, and explore their personal connection to nature.
This summer will mark the 19th season of Armstrong Scholars. 19 years that serve as a testament of how the loss of one life can help impact dozens more. There is beauty in finding hope for the future in moments of tragedy and loss. It takes strength to transform the ugliness in our world into something so pure and selfless.
We can only do so much to describe what the Armstrong Scholars Program means to us, to our educators, and to the amazing young women who are impacted by the journey.
View the photo gallery of our Armstrong Scholars over the years, who have undoubtedly gone on to become strong and confident, and most importantly, to GULP LIFE—just as Joie would have wanted.
You can support the program by donating to NatureBridge and designating Armstrong Scholars program in the notes section.
Applications are now open for the 2018 Armstrong Scholars Program. Learn more at naturebridge.org/armstrong.
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 several 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 their departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.