Written by Anna LaFollette, Summer Community Science Educator
Growing up in Townsend, Tennessee, some of my favorite memories include trips to the national park with my family. I grew up hiking trails in the park, swimming in and canoeing on the Little River, spending Wednesday mornings biking around the Cades Cove Loop, and attending family reunions at Tremont’s pavilion. I had the opportunity to take a class trip to Tremont in elementary school, and I’ll never forget the joy of spending time in nature with my friends and peers, reflecting on our experiences and learning about the world around us. It was a special experience that has stuck with me for years. It’s been a privilege to come back and assist with programs that offer children those experiences and to be part of a community that makes scientific learning so accessible to youth, affording them the opportunity for hands-on learning in such a lively, inclusive atmosphere.
I spent my summer working as a Community Science Educator. Specifically, I served as a counselor for Girls in Science, helping guide a group of young scientists in developing research questions, collecting data, and presenting their findings. I later joined an adventurous crew on Backcountry Ecological Expedition, spending four days canoeing and camping at Fontana Lake. Throughout the summer, I learned the ins and outs of bird banding with the Metcalfs, an energetic family of volunteers, and park Research Coordinator Paul Super. I also had the opportunity to join retired ORNL climate scientist Mac Post to help monitor phenology plots across Tremont’s campus.
Most importantly, I had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated group of educators. Through drawings, photographs, and music, Hannah H., Hannah S., John Matthew, Daniel, and Jeremy J. were constant sources of creativity. Cate, Savannah, Kenzie, Ellis, Margo, Andy, and Grayson fostered spaces in which children were not only able, but encouraged, to embrace their inner silliness. Alexis, Kathleen, and Casey showed me how to be a friend to our campers. Tyler and Annie are committed to getting kids involved in and excited about science, and I’m thankful for their dedication. Lindsey, Logan, John, Jeremy L., and Elizabeth held us all to high standards, trusted us with programs, and showed us daily what it means to be a Tremonster – they personify Tremont’s mission of connection and experience-making through their knowledge, compassion, and enthusiasm.
Despite living down the road from Tremont my entire life, this experience reignited my curiosity and reminded me that there’s always something new to learn. I’m grateful to have been part of this team, if only for a short time.
Cover image: Girls in Science Camp participants. Photo by Kathleen Reilly.
