Chrissy Hoefgen-McWay
Moscow, Idaho
This year's STREAM team
As an environmental educator, summer is a season brimming with joy. Witnessing children shed the rigidity of classrooms and embrace the outdoors ignites a sense of wonder in me. This year, as I prepare to transition to middle school teaching, these outdoor experiences feel even more precious.
One of my favorite summer program offerings at the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI) in Moscow, Idaho, is STREAM Team. This week-long program is designed for young women entering grades 6-9, immersing them in the exciting world of Science, Technology, Restoration, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM).
STREAM Team offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and field trips led by incredible female professionals working in the STREAM fields. We learn alongside these role models, exploring the amazing work women in the Palouse Region are doing. This not only imparts valuable knowledge but also inspires and empowers the young participants to envision themselves in similar roles.
Building Strong Bonds and Confidence
Leading the STREAM Team for a third year was an absolute delight! Seeing their passion for science, technology, and creativity grow never gets old. Within this small, close-knit group, we build a special bond that bridges the social gaps often present in middle school years. The initial awkwardness melts away as we dive into team-building activities, icebreakers, and yes, even Taylor Swift sing-alongs, all preparing us for a jam-packed week of exploration and learning.
STREAM students learned orienteering skills through a scavenger hunt
This year, we were fortunate to meet several amazing women in the Palouse region, including Heather Pettit and Maggie Magee. Heather, co-owner of the beloved Hyperspud Sports in Moscow and a passionate advocate for responsible outdoor recreation, not only equipped us with essential gear and Leave-No-Trace principles but also led us on a thrilling orienteering scavenger hunt challenge using compasses around the PCEI Nature Center. Our challenge was followed by a practical session on campfire building – complete with the “science” behind the perfect s'more!
Maggie Magee, a Restoration Technician AmeriCorps Member and a graduate student, shared her expertise in riparian restoration. We got our hands dirty (literally!) practicing building a Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) and planting trees and shrubs at a local restoration site. We learned about native plants and the crucial role of restoration practices in the Palouse region.
Building a Beaver Dam Analog to help restore a riparian zone
A Powerful Presentation: The Stream of Inspiration
The bittersweet ending of the week involves reflection. Throughout the program, the young women keep detailed notes and sketches, capturing their experiences, insights, and connections with the inspiring women we met. On the last day, each participant transforms into a "representative" for one or two mentors, preparing to share their learnings with families.
I challenged them to go beyond the surface, delving into specific takeaways, insightful quotes, and personal connections formed throughout the week. Their response was nothing short of remarkable. Working together, they creatively transformed a massive sheet of teal blue butcher paper into a 20-foot long "stream," chronologically documenting their week's journey with beautiful drawings, quotes, and designs.
STREAM students present their knowledge to friends and family
The culmination arrived when these ten young women bravely stood before an audience of twenty-five family members and friends. Each girl confidently presented their section of the "stream," showcasing the newfound knowledge, self-discovery, and aspirations ignited within them. It was an inspiring moment - a powerful current of young women, brimming with life, hope, and the boundless potential to shape a positive future.
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