Blog

It's time! Time to revive the Conservation Caption Competition! Spring is, after all, a season of renewal. 

To start things off, we have a pic from last month's NPS Academy session in Grand Teton National Park. Quite an outfit, amiright?

Comment with your cleverest caption by 5 PM EST Friday 4/5 either here or on Facebook. We'll pick the very best one using eenie meenie miney mo and post it to our Facebook page on Monday. The writer of this as yet unwritten superior caption will get some super sweet SCA swag of our choosing.

Special thanks to SCA national partner Dr. Pepper Snapple Group for making the Conservation Caption Competition, Spring 2013 Edition possible.

Click here for the rules.

On March 4, a culturally and geographically diverse bunch of students gathered with SCA in the Grand Tetons to learn what it takes to run a national park. Here are a few highlights from the week.

"On the second day we did a lot. We learned how to sing in harmony on long bus rides, put on snow shoes, walk in knee high snow, and determine what animal had walked along the snowy trail by studying their tracks. It was a learning experience full of laughter and faces filled with snow, and I'm positive none of us are likely to forget it. The most memorable moment was when we shared the personal roots that lead us to the National Park Service." - Victor Thornton, NPS Academy, March 4th, Grand Teton National Park

"The theme of the program today was diversity found in people and spaces. Throughout the week so far we have discovered various people involved with NPS in the form of archaeologists, vegetation restoration specialists, youth educators, historians set on preserving park history, park rangers, scientists, volunteers, students, interpreters, policy makers, managers... The list is endless, because the diversity of roles and responsibilities people must take on for the NPS cause calls for people of all backgrounds and professions to involve themselves in efforts to preserve America's national parks. In the midst of this diversity, I would like to point out that big thing that seems to connect these people is their absolute love for what they do." - Jalissa Frederick, NPS Academy, March 5th,Grand Teton National Park

"The great thing about making great connections is that great discussions can come from them. We learned so much about where people come from and how their experiences shape who they are, in more ways than one. I believe we all saw the importance of getting to know people and their culture as we work to come together." - Victor Thornton, NPS Academy, March 6th, Grand Teton National Park

Harlem Shake, Grand Tetons style:

Session 2 of NPS Academy 2013 commenced on March 10 at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are some highlights from a week of training and camaraderie amongst a diverse group of conservation-minded young people.

"Lance, our facilitator, spoke on the importance of a key element in all relationships, including our own with the NPS: trust. Without trust, Lance explained, few personal and professional relationships can take root and thrive. Within the SCA, being entrusted with caring for our nation's natural resources is the first step in becoming an active and successful intern." - Apoorva Mahajan, NPS Academy, March 12, Great Smoky

"While we were hiking this morning, even though it was a little cold, I couldn't help but get lost in the beauty that was around me. The stream flowing down, the green moss sneaking through the rocks; it was all so peaceful. As someone who hikes, I felt completely in my element." - Cori E. Renton, NPS Academy, March 13, Great Smoky

"Our individual cultural backgrounds, too, play a role in shaping our service in the NPS and SCA. Even as a diverse group of various backgrounds and upbringings, we found that what we have in common - a commitment to preserving the environment - far outweighs our differences. By appreciating and embracing our diversity, we can provide the best possible service to our nation's diverse people and landscape." - Apoorva Mahajan, NPS Academy, March 12, Great Smoky

 Harlem Shake, Great Smoky Mountains Edition

 The third session of NPS Academy 2013 took place in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, during the week of March 11. Here's a sampling of the hijinks that ensued.

@the_sca NPS Academy AK hiked to Tonsina Point outside of Seward for lunch and discussions on day two!! twitter.com/betsydefries/s…

— Betsy DeFries (@betsydefries) March 12, 2013

@the_sca #NPSacademy students in Alaska creating traditional gutskin parkas to survive the winter. twitter.com/betsydefries/s…

— Betsy DeFries (@betsydefries) March 12, 2013

Harlem Shake, Alaska Shakes Edition: 

Shake-Off time! 

Here they are, all together, student-produced Harlem Shake vids from all three NPS Academies: Alaska, Great Smoky, and Grand Tetons.

Which one reins supreme? Tell us in the comments!