Delaware Nature Society Teen Naturalists Through a Leader ’ s Eyes
By Carrie Scheick
It ’ s hard to describe how much I love leading Delaware Nature Society ’ s Teen Naturalist program . It has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life .
The Teen Naturalists are a group of teens ages 13-17 who have an interest in studying nature , adventuring outdoors , volunteering , and meeting other teens who enjoy these same activities . We meet on a monthly basis and go on a weeklong adventure each summer . Michaela Clarkson , a current Teen Naturalist senior , describes the group as a " tight knit group of outdoorsy teens " and I couldn ’ t agree more .
I have been leading this group for the past four years and have loved every minute of it . I personally had character defining wilderness experiences as a teenager and hope to provide other teens with those opportunities . I ’ m passionate about getting teens connected to themselves , each other , and nature ; the Teen Naturalist program gives me the platform to foster these connections .
I ’ ve seen teens grow – not only in height – but in their appreciation for nature , in maturity , and into who they are .
I ’ ve seen friendships formed , strengthened , and maintained throughout the program and beyond . Junior Sofia Rose told me on our most recent outing that she comes to our outings because of the people , not just the activities . Graduated Teen Naturalist Matt Griffin , a current college junior , agrees : “ Whether it be hiking a new mountain , kayaking down a river , or even visiting a rock climbing gym in a nearby city , I always felt like I was exploring something new on each trip ,
and sharing it with the same friends each time made it even more special .”
One of the best ways I ’ ve seen these connections formed is during our summer weeklong adventures . These are the trips that are my favorite to lead , as they really are once in a lifetime experiences . This past August we went canoe camping in the Adirondacks , a trip that included paddling miles each day , an intense portage around Raquette Falls , and the
most delicious backcountry cuisine . Emi Oka , current Teen Naturalist junior , described the trip as “ the most amazing experience of my life .”
For me , the highlight of this trip was sitting around the campfire on our last evening in the wilderness . I asked the teens to share something that they learned about themselves . Sofia realized that she ’ s “ pretty stubborn ” and that my pep talk during our portage got her through that difficult experience . Junior Daphne Stingel learned she can “ rough it ” and doesn ’ t need her usual routines , like her phone . Emi described the trip as “ a cleanse ” and shared that she was outside of her comfort zone during a lot of our trip . Despite that , she learned that “ even though some things are scary , they turned out okay ” and wants to push herself to step outside of her comfort zone more often . Michaela provided the comic relief sharing that she learned just how scared she is of bears .
This is why I lead these trips . I wrote those exact words in my trip journal that very evening .
Participating in the Teen Naturalist program makes a clear , visible impact on these teens lives . Matt Griffin believes being a part of the group had an influence in his current collegiate studies : “ The Teen Naturalists enhanced my appreciation for nature and the environment , and even inspired my career path in a way . While I ’ m studying chemistry … I am focusing on environmental chemistry , and hope to work with renewable energy or water quality remediation .” Emi has recognized how calm she feels when she ’ s in nature and how counter that is to her daily life . “ My brain is always frazzled from school and [ in my usual routine ] stress is always around me . But once I go outside , it all goes away .”
I ’ m thankful for the impact I ’ ve seen already and the memories I ’ ve made leading this group . Despite the demands of this program – the planning and preparation ; the execution and sacrifice of my personal time ; being “ on ” with teenagers for days ; making sure everyone is safe and happy ; putting gear away after the trip is over ; all of that time , effort , and energy is absolutely worth it . My absolute favorite question to hear is “ Remember that Teen Naturalist trip when …?”
Photos by Carrie Scheick – Top : Enjoying the Wild Center ’ s natural playground after a week of paddling in the Adirondacks . Center : Teens taking part in a favorite hiker tradition of balancing rocks along the trail around Sunfish Pond in the Delaware Water Gap .
30 NATURE EXPLORER March – July 2017