Written by Julia Olson, Program Coordinator – Science Learning & Research Integration
After leading The Grand Adventure: Inspiration Point (formerly known as the Children’s Grand Adventure) as an Americorps service member in 2019, I knew I wanted to stay at Teton Science Schools beyond my service term. The Grand Adventure (TGA) provides an opportunity for high school-aged cancer survivors from Texas to spend a carefree week in the Tetons, making new memories and sharing positive experiences in nature, while also commiserating with peers about their experiences in treatment. The program provides everyone involved, from Texas Children’s Hospital oncologist Tim Porea, a longtime leader of the program, to the youth participants, to the Teton Science Schools instructors, a chance to pause during the busy summer season and reflect on the natural beauty of the Tetons. For me, as a young science educator, this program helped me understand our ability to impact students at Teton Science Schools outside of our usual science-focused curriculum. My fellow instructors and I worked with the students to help them discern the personal values that guide their lives, determine their strengths as leaders and group members, and build skills in mindfulness and meditation in the outdoors. That week, we all practiced slowing our breath and heart rates, being grateful for the beautiful world around us, and reflecting on how important nature is for wellbeing.
I specifically remember one of the youngest students, Eden, from the 2019 group. At the time, she was 15, and fresh out of treatment for a cancer so rare, her doctors named it after her. She was funny and energetic, loved her iced coffee, and was popular within the group of students. At the end of the week, she reflected on the connections she made not only with fellow youth cancer survivors, but also with nature; she shared that she had found a “new level of peace”. Her reflection meant enough to me that I recorded it in the field journal I kept at that time, and it has continued to inspire me to help other students find a new level of internal peace in nature.
I reconnected with The Grand Adventure in 2024, as their program host, and so enjoyed working with the group again that, in 2025, I decided to both host and teach the program, alongside two great instructors, Matilda (who was recently accepted into medical school) and Sophia (who has strong familial connections to pediatric cancer). Six years on from my AmeriCorps summer and Eden’s inspirational reflection, I was reviewing TGA 2025’s rosters and noticed a familiar name in the chaperone column: Eden! She was returning to help lead the program. When she landed in Jackson with the group, she was so excited to share her experience with the 2025 participants. She remembered the classic TSS riddles, the best views, and how to get the most out of the trip through mutual vulnerability. Suffice it to say, TGA 2025 was another special week for all involved. The participants, chaperones, and TSS instructors all laughed nonstop, shared advice and mentorship, had deep life conversations, and relaxed deeply in nature.
I look forward to the next six years and beyond of this special program!
