Learning, Exploring and Making Connections with Science.
From the moment we all stood in a circle outside the main entrance to the Grand Rapids Public Museum, gathering on Day 1 for this year’s Grand Rapids White Water Summer Science and Leadership felt a bit different. Fourteen highschoolers, ages 16-18 from five different area schools, stood in a circle with typical nervousness and reserve we all experience in those awkward first moments with new groups. But in early summer 2021, something else could be felt too — a palpable sense of relief and an immediate sense of appreciation for getting back something that hadn’t been possible even just a few months before. We all felt it. The next two weeks were going to be special.
For two weeks each July, the GRWW Summer Science and Leadership Program invites a diverse group of students to explore the many layers of the River Restoration Project. Immediately, they see how what began as an idea to build a showcase piece of recreation (in the form of whitewater paddling) has evolved into something so much more: a chance to build a sustainable future for our city that simultaneously values healthy communities, ecosystems, and businesses. It is our hope that the program helps shape future citizens and leaders who have a heart and eye for making a positive difference in the world.
After an obligatory round of a completely embarrassing name game, we headed inside and began what proved to be an incredible and fun two weeks. Students began interacting with the river immediately — identifying macroinvertebrates, playing with watershed mapping tools, and touring its banks. In the days that followed, they met a series of local leaders and discussed issues ranging from how to make the Grand River a place for all people to the ways city planning and government can be a powerful tool for the common good. We toured highly successful companies that have prioritized sustainability for both the wellbeing of their bottom line as well as the health and wellness of our city.
Soon we were back in the river. Unusually high water levels subsided (a little) and we once again donned waders and searched for freshwater mussels at Riverside Park. We paddled kayaks up and down the banks, looking for turtles and just enjoying a moment of relaxation together. Fisheries biologists shared their work with sturgeon and how the many fish populations will benefit from returning the rapids to the Grand. Our two weeks together went by quickly, and students spent their last day synthesizing these three elements of sustainability–people, planet, profits–and brainstorming their own ideas and making their own contributions to the project as it continues to move forward.
Every year, parents generously thank the program leaders for their work and tell us how much fun their child had over the past two weeks. But this year, there was an added layer here as well. Parents shared just how much being together, laughing, learning hands-on, and being inspired meant to their students. Whether it was a heightened sense of excitement each day, dinnertime talk about what happened that day, or even a return of smiles that seemed fewer and farther between this past school year, it was clear that the program made an impact beyond its usual scope.
And we are already excited about next year! GRWW Summer Science and Leadership is open to incoming high school juniors and seniors (fall 2022). Applications for next year’s program will be available shortly after the new year. Mark your calendars and check back soon! We’d love to see you in the river next July.
By: Guest author, David Koning
Instructor, GRWW Summer Science and Leadership camp at the GRPM
