Every summer, Summer Search students step into new environments that challenge, inspire, and expand what’s possible—from college campuses and wilderness expeditions to internships and service-learning experiences. This year, nearly 800 Summer Searchers are embarking on transformative summer experiences. Meet Johnathan and read his reflections after returning from a wilderness expedition with Teton Science Schools, one of Summer Search’s longest-standing summer experience partners.

When Johnathan F. left New York City for his Summer Search wilderness experience in Yellowstone National Park with Teton Science School, he wasn’t sure what to expect. 

“When I first came here, I was extremely nervous. I was very homesick. I missed all my other friends back home.”

Johnathan was surprised to find that hiking and spending time in nature came naturally to him. In fact, the biggest challenge during the first week of his trip was feeling confident forming friendships with a group of 15 other students from across the country. But, as time went on and these new relationships grew, he identified getting to know his peers as the most rewarding part of the experience.  

Johnathan and his group summit Mt. Washburn

Stepping outside his comfort zone also meant he had the chance to experience nature in a brand new way. 

 “The first thing I saw when I got here was just amazing grasslands. It was just this wide area that was just fueled by nature, and it’s nothing like how it is in New York. New York is very busy… you can never really see a big, open area full of grass. So that really took me by surprise, and I really loved it.”

Another highlight was seeing stars for the first time. With light pollution in New York, seeing a full sky of stars was a new experience. And he and his group even caught a glimpse of the northern lights: “Being able to see the northern lights and see the stars above, it was beautiful, and it really just took me by surprise.” 

By the second week, Johnathan’s confidence had begun to grow as the group traveled into Yellowstone. He had learned to sleep in a tent and had many other new experiences camping in the backcountry. He particularly enjoyed taking the lead on camp cooking, relishing the sense of accomplishment and positive feedback from his trip leaders and peers. 

 “Camping brought me the most joy because it helped me really connect with the people around me…When it was my time to cook, it really helped me feel even more connected to the community than I thought I ever could.” 

Along the way, Jonathan also experienced wildlife and geologic features he’d only seen in pictures, sharing: “I saw grizzly bears. I’ve seen black bears, elk, deer, pronghorn.” The geysers, especially, left a lasting impression. “I’ve never seen anything like that.” 

Johnathan in Yellowstone National Park

Looking back, what stands out most isn’t just the mountains, the wildlife, or the camping: it’s the people. 

 “What has brought me the most joy… [is] making memories and really having those amazing social times where you can just talk to people and just laugh, smile, and just have amazing times…it really makes me happy that I signed up to be here.” 

This Summer Search trip has been filled with firsts for Johnathan: his first time away from home for an extended period, his first time sleeping under the stars, his first glimpse of the northern lights, and his first experience cooking over a campfire for a community that quickly became his own. As hundreds of other Summer Searchers embark on their own “firsts” this summer, thank you for following along and making these journeys possible!