A cacophony of laughter, squeals and joy spills from the banks of the Little Calumet as Mighty Acorns campers participate in Hoosier Riverwatch on a hot Tuesday afternoon. Water sloshes over the tops of each student's rain boots, all caught in the moment of exploring the river’s ecosystem. Crayfish wiggle between excited campers’ fingers as they compare who caught the largest, while another group use a portable lab kit to test the chemical properties of the water. Through the mud, splashing, and found critters, kids learn firsthand the importance of local watersheds and why they need protecting. Most importantly, learning has a lasting impact through jubilant interaction with the environment.

The picturesque and diverse landscape of the Indiana Dunes has inspired artists, scientists, educators and visitors for more than a century—providing opportunities for individuals to discover themselves in nature. None more so than Dunes Learning Center naturalist interns.