Time to Meet the Gang.
At this time I would like to introduce you to the Women on the Water:
Jessica Snyder:
PEEC Instructor and ABI / WOW Facilitator
I have a few years of experience in the Environmental Education field and plan to continue working in this field for years to come. I love to be outdoors and especially enjoy working with birds and reptiles.
Betsy Payne:
WINS Manager
Education Department
Academy of Natural Sciences
WOW! Not only the name of the program, but also what I feel about this opportunity. I've never camped by the river before, much less after rafting to get to our camping spot. I can't wait for this experience.
Heidi C. Normand:
Associate Director of Education
Pocono Environmental Education Center
I have always dreamed of creating programs like this for young women. Thank You National Park foundation for giving me the chance to give these girls as well as myself the chance to experience the Delaware River and the surrounding Natural world in a way few people get the chance to do. We are all very excited to show the world what we experience on this journey.
Marissa Pinder:
I am here looking for adventure. To try something new while staying connected to Nature. I am looking forward to going on the water and expanding my learning about wildlife, different environments and definitely about being on the water. My plans for the future mainly consist of going to college after I graduate high school.
Jasmir Turner:
I chose to be a part of this program because I had a great experience at PEEC the first time I came here in 2008. I'm looking forward to camping again. I'm planning on going to college to become either a lawyer or a marine biologist. After a couple of years at my job I'm going to open a "home" for orphans.
Nancy Sandra Koam:
Hi! My name is Nancy and I am 16 years old. I have a passion for nature, learning and trying new things. That is why I am a part of this program....to have a great mind-blowing experience!
(side note: The day after Nancy gets back from her river trip, she will be embarking on a 27-day Outward Bound program in Utah. I've backpacked in Utah many times and know that Nancy will love it and learn so much about the Natural world and herself after this summer is through with her!)
Dominique Thomas:
Hello! My name is Dominique and I am a 16 years old Women in Natural Science (WINS) Participant . I chose to come to Women on the Water (WOW) to have a new experience. I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful sights from the river. After college, I want to go to Med School to become a doctor. I am interested in becoming a pediatrician.
Sarah Pellecchia:
I am a WINS student from NE Philly. I am here for the great experience of WOW. So far it has been fun. I am looking forward to canoeing and rafting. However, I am afraid of kayaking :)
(side note: Don't worry Sarah...by the time it comes to kayaking, you'll appreciate the freedom commanding your own boat allows you. Anyways, the guides will make sure we are all safe. That's why we hired professionals to show us all what to do :)
Manna-Symone Middlebrooks:
Adventure, education, new experiences and a pure love of all things fun drives me to be a part of programs such as WOW and WINS. A New Jersey native, I feel that growing up near the woods and nature gave me the chance to gain an appreciation for nature. In the future I plan to study political science and law. I hope to one day become a senator and maybe even President of the United States of America. To picture my personality...just envision a permanent smile :)
Priya Smythe:
I am from Mt. Airy and attend the High School of Engineering & Science. When I first came I to this program I was expecting for them to just tell us to go out in the water with no training. But they gave us some background information on what we will be doing. I'm really looking forward to rafting and kayaking. My plans for the future are to work hard and go to college.
I am a 9th grader going into 10th grade. I'm here because I love nature, exploring and new adventures. I'm looking forward to kayaking and living on the river because I've never experienced this kind of adventure. I haven't decided what I want to be in the future but I will soon because I have so many new things to learn about and if I really like it then I'd decide it later. I really like the fact that our group is the pioneer of this new program.
Monique Edwards:
I live in NE Philadelphia. I love WINS and WOW because it helps me view the world in a beautiful and adventurous light. My plans for the future include going to college to start my undergrad to become an OB / GYN. I am looking forward to learning how to raft and kayak because I have never done that before.
Maranda Parker:
I really did not know what to expect when I signed up for this trip. But now that I am here and I see what we are going to be doing I'm more excited about this trip. I am a little worried about falling out of a boat....but not enough to not try this new experience.
