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Out West student blog

Exploring the wonders of Washington: A summer with KEEN

Children and counselors float on a paddle board in the middle of a pond on a bright sunny day
Every Friday at the KEEN camp, counselors and volunteers take children out in small groups onto the pond at Helen McCabe State Park, just outside of Ellensburg, Washington, for "Water Day." They paddle to the middle of the water, anchor, and enjoy splashing, swimming, and exploring. Photo by Akary Buenrostro.

 

Akary Buenrostro (she/they)
Hometown: Yakima, WA
Major: Psychology ‘26
Internship: Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN)

Akary Buenrostro desribes working with youth at the Kittitas Environmental Education Network in Washington during the annual summer camp session

Located in Ellensburg, Washington, the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) is a nature-based learning organization that works to restore native plant communities, control invasive weeds, build trails, run nature school programs, and enhance recreational and educational use of the Yakima River Canyon. Growing up nearby, I never fully appreciated the environmental, recreational, and community health value this area holds. The chance to intern with KEEN allowed me to reconnect with a place that shaped my youth, and it now carries even more sentimental value after an amazing summer of growth and connection. Returning to my communities and contributing to their well-being was a deeply fulfilling experience.

Everyday memorable moments

While the summer was filled with many memorable moments, a few stood out.

One such moment was when we discovered a rubber boa, a snake species native to Washington, at camp. I had the unique opportunity to show the campers this fascinating creature up close before we secured the fallen tree area, which the campers loved building against and playing around. It was a special chance to connect the children with local wildlife while also ensuring their safety.

Another highlight was witnessing the impressive fort-building activities that took place during the final weeks of camp. These projects not only sparked creativity but also brought out leadership qualities in some of the older campers. They would come to me with concerns about potential safety issues that I had not even seen yet! They had noticed and discreetly sought my help in making announcements to solidify new rules. Their growing sense of responsibility was truly inspiring.

Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of the summer was watching the campers develop their delegation and communication skills over time. It was remarkable to see each child grow in some way, whether through leading a group activity or simply learning to work together more effectively. This mirrored my own personal growth; while I had always enjoyed the outdoors, I initially considered myself more of a “glamping” person—someone who shied away from touching slimy things or getting too dirty. But this summer, I challenged those limiting beliefs and came away with a deep respect and love for the outdoors.

I’m even planning a trip soon to visit one of the last remaining old-growth forests in the world, right here in Washington state!

At first, these moments seemed somewhat disconnected—just fun and rewarding experiences. But during our end-of-summer potluck, a conversation with a parent helped me connect the dots. As I shared my background and how I had once considered studying medicine to treat illness, the parent pointed out how my experiences at KEEN were akin to preventive care and building community health. This realization shifted my perspective: I now see my role not just as one person within our “it takes a village” community that occasionally can contribute my time and work, but as someone who can protect these vital programs by securing funding and even advising or working on policy and bringing back the tools for legal representation and protection.

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