U.S. Navy STEM Engagement, Veteran Hike

The U.S. Navy will join Northeast Ohio leaders, students, and veterans for a day of STEM engagement and outdoor community connection on Sunday, April 26, including a visit to the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio STEM Center of Excellence and a group hike at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The visit brings Navy leadership into the region as part of National Parks Navy Week, a nationwide initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary and strengthening connections between Sailors and the communities they serve.

STEM Center Visit and Student Engagement
WHEN: 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM (ET)

WHERE: Girl Scouts of North East Ohio STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Ledgewood
6751 Akron Peninsula Rd, Peninsula, OH

WHO:

• Rear Adm. Tracy Hines, U.S. Navy
• Jane Christyson, CEO, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
• Local students, board members, and community partners

DETAILS: Rear Adm. Hines will tour the STEM Center of Excellence and receive a briefing on its programs before working directly with students on coding and robotics activities. Sailor participation will support students as they work toward earning STEM badges.

Towpath Trail Community Hike

WHEN: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
WHERE: Boston Mills Visitor Center
6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH

WHO:

• Rear Adm. Tracy Hines
• Dr. Saira Ismail
• National Park Service Rangers
• Local veterans

DETAILS: Rear Adm. Hines will join park rangers and veterans for a guided hike along the Towpath Trail, an approximately three-mile route within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, highlighting the connection between service, wellness, and public lands.

WHY: National Parks Navy Week brings Sailors to communities across the country through outreach, education, and service. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, events like these reflect a shared commitment to leadership, learning, and connection—right here in Northeast Ohio.