We Did It Together: Auburn Students Reflect on Their Journey through Iceland

Field-based learning, found poetry, and life-changing moments with GeoCamp Iceland

In March 2025, a group of thirteen students from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, set off on an unforgettable journey to Iceland with GeoCamp Iceland. Over six days, they hiked volcanic trails, stood beneath roaring waterfalls, listened to folklore, soaked in geothermal rivers—and found themselves deeply changed. Led by educators Erin Towns and Jennifer Braunfels Wardwell, and guided by Oli and the GeoCamp team, the students didn’t just witness the power of Iceland’s landscapes—they experienced transformation in every sense of the word.

The group was encouraged to reflect on their journey by responding to prompts about personal challenges, moments of beauty, or experiences outside of their comfort zones. What emerged was a tapestry of stories—brimming with vulnerability, insight, and connection.

“We climbed with the chance of rocks falling below us, but somehow everything seemed better than before… Friends at the beginning turned into family at the end.” — Jack, Junior

For many, the physical challenge of the hikes mirrored internal growth. The steep paths of Reykjadalur became metaphors for resilience and trust—not only in one’s own strength, but in the group.

“How could I complete 45 more minutes of this hike when I could barely get through 15? Ms. Towns pulled us aside and said: ‘Take small steps, control your breath, and believe that you can do it.’ Those words stayed with me.” — Meghan, Senior

“Each step became a testament of my strength and resilience… With every challenge we overcame, we grew stronger and more confident.” — Rilee, Senior

Even those who arrived with apprehension found belonging. The landscape, the shared meals, the bus rides, the laughter—all became anchors for connection.

“I wasn’t very familiar with anyone in the group. Now I feel like I can call them all my friends. We sang together in the car, danced, played with the locals … The places we went only strengthened our bonds.” — Romy, Sophomore

“I came to Iceland with a group I didn’t know super well… but this land built connections. When I return to school and wave at my new friends, I’ll be reminded of the unforgettable experience we shared.” — Nora, Senior

For some students, the natural beauty of Iceland provided a space for healing. In wild places, they found stillness—and even peace.

“I find a hug in this wild nature. I feel my grief leave my body and settle in a new home.” — Brennan, Sophomore

Others described moments of insight sparked by landscape and legend. A talk about Viking values—curiosity, honour, and integrity—stayed with Colby throughout the trip and became a lens through which he saw not only Iceland but himself.

“Was I a Viking? In the sense of education and exploration, I think I was. The people I met and the values I practiced made me feel a part of something greater.” — Colby, Senior

The reflections from teachers added further weight to the impact of the experience.

Erin Towns described giving her first lecture at the terminus of Sólheimajökull glacier, drawing from her own work in geophysics while dust blew across the outwash plain and laughter echoed from nearby students.

Jennifer Wardwell’s reflection was personal and profound: “This trip was a do-over of all the time we missed. I realized we are the good people—held together by the magic of this place.”

Seeing Iceland Through Their Eyes

Alongside their written reflections, students were also asked to choose their favourite photos and add captions describing what they learned. These visual journals are a window into their perspectives and discoveries:
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• 🔗 Student Photo Assignment – Iceland Science & Culture
• 🔗 Teacher Photo Album – Iceland 2025 Towns​

At GeoCamp Iceland, we believe that real learning happens outside the classroom—where students can feel the wind on their face, taste glacial water, and discover what it means to belong to both a group and a global story. Thank you to Edward Little High School for trusting us with your students. You reminded us that education, when rooted in experience and empathy, truly has the power to change lives.

To mark their journey, the group created a found poem—a collaborative piece woven from individual lines contributed by each student. The result is a powerful echo of their shared experience:

I find a hug in this nature.
Grief leaves my body, finds a new home
where it looks and waits.
Each step a reminder-
a testament of strength and resilience.

I call them friends
all of the challenges we faced together.
How beautiful my life can be,
when I step out of my comfort zone.

The fog rolls away, showing us beautiful landscapes
showing us what we’re capable of.
We talk, we laugh, we take pictures-
one step after the other.

I ask for one piece of advice.
He tells me: follow your dreams
She says, take small steps,
control your breath,
have the mindset that you can do it
And will.

In the afternoon hours
we find the river.
The mist splashes our faces,
The sun hits the water just right
a deafening roar surrounds us.

Waterfalls, beaches, locals,
folklore, foods, prices.
So much to experience
So much to learn,
none of it to be trapped within the four frames of a picture.

Every struggle, every hardship fades away,
nothing else matters
​
No words in the English language
can do the feelings I felt,
that day spent in the South,
justice.

Taking the plunge,
knowing creatures from the world beyond
would be delighted.

This land build connections
Through all the little struggles,
I look to my friends
Each step becoming a testament of strength
and resilience.

We reach the bottom
new souls,
taking one day at a time.
Everything better than before.

We sung,
took photos together,
danced, played with the locals
Played together.

When I return to school
I’ll wave at my new friends
And in the hallways,

I will be reminded

We did it
All of us
together.

Vikings.

Images: Erin Towns