Explore. Learn. Lead.

Join seasoned facilitators of Partners in the Parks for an immersive two-day leadership and training experience in Joshua Tree National Park—a striking intersection of desert, mountain, and oasis ecosystems.

Through guided exploration, you'll gain insight into the land's ecological richness, the cultural heritage of the Native peoples who have long called it home, and the collaborative efforts underway to preserve its future. Learn directly from park rangers, engage in meaningful dialogue about stewardship and sustainability, and participate in hands-on activities such as hiking, interpretive programs, and a service project within the park.

This experience is not only an opportunity to deepen your understanding of place-based learning—it also fulfills the training requirement for those interested in leading future Partners in the Parks projects beginning Summer 2026.

Your registration fee includes round-trip transportation from San Diego, two nights of camping in the park, and all meals during the experience. Space is limited—join us in shaping the next generation of outdoor honors education.

Not an experienced hiker or camper? Not a problem! If you have a love of nature and passion for connecting students to the world around them through service learning and recreation, we have a place for you. Participants of all experience levels are encouraged to come and learn how to facilitate a PITP experience in a national park.

Registration Details

Travel Note: The group will be leaving for Joshua Tree from San Diego as early as possible on the morning of November 3, so plan to arrive in San Diego during the evening of November 2.

Program Size: 6-8 participants

NCHC Member Price: $260 (does not include airfare); Non-Member Price: $520 (does not include airfare)

Registration Deadline: September 1, 2025

Tentative Itinerary

If you have any questions regarding your trip specifically, please contact your trip facilitators listed below. They will be sending you more information regarding what to pack, and any supplies you may need for your trip.

Trip Facilitators

Melissa Berninger, University of South Dakota

Melissa Berninger is Director of the University Honors Program and Coordinator of Nationally Competitive Scholarships at University of South Dakota. She is an extraordinary Co-Chair of the PITP Committee, member of the Upper Midwest Honors Council, for which she has been a stalwart member of many years. She also is a member of the National Association of Fellowships Advisors. She is an avid outdoors person, who also volunteers her time and talents in the service of her local Scouting Troop.

Karen Gergley, Graceland University

Karen Gergely is a socially engaged artist and educator who teaches social engagement, art history, and studio art at Graceland University. She spends her summers engaged in community art projects, murals, adventuring, and biking and thru-hiking.

She has co-lead the Glacier Park Partners in the Parks trips, and she serves on the board of the Upper-Midwest Honors Council.

Christina McIntyre, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Christina McIntyre is the Director of Professional Development and National and International Scholarships for Virginia Tech's Honors College. She oversees the university process for many national and international level awards. Christina has been a member of NCHC since 2007 and has served on the Board of Directors and as NCHC President in 2022. She served as the chair of NCHC Partners in the Parks in 2018 and has led eight Partners projects in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Washington D.C., Appalachian Trail in Harper's Ferry, Southwest Virginia, and Springer Mountain Georgia. Christina is the Faculty Advisor for the Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech which maintains 30 miles of the Appalachian Trail near campus. She currently serves as Vice-Chair for the Central & SW Virginia Appalachian Trail Club Region. Her field of study is nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology. She loves sharing the unique and diverse AT community and sharing that there are many ways to enjoy the trail beyond the iconic thru-hike.