Teen Summer Programs

Joie Ruth Armstrong

Joie Armstrong
Honoring the beautiful life of
Joie Ruth Armstrong

Yosemite National Institutes (YNI) remains deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Joie Armstrong, our dear friend and colleague, who was murdered on July 21, 1999 in Yosemite National Park.

Joie, 26, was a bright light to all who knew her and will be dearly missed as a member of our community. She was an amazing person who touched so many lives with her glowing smile and her light heart. We will remember her so full of laughter and love, and as a committed and gifted teacher. We will remember her as a young woman who had a tremendous enthusiasm for life and a deep desire to give of herself for the betterment of the world around her. As Joie's mother, Leslie Armstrong, expressed, "She became all that she could be and she lived life to the fullest."

Joie Armstrong
As Joie once said, "My passion lies with teaching children about their environment and I have dedicated all of my efforts toward it." That passion for teaching and her creative spirit were an inspiration to us all and made Joie an integral part of our talented teaching staff for over two years, at both the Headlands Institute and the Yosemite Institute.

Joie had a rich education and work experience. She graduated from California State University, Chico with a bachelor's in parks and natural resource management with an emphasis in environmental education. She worked with several non-profit organizations prior to joining YNI, including Ecolife, the National Audubon Society and the Foothill Horizons Environmental School. Joie began teaching at the Headlands Institute in the spring of 1997 and then transferred to Yosemite Institute in January of 1999, excited to be reunited with the High Sierra.

Joie Armstrong
Yosemite National Institutes has established The Joie Armstrong Memorial Fund to provide annual awards to assist young women, ages 15-18, to participate in the Armstrong Scholars Program. This unique summer program is dedicated to the memory of Joie and to the values and passion that made her so special. The program brings together ten young women and two female YNI instructors for a summer adventure and educational experience in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The first program took place in 2000.

The three central themes of the program are Discovery, Challenge and Leadership. Areas of emphasis include leadership, identity and strength of women, wilderness skills, encouraging an enthusiasm for learning and teaching, connecting with nature, and communication and goal-setting. The Armstrong Scholars Program seeks to inspire young women to confidently create and pursue their goals and become more effective stewards of our world. See Summer Adventure Programs for more information on the dates, cost and application process for the Armstrong Scholars Program.

If you'd like to make a tax deductible contribution, please make your check payable to "Yosemite National Institutes" and note "Armstrong Fund" in the memo line.

Mail your contribution to:
Yosemite National Institutes
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Building 1055
Sausalito, CA 94965

Images of Joie: (300dpi JPGs) 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

Letters about Joie

Letter to Joie

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