By Jessica Kenley

For Megan Watson’s daughter, choosing a topic for her school project wasn’t difficult at all—it was personal. 

Out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, she picked Potter County without hesitation.

“I knew exactly which one I was going to pick,” she said. “Because we go to the cabin there, and it’s really nice.”

Watson, wanting some help with her daughter’s project, had put out a shout-out to Potter County residents on Facebook for cool stuff to enjoy in the area that her daughter could research–and she wasn’t disappointed.

The student, whose name is being withheld at her family’s request, lives in Shippensburg with her parents, Megan Watson and her husband. But once a year—typically during the colder months—the family makes the long trip north to Potter County, where their cabin sits surrounded by quiet woods and wildlife.

Those visits have left a lasting impression.

From hearing coyotes in the distance to spending hours outside building forts in the snow, her memories of Potter County are filled with adventure. “We stay outside for four or five hours,” she said, describing winter days spent gathering sticks and constructing forts before playfully battling cousins in the woods on top of snowy piles.

It’s that sense of freedom and connection to nature that shaped her project.

The display board she created highlights some of Potter County’s most unique features, including Cherry Springs State Park, known for its famously dark skies, the mysterious Ice Mine that stays frozen even in the blazing summer, and the historic Austin Dam.

“It talks about how there’s major amazing features,” she explained.

Although she and her family typically stay close to their cabin in Genesee—visiting local cafes and small shops—her curiosity about the wider county has clearly grown.

The project itself took about a week and a half to complete, a process she described as “a little stressful,” but ultimately worth the effort.

Now comes the final challenge: presenting it in front of her class.

Asked if she feels ready, she admitted with a shy smile that she’s “nervous”—a feeling many students (and adults) know well.

Still, there’s something special about standing up and sharing a story that means something to you. And for this young student, Potter County isn’t just a place on a map—it’s a place of snowy forts, quiet woods, cozy family traditions, and good memories that last long after the trip ends.

For a community like Potter County, often called “God’s Country,” it’s a reminder that even short visits can leave a big impact—especially on young hearts discovering what makes a place feel like home.