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Meet VANNIE: A New Mobile Tool for K–12 and Public Engagement

Oct 16, 2025

Brad Kray, PORTS Program Manager, Interpretation and Education Division

Photograph of a wooded park setting depicting the PORTS Van, "VANNIE," with a side panel open revealing a screen; in the foreground a group of adults and youths are standing and seated on chairs and on artificial turn looking at the screen.

Looking to support equitable access to your park through K–12 and public activations, immersive content, and live virtual programming? VANNIE offers a powerful new way to engage audiences across the state.

VANNIE — the Video Access and Immersive Experiences van — is a fully equipped mobile outreach tool that supports interpretation, education, and access across California. It gives districts the ability to bring park stories to life through live interactive video, immersive media, and engaging on-site activations.

At its core, VANNIE builds on the work your teams are already doing — delivering PORTS programs and using digital tools to engage students and the public. Whether your district is experienced in virtual programming or just starting to explore new approaches, VANNIE is here to enhance and extend your reach.

Photograph of the front plaza of the Calfiornia Natural Resources Building in Downtown Sacramento depicting the PORTS Van parked along the street with a side panel open revealing a screen; in the foreground a group of people stand and sit on street furniture looking at the screen.

VANNIE, the “Video Access and Immersive Experiences” PORTS van gathers a crowd, including State Parks Director Armando Quintero, at the California Natural Resources Headquarters Building in Sacramento for California Biodiversity Week, on September 10, 2025.

What Can VANNIE Do?

Districts can request VANNIE to support a variety of activation types, including:

  • Bring PORTS Programs to Local Schools: Deliver live, interactive PORTS programs right on campus — think old-school assemblies, modernized!
  • Produce Live Broadcasts: Use VANNIE as a mobile production studio to stream park-based programs for educational or public audiences — including signature offerings like Live Dives and Read Alongs.
  • Host a Virtual Campfire: Set up a themed digital campfire center for guest speakers, interpreters, and creative storytelling experiences.
  • Showcase Immersive Content: Display high-quality, large-format video that transports viewers to kelp forests, redwood groves, and beyond.

Space + Power Requirements

  • Activation footprint: 20×20 ft. (includes campfire area on driver’s side)
  • Clearance height: 10 ft.
  • Power: Fully self-contained for up to 8 hours; can recharge overnight via standard outlet
  • Internet options: Built-in cellular WiFi (AT&T & Verizon), Starlink, DPR WiFi, or up to 1,000 ft of fiber cable for hardline ethernet connection

Scheduling

To request VANNIE at an upcoming event or brainstorm ideas, email: vanny.devito@parks.ca.gov

Include:

  • Event date(s) and location
  • Intended audience and activation idea
  • Any site-specific considerations
  • Have a creative idea? We’re all ears — VANNIE was built for bold thinking and flexible use.

Key Considerations

  • VANNIE has no fixed home base — it can be deployed anywhere in the state
  • Activations should align with K–12 access, public engagement, or equity goals
  • District staff will collaborate with the PORTS team on planning, staffing, and implementation
Photograph of a parking lot at Calaveras Big Trees State Park depicting a camper van with a decorative exterior wrap reading

“VANNIE” the PORTS van makes an appearance at The Lorax Read-a-Loud at Calaveras Big Trees State Park on August 2nd, 2025.

VANNIE represents a major step forward in how California State Parks can meet audiences where they are — with creativity, technology, and the power of live interpretation. Let’s take the tools we already know and use them in bold new ways.

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