The Scripps National Spelling Bee is back! And for the first time since 2019, participants are having a normal experience. That included visits to Planet Word Museum, which says it's the "only museum in the country dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language." None of this year's 234 participants in the Bee (finals Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ION) lack that passion, said head judge Mary Brooks. But it's important to remember the larger impact of the Bee. “It is all about words, and the power of words," Brooks told USA TODAY. "In isolation, this Spelling Bee is just a wonderful competition that celebrates young people’s skills. In the bigger picture of what’s going on in our world, it matters immensely that young people have an understanding of the power of the words – not just how to spell them." Tap the link in bio to read more. 📸 Josh Morgan, @usatoday #scripps #scrippsspellingbee