Meet Kiran Malde! He is a first-time camper, and this is his story of his session at GRP.
Opening Day of camp!
Campers and their parents arrive in the afternoon in the back field where they are immediately greeted by friendly staff. These counselors and mentors help Kiran and his brother, Luca load their belongings in carts to take to their respective cabins.
While Kiran’s mom makes his bed, his counselor goes over his daily schedule and introduces him to the rest of his cabin mates. Kiran is in Hellbender 1 during this one week session.
Check-In
Every camper checks in with their parents (or guardian) to make sure all of their forms are complete and turned in. Stopping by the camp store is a must – here you can get the newest GRP t-shirt and pick up anything you may have forgotten.
Camp Tour, Respect Circle, Field Games & Swim Review
Once Kiran’s parents depart, his cabin counselors take Hellbender 1 on a tour of base camp. He learns about all the important places like where activities are, where to meet to take the busses for mentor hikes, and where meals are served. Then when the bell rings, everyone heads to the gazebo to participate in the Respect Circle. Each camp session opens with the Respect Circle. All campers are given the opportunity to agree to “respect themselves, respect each other, and respect all living things” while they are part of the Green River Preserve community. The Respect Circle sets the stage for a community for the campers.
After dinner announcements, Kiran and his cabin mates stop by their cabin to grab a jacket and their crazy creeks. Tonight’s Evening Program is the Lower Council Fire. It is a chance to learn camp songs, hear great stories, and settle into the week at GRP.
Day Two through Four
Every morning at camp, the bell signals to Kiran and his cabinmates that it is time to start the day. Breakfast is full of delicious food, “bird of the day”, camp announcements, and meeting with your mentor group. At the meeting, Kiran learns where he will hike and what he needs to pack in his day pack.
Mentor Hikes
Learn MoreWhat do the mornings look like at GRP?
The signature of Green River Preserve’s program is the mentor hike. Led by mentor naturalists, campers explore forests, streams, and hidden valleys of the Preserve. Filled with adventure, discovery, and a heightened appreciation of the natural world, campers learn to use all of their senses as they play under waterfalls, crawl into caves, explore archeological sites, track wildlife, and taste edible plants.
Afternoon Activities
Learn More HereWhat does the afternoon look like?
After the mentor hike, Kiran returns to camp and heads straight to lunch. After eating a satisfying meal, mentors give a brief report to what each group saw during the morning adventure. Maybe someone saw a Grand Slam animal?! Did someone polar bear? During lunch announcements, the Cabin Fairy visits to give a report on which cabins were clean, and which cabins need a little extra work.
The campers head back to their cabins for rest hour. It is a time to read, relax, or write a letter. When the bell rings, it is time to head to activities! Arts and crafts, climbing, pottery, canoeing – the choices are endless!!
Evening Programs
What do we do at night?
Every night, Kiran along with the rest of camp will participate in an evening program. Programs could include Capture the Flag, Predator Prey, Lower Council Fire, and Talent Show (just to name a few). Before campers return to their cabins, the entire camp links arms to sing “Sisters, Brothers.”
Upper Council Fire
The Final Night of Camp
The last night of camp is special because the entire camp walks quietly to the upper council fire to participate in one final campfire before the end of camp. This is when Kiran will place his “Spirit Stone” he has chosen and painted. After songs and stories are told, the campers and staff head to the lake to sing and for the candlelight ceremony.
Closing Day
We will miss you! See you next summer.