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And we’re off!

By Anne Izard on June 19, 2016

Today marked the day that both BRX and OBX had opening days. Everything went swimmingly. BRX met in front of the Sunnyside house, and then proceeded to partake in a few team building activities as they make their way to their home for the next few weeks.

Some of these activities included having one team member lead their partner who was blindfolded along the trail. This was a great way to develop communication skills as well as trust. Once at camp the expeditioners jumped right into learning about living in the backcountry. Lunch was served and everyone was taught how daily tasks work in the backcountry. After lunch they dove right into the Respect Circle, this sets in place the standard of “respecting each other, respecting yourself, respecting the earth, and respecting the property.” After that a taking stick ceremony was held, where group norms were discussed and the standards were set in place.

OBX also had a very successful day one! They started off with respect circle and figuring out their group norms, setting up their tents and moving their gear into them. Then they moved into playing some team building games. Then made some grilled cheese (everyone made their own to get aquatinted with the stove) and carrots and celery. After that, they got to get in the White Oak River for swim review and some free swim. Then they learned the parts of a boat and paddle. After that they starting to cook some chicken stir-fry for dinner while fishing off the dock! Lawton even caught a tiny catfish in the cast net!

Anne Izard
Anne Izard

Anne has worked at Green River over the years at summer camp, expeditions, and the school programs as a counselor, expedition leader, mentor, and program director. Anne’s related camp experiences include working as a counselor and program assistant at Camp Ton-A-Wandah in North Carolina, an expedition leader for Wilderness Ventures and an environmental educator and expedition leader for the Teton Science School. Prior to returning home to GRP, Anne was the Director of Education for the Mountain Studies Institute in Silverton, Colorado. Anne and her husband, Steve, are both actively engaged in the American Camp Association, The Association of Environmental Education, and The North Carolina Youth Camp Association. When Anne is not working, she can be found trail running, paddling, cycling, or backcountry skiing with her husband Steve, their sons, Phen and Hawkins,daughter, Alida,and golden retriever, Irie Bird!