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Make your own choices…

By Anne Izard on May 11, 2017

of the final moments of the GRP day is each camper sharing Rose/Bud/Thorn with cabin mates right before lights out. Your Rose is something you really loved about that day, your Bud is something you’re excited about for the next day, and the Thorn is something you lament, or wish had gone better that day, or want to improve upon for the next day.

/Bud/Thorn illustrates flexibility and creativity. Sometimes, counselors or mentors also throw in Stem, which is something that you’ve learned or recognizing how you are improving or have grown. The more future-oriented Bud and Stem can follow Rose and Thorn, or a fifth aspect could be added to the list. This daily recap is not only an opportunity for some personal self-reflection, but also an example of how campers choose their own adventures and perspectives each and every day.

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!