Physics? At Camp?

By Anne Izard on June 20, 2017

During the three-week session last year, a group of campers were playing with a volleyball near the lake, and to no surprise the ball ended up splashing down in the lake after a misplaced hit. As usual, the campers tried venturing out into the lake, but were told not to go in because of the fish beds surrounding the lake. The campers started to worry, “how are we going to get our ball back? It’s going to end up in the bushes, never to be seen again!” They had no clue what to do, so I grabbed the dock scrubber from the waterfront and walked over to the kids. I said, “Check it out, physics,” and pushed the water, creating a current that brought the volleyball to the apposing bank. The group then thanked me, and went off to the front field.

A couple weeks later, I received a letter from one of the campers. I was so confused. Why would this camper write to me? When I opened the letter and started to read a smile started to emerge on my face. The camper told me that in that one small moment she had a better understanding for physics than she did from her physics class at school. I was baffled.

This taught me, not only how unique and important the experiences GRP provides are, but also the importance of outdoor, experiential education. When I approached those campers, I never expected that my action would become a teaching moment. That is one of the most amazing things about GRP – there are some many things we can learn from each other, campers and staff. There is a surprise around every corner, and you never know what might be next. I love GRP, there is no place I’d rather be.

Seek the joy,

Nathan Hunnicutt

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!