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The Small Moments

By Green River Preserve on June 15, 2017

“Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
‘Cause there’s a million things to be
You know that there are”

I can’t remember what we had for breakfast, but I do remember the small moments of today. I mean, that’s what really counts, right?

It’s seeing a camper wade into the Green River for the first time, unsure of what creatures may lurk beneath the current, but steadily walking on. It may be the finding of the courage within to take a plunge and fully submerge into the icy waters. It could be that pure look of astonished accomplishment as they look to their peers, thinking, “Was that for real? Am I truly that brave?”

Well, for myself, as I hone in on these moments through the lens of a camera, I can see clearly that these experiences are unmistakably timeless and will forever be instilled in our campers hearts. One of the most breathtaking sights of my life was tonight, as I looked out across the lake and saw dozens of campers light candles to set free into the lake. (Don’t worry, said candles were retrieved in due time) The mist hovered in the surrounding mountains and without a breath of wind, the Green River Ramblers played into the evening and a group of young souls embraced the magic of Green River Preserve.

As the evening became the night, it seemed as though a thousand stars were reflected in the calm water, though no stars shone from above. I think that the tiniest wonderments of life are what make it all worth while. Sometimes all it takes is the sight of a child, stoic and reserved, showing all of the respect and wisdom well past their years, to remind you that if you want, you really can be free.

Brandon S. Marshall

Green River Preserve
Green River Preserve

Green River Preserve is a non-competitive, coed summer camp connecting children with nature. Located on a 3,400 acre private wildlife preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, this extraordinary natural setting inspires campers to have a greater understanding of themselves, their environment, and their fellow man. Designed for bright, curious, and creative children, our program nurtures character development and fosters skills like perseverance, curiosity, communication, optimism, creativity, and GRIT.