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The Start of Session Two

By Green River Preserve on June 18, 2017

Seems like it was only yesterday we were welcoming our first group of campers for Session 1. Today marks the beginning of our first two-week session of summer camp for 2017. Lots of familiar faces have returned, a little older and perhaps a little wiser, as well. Either way, whether our campers be first-timers or 5th-year returnees, the next couple of weeks are sure to be exciting, inspiring and fully of the joy of being alive.

During one of our opening day traditions, Respect Circle, our campers learned or relearned the Woodcraft Laws, the four pillars being Beauty, Truth, Fortitude and Love. These simple yet powerful words aligned with each of these principles brings new meaning to living a purposeful, enduring happy life. With Beauty, we must understand and respect our bodies, for they are the temple of our spirits. In Truth, we see that word of honor is sacred. To have Fortitude is to be brave and to acknowledge that courage is the noblest of all attainments. Finally, Love means to be kind, be joyful, be helpful and to do at least one act of unbargaining service each day.

Although I may have left some lines out, you get the general idea. The fact is that the way that these laws are taught here are what makes them so strong in the hearts of those who get to sit in the respect circle and agree to abiding by them by saying, “I will.” When our campers agree to uphold these values, they do it with a reverence and purity that is rarely seen in young people, anywhere in the world.

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.