GLP DAY I

The first of the Session 3 Group Learning Projects, or GLPs, have began. In case you’re wondering, what exactly is a GLP, let me break it down for y’all. During Group Learning Projects, we take the entire day to dive into in-depth activities, like cooking at the Pioneer Cabin or flute-making with Senior Mentor, Hawk. GLPs bring our campers to all corners of base camp and beyond, to DuPont State Forest, the Green River and the Carl Sandburg house. We look for lost chimneys in the forest and practice outdoor skills beyond the usual teachings of activities. The hardest part of GLPs, for our campers, is trying to decide which GLP is best for them. With so many fun and interesting options, I doubt I’d be able to choose, either.

Today, in the lodge, we had a serious campaign of Dungeons & Dragons, as well as flute-making, with clay creations down in the pottery studio. Senior Mentor, Star, had a work crew of campers and staffers helping to create a new addition to the lower pond–more details coming tomorrow! Beyond Cabinville, at the Pioneer Cabin, Hayne led some good ’ole fashioned pioneer cooking while woodworking master, Jace(a.k.a. Ron Swanson), helped campers create their own wooden wood-burned keepsake boxes. A handful of other GLPs led campers off and around the Preserve, taking to the trails, the rock-faces and the waters of Western North Carolina.

P.S. We may have spotted something today that rhymes with Brand Lamb! (Hint–think ice cream party)

Story by Brandon S. Marshall with Photos by Samantha J. Keebler & Brandon S. Marshall