The Return from Campout

“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ― Christopher McCandless

With the return of our campers from another successful campout, we all wonder about each other’s experiences during time spent in the wild. For two days and two nights, we explored the Preserve in a way reminiscent of the good ‘ole days, without electricity or basic plumming. Each of us went into the woods, not only because it’s part of the camp schedule, but because we all know it’s good for the soul. Every second spent away from electricity and social media makes us better. Nature is the cure-all that we need in almost every circumstance. Whether we have a head-cold, a tired mind or just need some time to think, we can always find the solution if we make it a point to embrace the call of the wild.

Making the long, arduous journey from one end of the Preserve, to the other, can be one of the most infulencial experiences of our camper’s time here. The determination of our campers, along with their neverending joy to be living in the moment, with friends, mentors and counselors, is enough to be amazed. The outdoor skills learned during campout will stick with us all, forever. Fire-making, outdoor cooking and setting up shelters to provide safety from the elements are all life skills that each person should have. Our mentors and counselors are out with our campers during campout, but it’s really up to our campers to make fire, food and shelter. Staff is there to lend a hand or helpful advice when needed, but for the most part, our campers did it all.

For now, though, our campers and cuddled up in their pajamas, watching Coco in the lodge for movie night–a well deserved break after a long two days in the wilderness of Green River Preserve.

Story and Photos by Brandon S. Marshall