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It Will Still Be Camp

By Anne Izard on February 02, 2021

Dear GRP campers, expeditioners, families, and staff,

Camp will be different this summer but it will still be camp. We know that changes to the camp program may cause anxiety, and we hope to eliminate some of that by outlining some of the differences you can expect this summer. We have several of those resources listed on our summer safety page and we also plan to host some live events for you and your parents to ask questions.

But in the meantime, I thought it would be helpful to at least know these TOP FIVE

1. YOU WILL SING PLENTY OF CAMP SONGS!

Buses will hold between 3 and 4 family groups at a time and singing, as always on the bus, will be a must. In 2021, expect expanded dining locations (indoors and outdoors). You will sit with your cabin, spread out from other groups, and we anticipate some pretty epic song banter.

2. YOU CAN STILL JUMP OFF THE HIGH DOCK & ZIPLINE!!!!

We will still offer free swim; it just might be at a different time each day. You will still check in at the buddy board, and we will still have be able to practice the perfect dismount from the zipline.

3. YOU WILL GET TO EXPERIENCE MORE CAMP CLASSES THAN EVER BEFORE

In other summers, you would plan to sign up for a few classes per week. This summer, all classes will be scheduled with your cabin family. Like a class sampler, this will give us a chance to offer the best of the best. This could be the summer you learn to shoot a bow and arrow, mold on a potter’s wheel, and climb to the top of the climbing wall.

4. YOU CAN STILL PLAY PREDATOR PREY

Evening Programs you have come to love and look forward to will happen all summer long – in smaller groups. Predator Prey, Variety Show, Campout Prep are all scheduled, with proper modifications. This summer will give us a chance to try new programs that only work in small groups – so get ready for the unexpected!

5. TRADITIONS – CONSTANT & TRUE

You will receive your walking stick if it is your 4th summer. Sisters Brothers will happen each night. We will be at the gates eagerly waiting to “Welcome You Home”. There will be silly costumes, Council Fires, and Ortman and Scrappy – with new programs and fun twists. You might sail your wishing boat wish surrounded by just your cabin or unit. And with intimate ceremonies, all campers will help continue our traditions in a special way this summer.

We know so much has changed for you in the past year. And it’s hard to hear that camp will not look the same. But our goal is to make it feel the same. You will make friends. You will grow in independence and resilience. We can’t wait to see you this summer!

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!

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Safety nature Expeditions thecampweneedfortheworldwewant summer camp #grpismagic green river preserve