As another year winds down, we invariably find ourselves reflecting back on what has transpired and looking forward to what the New Year will bring. We run through a mental inventory of highs, lows, successes, failures, milestones reached, or lessons learned. Here at Green River Preserve, we do this exercise nightly in the cabins with our campers. It’s our daily debrief that we call Rose, Bud, Thorn (RBT). If you are the parent of a current or recent camper or an alum, perhaps this is familiar to you. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, we make time before bed each night to go around the cabin and ask each person what was their highlight, or rose, their biggest challenge (thorn), and what they are most looking forward to - their bud. This nightly ritual creates a mindset of reflection and gratitude in even the youngest of our community. We have been doing it regularly in my family for over 12 years now, although much less frequently as teenagers are a squirrely bunch to pin down near bedtime. Maybe give it a try at your house this NYE.

We’d like to take a moment to look back and reflect on everything we are grateful for - our roses - these past 12 months!

💚 We are grateful for our dedicated staff who lead with love and tenacity

💚 We are grateful for our campers whose joy and curiosity inspire us everyday

💚 We are grateful for our camp parents who have entrusted us with their kids

Who and what are you grateful for this year?