Into the Woods We Go
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, it brought with it a palpable sense of excitement, the kind that tingles in your fingertips and dances in your chest. Today was no ordinary day; it was the day of the inaugural Campout of the season, a day when the wilderness called out to us, not as a distant dream, but as a welcoming embrace. The morning unwound at a leisurely pace, the kind that allows you to savor each moment, each breath. The air was rich with the aroma of breakfast, a symphony of sizzling bacon and warm, buttery french toast that lingered long after the plates were cleared.
In the midst of this tranquil ambiance, we gathered our sustenance for the day—pack-out lunches assembled with the utmost care. Each sandwich was a masterpiece, each piece of fruit, a gem. The back field transformed before our eyes, buzzing with life and energy as dozens of Campers, Counselors, and Mentors convened in a spectacle of preparation and anticipation. It was a scene of orchestrated chaos, where every movement was purposeful, every action, a step towards the adventure soon to come.
Our provisions were a curated collection of comfort and necessity. Marshmallows awaited their destiny to turn a perfect shade of golden brown over the crackling fire, while pita-pizza kits promised a slice of home amidst the untamed. Beef jerky was tucked away for those moments when a savory craving would strike, and homemade banana bread evoked the comforting embrace of the kitchen we had bid farewell. Amidst these treats, the essentials found their place: lightweight cooking gear that spoke of meals to come, utensils that would soon stir soups and flip pancakes, tarps that would shield us from the dewy kiss of morning, ropes that would secure our shelters against the whispering winds, and the soft, downy bundles of sleeping bags and pads that promised rest under the stars. As we set out, the sun cast its radiant glow over us, its rays a warm blessing, a quiet promise of the memories that would be etched into our hearts by the day’s end. 🌲🌟🏕️
Story and photos by Brandon S. Marshall