The Beginning of our Session 6

It’s wild having a camp session with only 28 campers. Everything seems bigger. The gazebo, the front field, the swimming area, the lodge. The lodge is way quieter during mealtimes, except for the occasions when we’re graced with our superhero friends from the planet Compost (which biodegraded and so on and so forth) for our evening ORT Report. Buses are also surprisingly just as loud as before, perhaps due to the entirety of camp fitting comfortably onto one bus.

Although it’s the last session, we’re in it to soak up as much of the joy of this magical place as we possibly can. The smaller group size has given us a unique opportunity to form even closer bonds. We’ve had more one-on-one time with our counselors, more space to explore, and more chances to truly appreciate the beauty of The Preserve.

Every hike feels like a personal journey, every activity more intimate. The laughter echoes a little louder and the vast starscape of the night sky seems to shine a bit brighter. Our sense of community is stronger than ever. We’ve already shared adventures, from discovering wildlife to Polar Bearing under the rushing flow of Uncle’s Falls.

As we dive into this session, we’re reminded of the GRP principles that guide us: to seek the joy of being alive, to be kind, and to respect all living things. In a nutshell, these principles within the Woodcraft Laws have been our compass, leading us through these summer days so full of wonder.

In these final weeks, we’re celebrating friendship, appreciating the lessons learned throughout our time here, and enjoying the memories we’re making that we’ll carry with us. Green River Preserve isn’t just a place we visit, it’s a part of who we are.

Seek the joy of being alive.

Story by Brandon S. Marshall with photos by Samantha Keebler