Embracing the Magic of Green River Preserve: One-Week vs. Two-Week Summer Sessions

As summer approaches, campers eagerly anticipate their time at GRP, a sanctuary where nature, friendship, and adventure become part of everyday life. While both the one-week and two-week sessions at GRP promise unforgettable experiences, the extended stay of two weeks offers a deeper immersion into the magic of camp life. Let’s explore the distinctive features and progression between these two options.

One-Week Session: A Whirlwind of Discovery

A one-week session at GRP is a concentrated burst of excitement and exploration. Campers are introduced to the enchanting world of GRP through a series of engaging adventures, activities, and events. Every day is packed with opportunities to connect with the natural environment and forge new friendships.

Key Highlights

• Orientation and Team Building: Campers quickly adapt to camp routines, participate in team-building exercises, and develop a sense of community. As soon as parents have left the property and the insides of cabins have exploded with clothes and camping gear, the entire camp gathers in the Front Field for the Respect Circle, which truly sets the tone for a safe and caring space for our campers. Then, we play!
• Daily Adventures: Mentor Hikes create the platform of our daily life of becoming stewards of the earth. With 3,400+ acres, and plenty of trails, we find ourselves Polar-Bearing under waterfalls and exploring historical sights matched by the beauty of the surrounding scenery. Each afternoon offers a variety of activities, like canoeing, rock climbing, and outdoor living skills, ensuring that campers experience the diverse offerings of GRP.
• Evening Programs: Campfires, storytelling, and stargazing create memorable evenings and foster a sense of camaraderie. With a perimeter trail network around Base Camp, sometimes we welcome the night by walking quietly, looking for wildlife. Sometimes we just sit in the back field and listen to the sounds of the symphony of dusk, watching the sky darken hues into the fading of the day. With each Evening Program, our campers become more attuned to the special wonder of nighttime in the woods.

Two-Week Session: Deepening Connections and Adventures

The two-week session at GRP allows campers to delve deeper into the camp experience, fostering stronger bonds and embarking on more ambitious adventures. With additional time, campers can participate in unique activities and enjoy a more comprehensive exploration of GRP’s natural wonders.

Key Differences and Progression:

• CampOut: The hallmark of the two-week session is the three-day, two-night backpacking trip on The Preserve. Known as CampOut, this adventure challenges campers to embrace the wilderness, develop outdoor skills, and create lasting memories under the stars. Campers learn to pack a backpacking pack properly for comfort on the trail, as well as the basics of backcountry etiquette, from Leave-No-Trace principles, to how take your bathroom break without disturbing the scenery or the ecology.
• Group Learning Project Days: These special days enable campers to choose from a range of full-day adventures and activities, tailored to their interests. Whether it’s a deep dive into ecology, a creative arts project, or an extended hike, campers can immerse themselves in their passions. Past GLPs have included full-day mountain biking excursions, quests to find the One Ring and, “cast it into the fire,” and the always popular Native American flute-making with Senior Mentor, Hawk.
• GRP Wheels: With next door access to DuPont State Forest, we have miles of mountain biking opportunities both on and off The Preserve. Instead of going on a Mentor Hike, campers who choose can ride and learn with our expert guides on some of the best terrain in the state. Most of what you’ll need on any Mentor Hike remains the same, but instead of taking a bus out of Base Camp, you’ll be riding out on our own path that connects with DuPont.
• Stronger Friendships: The extended stay allows for more meaningful connections with fellow campers and counselors, creating a tight-knit community that feels like family. There’s a reason we often hear the words, “welcome home,” on Opening Days.

The Magic of GRP: No Matter the Duration

Whether campers choose a one-week or two-week session, the magic of Green River Preserve remains ever-present. Both options provide unique opportunities for growth, adventure, and connection with nature. The one-week session serves as an exhilarating introduction to the camp experience, while the two-week session offers a deeper, more immersive journey into the heart of GRP.

At Green River Preserve, every moment is a chance to discover the wonders of the natural world and build memories that will last a lifetime. Choose your adventure, embrace the magic, and let the spirit of GRP guide you on an unforgettable summer journey.