Reflections from Rookie Week

As the first session of the summer at Green River Preserve comes to a close, we can’t help but reflect on the remarkable journey our Rookie Campers have embarked upon. From the moment they arrived—wide-eyed with anticipation—to their final Mentor Hikes, this week has been nothing short of transformative.

Growth is at the heart of every moment here. It’s in the first steps taken on new trails, the courage to climb a rock face, the quiet confidence built in conversations around the Lodge. Our Rookies have spent the last days of Mentor Hikes soaking in the beauty of the land, connecting deeply with nature, and pushing themselves past limits they once believed unbreakable. Each activity has been an opportunity—to learn, to challenge, to discover something new about themselves.

And now, as we approach Closing Ceremonies, the air carries an undeniable mix of nostalgia and celebration. Tonight, we gather at Upper Council Fire, where songs of connection reverberate between the pines. We hold reverence for the moments that shaped us and the friendships that will last long beyond these camp days. As Spirit Stones find their place around the campfire, each Camper leaves a piece of themselves in this sanctuary we’ve created together.

Then, under the evening sky, the Wishboat Ceremony brings one final, breathtaking moment of reflection. Sitting by the still waters of the lake, candlelit Wishboats in hand, our Campers send their wishes drifting across the calm surface, their flickering lights carrying silent hopes into the night. It’s a sight of wonder—a tradition of release, of dreams cast into the world with the trust that they’ll find their way.

Though this session ends, the lessons learned, the connections made, and the growth experienced will remain. This is not goodbye, only the next step in a larger journey. Our Rookies leave with stories in their hearts, laughter in their memories, and the knowledge that they are capable of far more than they ever imagined.

Until we meet again, Green River Preserve will hold your spirit here, just as the trees hold the summer wind.