The Glorious Return From Campout
From the moment the first rays of sunlight met the vibrant canopy on the morning of CampOut, the air was filled with excitement and the promise of adventure. Campers stirred in their cabins to the gentle serenade of dew dripping from pine needles, each breath a cool reminder of the wilderness we were about to explore. Early light filtered through mist, turning every leaf into a miniature stained-glass window, and we greeted the day with backcountry packs full of gear, food, and the essentials to practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
As midday approached, the sky transformed from bluebird to steely gray, and distant rumbles of thunder hinted at an epic afternoon storm. Having set up camp at various backcountry locations, we embraced the drama, gathering in CampOut shelters for spontaneous storytelling sessions while rain hammered the roof in staccato rhythm. Camper’s eyes widened as they wove tales of forest spirits, and even the storm seemed to lean in, lending its own booming voice to the narrative.
Between the poetry of rain and thunder, we were lucky enough to share the land with some of its wildest residents. One crisp dawn revealed a graceful deer stepping lightly through ferns, out into Hemlock Field, its delicate form framed by a backdrop of fog sifting through the woods. On another hike, hushed murmurs of “bear!” rippled through the group—campers spotted not one but multiple bears wandering through the underbrush, their dark silhouettes fleeting yet unforgettable. These encounters reminded us that we are visitors on this land, honored guests in a world where nature writes its own rules.
In the midst of roaring storms and wildlife wonders, something quieter but even more powerful was taking place: our community was knitting itself together more tightly than ever. New friendships sparked over shared games around the campfire, long-time Campers mentored the newcomers through knot-tying challenges, and every smile, high-five, and secret handshake etched another line into the story we’re writing together. Around the fire each night, we listened to one another’s tales, feeling a sense of belonging that no rainy afternoon could wash away.
Yesterday, the Mountain Beach Party took our excitement to entirely new territory with an epic slip and slide. A slick stretch of plastic snaked down a gentle hill into the Front Field, and Campers launched themselves gleefully, sending sprays of water into the air. Belly flops, belly slides, and perfect belly laughs turned the afternoon into a legendary event, one that will be retold around future campfires for years to come.
Today, we celebrated our Grand Slam accomplishments with an Ice Cream Party so decadent it felt like a victory in itself. Scoops of vanilla and chocolate were heaped into compostable bowls, then transformed by a mountain of toppings—from sugar-coated gummy worms and crunchy Oreo crumble to rivers of chocolate and caramel syrup. Sticky fingers and happy sighs punctuated the laughter, as every Camper and Counselor indulged in the sweetest reward of all.
Now that CampOut has drawn to a close, we’re back to our familiar rhythm of hikes that lead to jaw-dropping overlooks, archery lessons under towering trees, waterfront canoe games, and art workshops where memories spill onto canvas. As dusk settles, Evening Programs beckon us with late night sessions led by our Mentors, musicians, and storytellers, headlamp-lit nature walks, entertaining variety shows that reveal hidden gifts, and the ever-warm glow of campfire camaraderie.
CampOut reminded us why GRP is more than a summer camp, it’s a place where mornings awaken the soul, thunderstorms become sacred symphonies, wildlife encounters spark wonder, and the bonds we forge carry us through each adventurous day. Until next time, keep your hearts wild and your spirits untamed.
