Campout from the Counselor Perspective

Hi I’m Nate and this weekend, staff and campers alike braved one of GRP’s most foundational traditions—campout! After two nights and three days of uninterrupted fun, adventure and camaraderie, we’re back on base camp and resuming our scheduled activities. While technically behind us, the memories of campout follow in our minds and hearts, with stories keeping us well entertained. From Sassafras to Fireside, there is something to be shared. I watched Fireside and Whippoorwill campers climb Upper Bald with such tenacity, and still hold space for laughter. After taking our packs off and enjoying lunch with a beautiful and scenic view, our campers proceeded to scurry up and down the mountain side sheerly for the love of the game. A couple thousand steps later and we were at our shelter setting up tarps for nightfall. While sleeping arrangements were being set in place, counselors were busy preparing some delicious pita pizzas—a campout classic! And favored by all. Post-dinner, our group took a short escapade to Peggy’s Rock, where we appreciated the night sky and its bounty of stars. While counselors pointed out Ursa Major (Big Dipper), Ursa Minor (Little Dipper), and Polaris (North Star), campers looked on in awe.

While the journey is difficult, our campers show incredible fortitude and curiosity for the natural world as they engage fully with the wildness of our 3,400 acre preserve. The strength, wisdom, laughter and joy that come from braving the odyssey make sweat and bug bites worth it.

However, I’m only one counselor who can speak to one adventure. Don’t just take my word for it—here’s an excerpt from Leia, one of our Sassafrassians:

Sassafras One counselor here!

While Sassafras campers were preparing their tarps, a few of us counselors started on our burrito dinner. These mouthwatering smells attracted more than our ravenous campers: a baby black bear; curiously peaking into our shelter. Sammy, our brave counselor, whispers “guys, there’s a bear.” Black beady eyes stared between each soul in the shelter. Softly conjuring Sassafras, they crept into the shelter with an excited buzz. Mirroring the young energy, the cub bounced through the field. Mama bear was watching from further away- completely taking in the scene. The curious black bear found some half assembled tarps and thought to sniff around. Our brave counselors Sammy and Tali attempted to scare this cub away. This cub responded by sitting on his bum and getting a good back scratch in. With some persistence, the cub paced back to the field where Sassafras gazed at this beautiful creature. Mama eventually rolled through guiding her cub back into the dense wilderness.

-Leia