Each of the camp counselors comes from a different background, and we have been trying to communicate to the campers this year how we came to be involved at Crow's Nest camp: what motivates us to come to camp? What opportunities of our childhood do we hope to share?
I grew up across the street from a suburban elementary schoolyard. There was grass and few trees, and not much else in the way of nature. But we used our imaginations: the tree that fell became a spaceship as we climbed in its branches. We found the critters that lived there, red ants and neighborhood dogs.
We also played in a channelized stream several blocks away. It wasn't good for much more than skipping rocks, and in fact is downstream from a Superfund site. But a neighbor's parents drove us to a small park where we built dams in the stream and climbed well-worn trails. I know the parents were looking after us, but I don't remember them telling us what to do.
Later we explored an overgrown vacant lot in our neighborhood that had tunnels in the vegetation only a kid could penetrate. The lot is now a condominium development.
I don't remember what age I was when I did these things, and I don't remember how much I was supervised—though I'm sure I was more than I was aware. But I do know I had fun with my friends independent of adult plans, and I know I was given boundaries and expectations.
Later I joined the Boy Scouts, and went camping every month. Our troop was led by a wonderful scoutmaster, and I think I gained a lot from the years of his laid-back but informative leadership. He had undergone extensive leadership ("Wood-Badge") training so I know he was leading thoughtfully at all times. These years influenced my choice of career.
Crow's Nest Preserve is a wonderful place, and I feel privileged to live and work here. One of the things I enjoy most about the job is sharing the preserve with others. It gives me a chance to show off my work, but even more, share the awe of the nature that occurs around us all on its own.
Lately I have been a bit stressed about getting my land management work accomplished knowing that I wouldn't be able to get much of it done during the weeks of camp in July. (For example, I estimate that we have bewteen 25 and 50 times more mile-a-minute vine as we had five years ago—and yet I don't have 25 to 50 times more hours to control it!) But after a couple days at camp I am reminded how the program is worth the time and effort.
I hope the kids gain an appreciation for nature, but more than that I hope they have fun, and increasingly, an opportunity just to be kids outdoors, exploring.
As for the counselors, we're having fun too. It's 91 degrees outside, and we're playing in the ice-cold creek. We're going on hayrides, discovering new things about the preserve, and hanging out with some really cool kids. This is our ninth year of camp, so our early campers are now young adults. Most campers return for several years in a row, so it is great to seem them grow comfortable in nature at Crow's Nest.