We’ve passed the midpoint of summer and suddenly there’s a flurry of activity as we look towards fall and consider our options for the year ahead. I told myself a year ago that I’d give my all to this small business, aimed at connecting young people with nature, for a full year and then take stock and decide if it made sense to continue. I’m happy to report that I just paid the fee to renew the business license and I’m fully committed to fostering deeper nature connections in the coming year.
Our first summer camp was a resounding success, with eight energetic kids and two teen assistants learning knife skills, building tarp shelters, exploring life in the stream and pond, and weaving baskets. My favorite parts were watching the creative interactions with natural materials manifest during free time, and hearing their wishes for the land that they offered in our closing circle. I wasn’t quite sure if the relationship that developed with the original Bear Creek Explorers could happen again with a new group of kids, but watching what happened in just one week of summer camp makes me quite confident that the magic will continue. I’m honored and grateful whenever my efforts help create a container for connection, but once the stage is set it’s often best when I stand back and let the kids and nature steal the show.
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Building on that momentum, I’m excited to announce that we’ve got a full crew for Bear Creek Explorers starting this fall! If you have an adventurous 4th-6th grader who might want to join in at some point reach out, and I’ll put them on the wait list.
I’m excited to share our Skills Short Courses, offered near Eugene in local natural areas. In the spirit of mixed age learning, I’m not putting any age requirements on most classes, and parents are welcome to participate with their children. I’ve already experienced a couple examples of the youngest in the group being the most focused, engaged and on-task. Interest in the subject and the desire to learn seem to be what really matter.
We’re in the process of gathering a team of high-school students to be Field Researchers. Field days will happen on Fridays and there are opportunities to plug into existing projects and/or explore their own research question. There are plans for a mushroom survey once the rains come, so if you know anyone who might enjoy spending their fall Fridays hunting for and documenting fungi please let them know! I’d also love to connect with teens who have computer skills, who could help with data processing and organization- whether or not they want to get out into the field.
Finally, each season this year we will offer Adventure Days that align with public school closures so that upper elementary public school students have the opportunity to spend the day at the Bear Creek Wilderness. Tentative dates are: November 25th, February 3rd, and April 18th. More details coming soon!
Thanks for your support, I couldn’t do it without you!