By Ben Regester | Wake County Coordinator
This year, Piedmont Wildlife Center started offering fall camps in Wake County. Since we had never offered these programs to our organization. As the program coordinator, it was fulfilling to introduce a whole group of kids to our camp. Our long-time campers are easy to spot. They are comfortable in nature, can quickly start a fire, and know how to whittle safely. First-time campers are typically more cautious and not as confident in survival skills.
During the first week of camp, only one camper had attended our programs in the past. This was exciting because I could watch the group grow and become more confident outdoors. For instance, most of the campers had never made a campfire before. I showed them how to start a fire without pine needles or leaves and had them practice lighting a match. I was impressed with their teamwork and focus while learning this new skill. On the last day of camp, I tested their fire-building skills by giving them a challenge. They had to build a fire without help from counselors, and the fire had to burn through a piece of yarn suspended about 2 feet above the fireplace. The campers completed the challenge, and I loved watching them practice the skills they learned earlier in the week.
On the last day, multiple campers brought gifts for their new friends. One camper gave me a card explaining that she does not want to come to camp, but now she can’t wait to return. Through our scholarships, we can provide experiences like this for kids who would not otherwise have the opportunity. Our campers leave camp confident, nature-loving, and part of an inclusive community. Many campers look forward to joining our counselor-in-training program as teenagers and becoming counselors one day. Some parents have even expressed that our camp inspired their kids to pursue environmental degrees in college. Thank you alontinued support; donations from GlobalGiving allow us to connect younger generations at all our locations to connect with nature and foster environmental stewardship.
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