Connect a child to Nature through a Week of Camp!

As the seasons begin to change, so too does the natural world around us. Our summer camp session wrapped up with Natural Arts, Woodland Games, Forest Adventures, and Way of the Cougar camps. Campers learned about trees, embodied the stealth of the cougar, played nature games, and created beautiful art with natural materials. Most importantly, our campers forged a lifelong connection to the world around them through exploration and play. No matter the season, or theme of camp, our mission is to connect people, young and old, with nature. The numbers of people we reach continues to grow because of your loyal support!

Your dedication allowed us to offer several partial and full scholarships to multiple families! For some first-time campers, it was a new experience to go a whole day without being in front of a screen. For seasoned campers, this summer was a continuing exploration of nature. At Piedmont Wildlife Center (PWC), we not only connect children to nature, but foster a community of learning, teaching, creating, and playing together. Campers learn to respect themselves, each other, and nature in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and inquiry. 

We also encourage campers to grow on a personal level. Mentoring is an important part of our teaching philosophy. We host an outdoor leadership program, in part to train our future camp Counselors-in-Training (CITs), that teaches teens how to interact with their community, resolve conflicts, communicate effectively, and develop skills to help them in their personal and future professional lives. Several seasons ago, Ariane came to us as a quiet and reserved camper. During her time at PWC, she has opened up and gained confidence in her naturalist, social, and leadership skills. She is now in our CIT program, and this week has led activities and games for our fall campers, demonstrating her growth as a leader. Ariane wanted to share what she has gained here with you: “I have learned a lot from Piedmont in the 5 or 6 years I’ve been coming for camp. The campers and the staff have taught me to be my best self, and to have fun with it. The camp is less of a “camp”, and more of a family. Everyone knows each other, and we all feel comfortable and safe. Ever since I first started coming, be it during summer, spring, fall, or winter camp, the counselors and CITs have always felt like friends. What we do at camp is largely based on what everyone wants, there isn’t always a set plan, and I think that helps campers feel valid, and it makes everyone more satisfied overall. The camp really just gives off positive vibes, and I’m super glad I get to be part of the staff and contribute to this one-of-a-kind experience.”

Thank you for believing in the work we do at Piedmont Wildlife Center! Your contributions make it possible for others have an experience like Ariane’s.

Links:

• Outdoor Leadership program