Three years ago we started doing overnight camping and backpacking trips with campers ages nine and up.

One of my counselors remarked after one overnight: “I want to be involved in all the campouts, as that is when the big learning happens.” It’s true. Having been a part of dozens of campouts with kids, I am always amazed at home many ‘firsts’ we have in each group, and how rich the whole experience is with learning and growth.

Two summers ago, we were camping out in survival shelters that the kids had made during our Wilderness skills week (this year called Forts & Forests). For one of our campers, it was her first time camping. Ever. She was so excited and nervous, arriving that afternoon with a giant smile, and an air mattress to match. We managed to wedge the air mattress into the shelter, and find just enough space for the other girls to create their nests too. We chatted and told silly stories at bedtime, bonding in a way that one only bonds through new and boundary pushing experiences. She slept like a baby through the night, and woke up with a deep love of camping and the outdoors. (She is returning to Santa Fe this summer to do the same camp this year!)

On our two-night backpacking trip last summer, we hiked from Santa Barbara campground, hauling heavy packs and enduring rain and weary muscles, some kids hoping all the work would be “worth it.”

I witnessed the layers of civilization peel away the farther we hiked. After a few miles, the chatter of video games disappeared as the kids attuned to the real world in front of them: birds chattering, the rushing river below, trees spiraling impossibly tall above us, and mountain weather shifting from sun to rain.

The rain was steady for the last hour of our hike. We donned our rain gear, checked in, and forged ahead. We worked together to cross a river and set up tarps to keep the rain off of us while we waited out the storm.

Sure enough, the clouds lifted shortly after our arrival and we were left with a glorious evening surrounded by tall peaks, misty clouds clinging to their flank.

These are the experiences our kids will remember from their childhood. The hardship of wet clothes and heavy packs followed by a beautiful sunset and an evening around the fire turns into a life experience that builds confidence and a belief in their ability to overcome challenges anywhere in life.

At the end of the trip we asked the kids, “What is the ideal amount of time spent in nature for you and your family?” Every single person expressed a desire to spend MORE time in nature. Here’s to more time in nature!!

And yes, the verdict was unanimous that the challenge of hauling heavy packs up the mountain trail was definitely “worth it.”

As Camp Director, the days I get to spend outside with the kids are the best. I have vivid memories of those days, and usually a lot of photos to boot. I wrote down this memory to remind me of all the fun we had last summer, and the future fun waiting for us this summer up in the mountains!

Time with the Hummingbirds (Hummers are 5-6 year olds)

As I approached the group, joyful chattering and squeals of laughter spilled from the trees.

Getting closer I could see a few kids lined up to leap over the river with the help of counselor Keifer. These little Mountain Kids! were building their confidence and dexterity with every leap.

Another small group were busy building a fort, working together to negotiate the best design, location and materials. Some important problem solving skills were at work here! Rebecca supervised the negotiations and construction crew, only intervening when necessary to ensure their safety.

Thomas had a third group clustered around him, listening to one of his magical stories. I love to see how the kids connect with the C.I.T.s. (Counselors in Training), responsible youth who can relate to their tender age.

I had come to make felted rock creatures with the kids. The day before we visited Los Golondrinas to watch a sheep get shorn and picked up some roving (sheep’s wool) to use for projects. Today we would turn this fuzzy mass into imaginative creatures of all shapes and sizes.

After rounding them up with a coyote howl, the kids were eager to get started. We discussed the qualities of a good rock for felting and had another briefing about river safety and buddies. With their buddy and a counselor, they scrambled off to find suitable rocks nearby.

Searching for the perfect rock is an art form, with rocks selected as varied as their personalities: Robin came back with lots of little rocks, while little Theo attempted to haul a giant boulder to the table. Jack brought three smooth, rounded rocks, perfect for medium sized creatures. The kids got to work wrapping, soaping, wetting and rubbing their rocks. Magically, and with some patient work, each rock became a soft rounded object, the kind that feels so good to just hold or keep in your pocket. Some were content with a soft rock, while others went to work gluing on googly eyes to make adorable creatures.

Everyone had worked up an appetite from all of the play and focussed art time, so we settled into a group circle for lunch. We listened to Keifer read a story while we filled our bellies with wholesome food.

After lunch, we hiked a little farther up the trail to a beautiful meadow where we played “Eagle Eye”, a game where most kids hide like mice and one “Eagle” uses all of his/her senses to find the mice while standing still.  We love to provide opportunities for sneaking and hiding, a child-passion that is hard-wired in kids.

Once our play was done, we gathered up in a circle to share our “Story of the Day” before hiking down the mountain and climbing into the adventure van to head back to Santa Fe, dirty, happy and tired.