by Andy Smith
Before coming to work at Schoolhouse of Wonder this past fall I had a wonderful experience coming out to teach for the day at Bear Camp. Having taught wilderness skills for the past few years I was asked to come out and teach some classes for part of the day. I was very excited to accept this offer and talked with the leader of this camp, Sarah about what I might share.
After all of the teens arrived we found ourselves walking towards the woods. The group briefly stopped by my car along the way and several campers helped me carry my bow, arrows, baskets, bowls, and a few other items I had brought to share. Before entering the woods Sarah stopped the group and asked if the teens remembered how to get to the camp which they had established back in the woods the day before. As we drifted into the woods I noticed two distinct things. First there were no trails here and second the campers were leading the way. A few times the counselors stopped the group to give a few suggestions and ask the group about landmarks, and this seemed to greatly help. The Counselors never took over, but helped the campers explore the methods of how to navigate through the woods with a healthy awareness of their surroundings.
Upon arrival at the camp area we were all happy to settle in around the fire circle. Sarah reminded the group that it is respectful to ask the guest to sit in the West. I was honored and surprised as the teens quickly figured out which direction was West and shifted their positions to create a space for me to sit. A smudge was lit and each Camper gave voice to what they were thankful for on this day. I spent the morning teaching classes and sharing with the campers. They learned throwing sticks, shot bows, stalked quietly through the woods, enjoyed woods crafts, worked on shelters, and much more. As we talked about all of the skills and things we needed to survive we also talked of the responsibility people have to be caretakers of the earth. I walked away very impressed with these teens and all they were learning. I was also very excited with the wonderful mentoring environment in which the staff at Schoolhouse had created.
