by Lucy Caudill
When I applied to work with Schoolhouse of Wonder as a camp counselor last summer I had no idea what an incredible experience awaited me! Schoolhouse of Wonder is an amazing place!
Camp mornings began with Sarah and Hope playing guitar as the parents dropped their children off at West Point Park. Then we’d head off into the woods, sit in a circle under the forest canopy, and pass the smudge stick around the group. We’d leave those morning circles committed to making each day a great one. I’ve never been around a group of adults so committed to maintaining a genuinely good attitude! I learned from my co-counselors not only how to get along, but how to better enjoy each moment and each other as we worked to make the camp experience fantastic, especially for the campers.
And what great campers they are! Each camp was made up of ever-curious, ever-playful, sensitive, and rowdy kids. We spent our days running around in the woods, playing games, and lounging in the Eno River. I was challenged in ways, as well as adored in ways I never expected. I loved sitting on the riverbank learning new songs, as well as going on adventures to see snakes, spiders and crawdads. Having spent so many years cooped up inside, I was excited but challenged to enjoy being covered in dirt everyday and being soaked by the summer rains. And I was pleased to see the parents smiling when they arrived to pick up their very dirty, tired campers. Schoolhouse parents are awesome!
I think the campers that made the most difference in my life are the young women who attended Luna Camp. These women are absolutely incredible! They created fire with just a bow, moved the earth, lifted each other up to the sky, and committed themselves to having a good time regardless of how they felt they “fit in.” They shared an amazing appreciation for each other’s character, and created an empowered and supportive community.
After spending the summer with Schoolhouse of Wonder I felt more connected to the earth and to my true self. I hope you will all keep on playing, taking care of the earth, and taking care of one another!
