Here is a guest blog written by a Flying Cloud parent on the transition to overnight camp:
“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”
― Mary Oliver
Like a thousand fire flies, the sparks whirled in a Naming fire last summer. The light cast a chestnut hue on the faces of my two sons; the fire’s heat was like a restless creature. They watched in silent wonder, entranced by the ceremony for older boys they did not know; it didn’t matter. They were hooked.
For months, they’ve relived those moments under stars and wind-tossed branches. And now, on the brink of their first overnight camp, they know many answers will unfold. The next three weeks will be time away from home. Instead of familiar smells and reassurances, they will live in yurts and eat meals from dog bowls.
Clocks are banished, as is the structure of their school days. Instead, they will immerse themselves in Flying Cloud time, with activities switched out by the weather and other vagaries of living in the woods. They’ll whittle, pump water, smoke jerky and tan leather.
I can only imagine what wondrous journey awaits them. Maybe they’ll discover animal tracks and wild edibles. Maybe they’ll move rocks in a stream all day. Maybe they’ll paint themselves with mud and blend into dappled forest in a camouflage game.
My hope is that this summer will confirm that the best places are outside. My hope is their curiosity will be unleashed. My hope is they’ll discover a place, a sense of belonging. We all have them; places that shaped us, places we revisit and measure our changes.
People ask me if I’m ready and I answer that I know they’re ready. Undoubtedly, there will be details I forgot to tell their counselors and items I forgot to buy. I examine the packing list again, noting a big item that is missing: letting go.
Maybe there should be a separate packing list for parents.
