20 Questions with a Camp Counselor: Ceara
Ceara was the head counselor for Group M (the youngest group) in the summer of 2023, and shares their experience at The Nature Place!
Q1: How many summers have you spent at The Nature Place?
I’ve spent three summers at The Nature Place!
Q2: What interested you about becoming a Nature Place Counselor?
I loved the idea of a non competitive camp, it was my dream as a camper to have a safe place to explore nature and I was eager to foster that environment.
Q3: What is your favorite Nature Place activity?
My favorite activity has to be mucking. There’s no better feeling than exploring the fairy streams around camp with my group each year.
Q4: What was your favorite memory from this summer?
This was my first summer with Friday share. I absolutely loved hearing all the groups sing Karma Chameleon in harmony, a real tribute to the magic happening during our music programming throughout the summer.
Q5: What originally brought you to The Nature Place?
The ability to work outside in nature all summer long!
Q6: What is your favorite memory from the summer?
A true favorite of many of our campers and mine as well, chicken man.
Q7: What was your first memory of The Nature Place?
One of my first memories, and one I still think back on often was my first year when we did our tie-dying activity. The Nature Place is a truly unique place in the sense that everyone’s individuality is celebrated. My campers brought all sorts of items to tie-dye and true to her nature one camper brought a princess dress which she dyed to represent a rainbow. It was one of my first moments where I felt true pride in my work. I was a part of an environment that fostered and cared for children’s spirits.
Q8: What are you most looking forward to next summer?
The hardest question yet! No summer is ever the same without The Nature Place, I think I’m most looking forward to seeing past campers and making new memories.
Q9: What advice would you share with a new camper starting at The Nature Place this summer?
Take a deep breath and come as you are. The Nature Place will welcome you with open arms, and I hope you are open to all we have to offer!
Q10: Who are you looking forward to seeing next summer?
Each summer I most look forward to seeing Scott Dunn, he is the heart and soul of The Nature Place and never fails to make us all smile with his songs each morning.
Q11: What is your favorite camp song
All I Really Need
Q12: What is your favorite spot at The Nature Place? (Examples: pond, enchanted forest, fairy stream etc.)
My favorite place is the fairy stream but a close second is being up at the pond near the farm.
Q13: What is the first thing you do after you wake up, to get ready for your day at The Nature Place?
I always like to start my day with stretching!
Q14: What is the first thing you do when you get home after a day at camp?
I find my cat, Dani and give her a big hug!
Q15: Where do you think the trolls go during the winter?
I’m a big believer in the fact that the trolls and the bugs here at camp are friends, and I have a strong feeling they’re invited and welcomed into trees and below the dirt to stay nice and warm.
Q16: What was your favorite part of your Almost Overnight?
Sitting by the campfire with my campers hearing them reflect on their time at camp.
Q17: If you could be an activity leader, what activity would you want to lead?
If I could be an activity leader I would absolutely love to be the farm activity leader!
Q18: What was the most unusual thing you saw in or that has come out of the Fairy Stream?
Muddy campers! Just kidding, on occasion I’ll catch a glimpse of a frog and that’s always pretty amazing.
Q19: What was your favorite activity?
I love day hikes!
Q20: If you had to sum up your experience at The Nature Place, what would it be?
Absolute magic.