20 Questions with an Activity Leader: Russ
Russ is the Outdoor Skills Activity Leader at The Nature Place Day Camp in addition to being a dad, trail runner, teacher, and wilderness search and rescue volunteer.
Q1:What is your favorite Nature Place activity?
Outdoor Skills, of course! With Day Hike being the runner-up.
Q2: What originally brought you to The Nature Place?
My wife learned about the Nature Place in a local parents’ Facebook group and after looking at the website, she thought that the camp’s nature-loving, stream-mucking vibe would be a perfect match for our then-four-year-old son, and also for me! The camp’s mission speaks loudly to me. One of my passions in life, as an Eagle Scout, wilderness search & rescue volunteer, and teacher who has run hiking and outdoor clubs, is helping to get others into the outdoors so that they appreciate and value nature. I was also interested in building a community that my son could be part of.
Q3: What has been bringing you back year after year?
The constant positive vibe and my son’s overflowing joy in the Nature Place.
Q4: What was your favorite memory from this summer?
Seeing the wonder in the face of campers when they first make a fire from the spark of steel striking flint.
Q5: What are you most looking forward to next summer?
Reconnecting with returning campers and staff, getting to know those new to The Nature Place, including the bow drill in the fire building curriculum, and finding new opportunities to weave Outdoor Skills into other parts of camp life, like day hikes, nature’s playground, and overnight trips.
Q6: What advice would you share with a new camper starting at The Nature Place this summer??
Go ahead and get dirty.
Q7: Who are you looking forward to seeing next summer?
The campers who I greet with a smile and a shout of “Welcome to The Nature Place” as they step out of their vehicle.
Q8: What is your favorite camp song?
“All I Really Need” – my son and I would sing it together on our drives to camp in the morning.
Q9: What is your favorite spot at The Nature Place?
The tree with the wind chime. When you are seated in the leaves’ shadow, a gentle breeze brings musical notes to dance above you, and you find yourself drawn to peace.
Q10: Where do you think the trolls go during the winter?
My closet – who else would make such a mess in there!?!?
Q11: What is your favorite camp tradition?
Cookie tree. Definitely. So far I’ve always managed to find a group who has never heard me sing before and lets me sing with them.
Q12: What was the most unusual thing you saw in or that has come out of the Fairy Stream?
Dry feet.
Q13: What is your favorite memory of Scott?
Connecting us with each other through the closing song and dance.
Q14: What is your favorite way to stay connected to The Nature Place during the winter?
When the cookie tree sends me a care package.
Q15: How do you get in touch with the Flower Fairy to tell them about a birthday?
You don’t need to tell the Flower Fairy, they just know. It’s magic!
Q16: Estimate how many times you have crossed the fairy stream bridge in your life?
If we are counting both fairy stream bridges, 728.
Q17: This or that, Morning share or Friday share?
Morning share – it lets our roots grow deep so we can blossom throughout the day.
Q18: What activities, besides your own, would you want to lead?
Day hiking. A day amongst the trees, under the blue sky with the warming sun, and the gentle breeze.
Q19: What advice would you share with a new Staff member starting at The Nature Place this summer?
Just be yourself because you are GREAT! Oh, and Jason really likes chocolate chip cookies.
Q20: If you had to sum up your experience at The Nature Place, what would it be?
Rejuvenating.