Next Steps
Three campers hiking up a rocky trail in a forest, one wearing a pink cap and carrying a walking stick, and the other in a wide-brimmed hat, and the third in a white bucket hat. Campers on top of rocks at the top of a mountainYoung camper with backpack walking in the woodsPerson with curly hair sitting on the grass facing a campfire at night, holding a piece of wood, surrounded by others seated in a circle around the fire.Two campers holding white chickens
ENROLL NOW
Thoughts from the Trail

Still Hunting – Connecting with Nature Out on the Trails

January 23, 2026
A small yellow bird perched on a stem amidst vibrant pink and purple flowers in a field. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the bird and flowers in the foreground.

The History and How-To of Our Beloved Outdoor Ritual

-By Scott Dunn

Still hunting is a longstanding tradition at The Nature Place. Our founder, Ed Bieber, taught us that to truly experience and connect with nature, we need to create opportunities to quiet down and open our senses.

We love doing this with our camp groups when we find ourselves in a special spot on the trail.

It’s best if you can find an individual spot where there are no distractions—except for those offered by nature itself. Be silent, still, and open your senses.

Campers looking up at trees in the forest

I like to start with what I see, both in the distance and up close. It’s amazing how much there is to notice when you really look. Then I move to what I hear. The sounds of insects, birds, or leaves rustling in the wind are often overlooked when we don’t slow down and pay attention. Feeling the breeze or the warmth of the sun on your cheek, breathing in the fragrance of nearby flowers or decomposing logs—these moments bring us closer to truly being where we are.

Campers sitting by the river

Connecting with our surroundings is how we deepen our relationship with the natural world and better understand our place within it.

Summer Camp at The Nature Place

Here, campers spend 4, 5, or 6 weeks outdoors in a socially nourishing and non-competitive environment. Every experience—whether hiking a trail, wading through a stream, learning to swim, or enjoying a campout—builds confidence, connection, and joy. Our non-rushed schedule gives campers time to slow down, unwind from a busy school year, and have a real summer break.
Learn About a Typical Day at Camp

Share

All Blogs