Follow the Gleam: Walter Mehring
Hi y’all, Sarah Kujawski here, daughter of Nature Camp Caretaker, Ventry Smith. Growing up, I heard all these stories of this place called Nature Camp.…
Spring Service Weekend – MAY 16-18
Registration Now Open!!!
Summer staff and campers will be arriving at Nature Camp in just a few weeks, and we would love your help getting ready! Join your old friends and make some new ones May 16-18, 2025 for a weekend of service and fun!
Please note the policy on attendance by minors:
Any minor (under the age of 18) attending must be accompanied by an adult who has LEGAL AUTHORITY to sign the waiver on their behalf.
Check in at the LS when you arrive to confirm that we have your waiver and to get a wristband for meals.
In addition to many of our critically important recurring tasks like cleaning, clearing brush, trimming trees, and replacing siding, we will be looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help grade and improve the parking area at the end of the road that the summer staff will be using. Bring sturdy rakes, shovels, dig bars, tampers, and gloves if you have them! We will also be working on improving drainage away from several of the buildings, which will require the same tools and skills.
Lastly, we are requesting a couple of people volunteer to stay Sunday afternoon to wrap up the ending tasks like trash management, closing up shutters, and making sure that kitchen items and tools have all been collected and returned to proper places.
Bring clothes you can get dirty or painted, and whatever tools you imagine yourself most likely to use or be willing to share. It will be MUCH easier to use your familiar tools than to find items in the Camp supply! Please mark your name on items to be shared so that they will find their way home. Bring any instrument(s) that you play or try to play, and you will be welcomed into the joyful noise in the evenings. Be assured that there is work and fun for everyone who is able to attend and all are welcome for whatever time available.
Meals are provided Friday dinner through Sunday lunch and will be delicious. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available and we make every attempt to accomodate any food allergies. Snacks and nibbles are always available.
The bunkhouses (bunk beds with mattresses, but no bedding provided) will be open for those who would like to stay at Camp Friday and Saturday night and camping space is available for tents on the recreation field as well as in the surrounding National Forest. Remember that temperatures at night can be very chilly so bring clothes and bedding to keep you warm in the unheated facilities. There are hotels in nearby Raphine and Lexington for those wanting to make reservations for more luxurious accommodations.
Families with children are welcome at Service Weekend but childcare is not available and those under 18 are required to have an adult guardian with them.
If you have not already done so, please fill out the registration form and sign the waiver. There you will be able to identify your lodging plan and note any special needs (like a bottom bunk) and any dietary restrictions. If you have questions about any aspect of the facility or tasks, please contact me!
We look forward to seeing you at Camp soon!
Adam Rotche
Service Weekend Coordinator
serviceweekend@naturecampfoundation.org
