Present On Purpose
“Present on purpose.”
Months ago, during summer preparation, these three words were chosen to be the guiding theme for this summer.
As Staff Director, Jeff Killebrew, says, “Being ‘present on purpose’ implies a level of intentionality. It means more than just being there for the sake of being there. You’re intentionally involved and present with those around you.”
The screen-free, outdoor, communal setting of camp certainly makes it easier to “be present,” but that can look like different things for different people.
Descending One Step At A Time
For Will Wilson, Outdoor Adventure Director, being “present on purpose” was especially helpful on a Linville Gorge trip this week. During the 3-day trip, boys and staff were hiking, rock climbing, and camping in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, within Pisgah National Forest. The dramatic views and rocky cliffs have earned the gorge the nickname “the Grand Canyon of the East.”
During the first day of the trip, Will set up a rappel line that the group would use to safely descend a steep rock cliff. Though the boys knew about the plan, actually viewing the steep rock in person was a different story.
“We got there and everyone was like, whoa, this is high up,” Will said, recalling the shift in the group’s mood as the boys became a little intimidated by the scale and steepness.
It’s daunting to look out over a high cliff, surrounded by a vast gorge, and trust that a rope will keep you safe. However, Will and the climbing staff reminded the boys to focus on each step, taking it one moment at a time rather than dwelling on the overall height or distance.
Being “present on purpose” helped make an intimidating experience manageable and rewarding.
Noticing The Small Things
Outdoor trip experiences can help you “be present” in a nature in a way that is difficult to replicate in the bustle of daily life. Will says, “my hope is for boys to be in situations on these trips where they can notice the small things. They can notice the leaf that’s curling and turning a bit orange, and they can notice the little moments in nature.”
For staff, the practice of being present also helps them be better trip leaders. There are a million small things to keep track of in order to have a successful trip.
“These trips take place in dynamic outdoor environments. Counselors have to be present so they can be aware of their surroundings and know what’s going on, in case they need to pivot any trip plans,” said Will.
Seeing weather changes and altering the route to a shorter trail. Spotting a cool salamander and pointing it out to the rest of the group. Noticing the mood change of your paddling partner and asking what’s on his mind. Realizing that someone in the hiking group needs their backpack straps adjusted for a better fit.
In all of these ways, staying present allows us to see and act on small things that would otherwise go unnoticed.
But, you don’t have to leave camp to be “present on purpose.”
Where Do You Feel Most Present?
Yesterday morning, cabin mates George and Anderson from Cabin 4 were fishing together by the Dining Hall bridge. They had a shady spot under an oak tree, and it was surprisingly quiet for being next to one of the busiest buildings in camp. There’s something calming about fishing, either alone or with a friend, that lets you just enjoy the moment.
Fishing wasn’t the only activity where they felt present.
“I feel most present at horseback,” said George. “Everyone knows me there.”
“I feel most present at pottery or woodworking,” said Anderson. “I like making animals in pottery.”
Being Present With Yourself
Eleanor Donohue, one of the Assistant Program Directors, had a more personal take on what it means to “be present.”
“At camp we talk about being present in nature and being present with each other, but it’s also important to be present in yourself,” she said. “We need those moments to be present and think about what our values and goals are.”
As a long-time camper at a nearby girls camp, Camp Ton-A-Wandah, Eleanor shared the Ton-A-Wandah Creed they used to recite together each night before taps.
Eleanor said the creed so often as a camper that she knows it by heart. She shared a portion of it, which says,
I believe in the whisper of the leaves, the strength of the trees, the call of the birds, the inspiration of the towering mountains and in every great lesson nature teaches. I believe in moments of silence, nights of quiet, when a girl can question her soul and find herself.
The same could be said for the boys (and staff) at camp here, too.
Over the past week and a half here at camp, boys have been free of deadlines, homework, school projects, traffic, and social media. They’ve been able to enjoy the company of friends, games, mountain views, morning birdsong, and the crackle of the campfire. They’ve been present, on purpose.