The Lynxes, the 11-12 year-olds, have been studying knots, building tarp shelters, and practicing one-match fires to boil water. Tomorrow morning at dawn, they will be embarking on a journey together – but in silence – to a special site nearby on Lake Ninevah. Each Lynx camper sets up their own sleeping tarp and has the whole day to be with themselves and the natural world. After a shared meal, a brief breaking of silence, and a dip in the lake, the group goes back into silence until dawn the following morning when they return to camp.
The Coyotes, the 13-14 year-olds, have also been working hard. They have been learning how to build debris shelters, which are insulating shelters made out of sticks and leaves and lined with a fir bough “mattress” (which is not only comfy, but also smells amazing!). They have already selected their special spots (which are in a ring in the woods surrounding our blueberry field) where they will spend all 24-hours alone. Another part of their challenge is to reflect on the following questions:
What in your life do you wish to leave behind?
What do you wish to step into?
We use the solos as a way to mark a change or transformation in campers’ lives. More than just a time to practice skills, the
Coyote solo is a chance for campers to self-reflect within the silence and timelessness of a wild place. They are each crafting an “intention statement” that they will state as they cross the threshold into away from the safety of camp and into their solo spot.
I asked some campers from each group, both new and returning, for their thoughts about solos. The general feeling was a mix of nervousness and excitement. Campers reflected on how their solos last year helped them feel more independent and okay with being alone. Some of their reflections that stood out to me:
“It was less about my experience, and more about paying attention to the world around me and the wild creatures. When you take time to notice what’s around you, you can’t help but be grateful.”
“It taught me to know my own worth. After being in silence, you take more time to choose what you want to say.”
“I’m excited to spend time with myself, like an extended silent meeting. I want to tap into by body and heart and see what’s going on, although I’m nervous about it.”
“Last year was fun. I learned that you should always gather more firewood than you think, and how to be resourceful and self-dependent.”
“I did things however I wanted to do them. I automatically do things differently when I’m alone, like I made up a dance last year – I wouldn’t do that with others around.”
“I liked sleeping in a tarp shelter. I felt connected with the earth. I learned how to calm down, and that it can feel good to be alone.”
After solos, we have what we call a Story Council, where each camper gets a chance to share the story of their solo with everyone. I can’t wait to hear more reflections in just a couple of days. Campers always seem changed after their solos – strong, wild, fully of life, and happy to see their community again. It’s powerful what just sitting in nature alone for a full day and night can do…