News from the Friends of Reinstein

“Summer Camp: Inspiration in Action”

Explore. Discover. Connect.

Those three words capture the very essence of the “Kids in the Woods” summer camp. Side by side, campers and counselors explore nature all day long, making countless exciting discoveries. By making these discoveries, campers make a personal connection with nature. A sense of joy and spontaneity is paramount to the camp.

Counselors seek to guide and supplement the experience, not dictate it. Our focus is inspiring a sense of wonder in campers and forging lasting connections with nature. We aspire to be role models that teach kids how to love, respect, and have fun out in nature. If we don’t come back as muddy and breathless as the campers, then we didn’t do our job right.

When I designed the camp, I was greatly inspired by explorers, naturalists, and writers. They all had the same message: immersion in nature is a joyous and essential part of childhood. Let me show you how the ideas that inspired the camp translate into powerful experiences.

~ Brittany Rowan, Camp Director

“It is not half so important to know as to feel.” ~ Rachel Carson
“Every child should have tadpoles, frogs, mud, trees to climb, butterflies, pinecones, rocks to roll…”
~ Luther Burbank

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.” ~ John Muir

“If children are to keep alive their inborn sense of wonder, they need the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”
~ Rachel Carson

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Dry words and dry facts will not fire hearts.” ~ John Muir

“The sensory approach is vital for the personal awareness of nature that we hope to achieve. Doesn’t it accomplish more to immerse the campers in nature than to tell them about it?” ~ Steve Van Matre

“When your child comes home messy, your child probably…
Worked with a friend
Solved a problem
Created a masterpiece
Learned a new skill
Had a great time.”
~ Sandy Dixon

“For special places to work their magic on kids, they need to be free to climb trees, muck about, catch things, and get wet – above all, to leave the trail.” ~ Robert Michael Pyle