Camptown

Wilderness Therapy Uses Nature to Help People Heal

Don Schafer — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:22:05 +0000

National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Promise – January 09, 2012
By Max Greenberg

Wilderness Therapy Uses Nature to Help People HealMany of us have stories about taking solace in nature’s simple beauty, but few realize just how crucial a lifeline it can be. Take the story of 24-year-old Gwen Miller of Lombard, IL, who suffered traumatic abuse as a child and has since used nature as a refuge and emotional salve. Her goal is to help other survivors of childhood abuse recover through exposure to the outdoors: Miller’s [introduced people to nature] by leading inner-city kids on hikes and backpacking trips, as well as traveling to Washington, D.C., to lobby for legislation that encourages kids to go outside. Miller’s outdoor … >>> Read More

Camptown to Lead Boundary Waters Trip

Don Schafer — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:56:51 +0000

Camptown is preparing to lead a trip to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. Located in Northeastern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) has a ~million acres of wilderness, with over 1,000 pristine lakes and streams, and over 1500 miles of canoe routes. It is considered by some as the most beautiful wilderness they have ever seen. National Geographic named it one of 50 Destinations of a Lifetime. In other words, a trip you do not want to miss. The BWCA is a true wilderness experience, without motors, no electricity, no telephone lines, and no roads to the inner lakes. Each season has its own unique characteristics, making them wonderful times to visit the Boundary Waters. For more information on this trip of a lifetime check out our Adventure Trip page.

Can You Identify Where This Was Taken?

Don Schafer — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:27:41 +0000

This photo was taken during
our recent Youth Leader hike.
Do you know where we were?

Hint: It is in Indiana

Yes, This is School!

Don Schafer — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:44:50 +0000

On this day the 5^th graders from Christel House Academy were hiking trails, looking into the canopy, and chasing crawfish. This was a school day for these students but they were far from the classroom. Today they were at Ft. Harrison State Park as part of Camptown’s Eco Camp Day. The Eco Camp Day and How Wild is Your School? are two of Camptown’s nature education programs that we take to the schools. During these programs students will learn about habitats, ecosystems, and the impact of trash and recycling on our environment all through hands on interactive activities.

Camptown at Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Don Schafer — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:17:19 +0000

Camptown participated again in the Hoosier Outdoor Experience September 17th and 18th. Last year over 18,000 people visited the HOE and this year looked like a record crowd. This is the third year of HOE and the third year Camptown participated. Camptown had a family camp set up were participants could practice setting up a tent, play a game of corn hole or ladder ball, observe cooking demonstrations or just share camping stories and get questions answered.

Don Schafer — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:10:09 +0000

Going this trip helped me tremendously. I needed a transition before college. Getting to meet people from my college ahead of time and developing my skills has booted my confidence. I can’t wait to go to college and meet the rest of my fellow students. I can tell them about my trip instead of just saying I had a great summer. After this trip, I plan to show my leadership skills more and continue to speak up and be noticed. I am ready for any challenge Butler has to offer me.

Don Schafer — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:06:37 +0000

The hike was very different from others. But I thought Eric was very cool, he was very laid back which made the hike very interesting. My very favorite part of the hike was to see the overlook at buzzard rock, it was so nice. Besides the wind, and the fact that it was super cold. Also the first day of hiking we hiked 11 miles. Wow! J That was a crazy day I thought would never end. I got so upset I started saying things I do normally say. I was also hungry which make it really bad. Then the hills seem like it would never end – longest 2 miles in history. I about died. LOL One more thing before I go, I thought this trip made me think about life, and how I can achieve my goals mentally in the future. I just was to say Thanks Eric! PS Your really amazing Can’t believe I hiked 22 mile!

North Face Supports Camptown Youth Leaders Through Explore Fund

Don Schafer — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:16:41 +0000

Camptown was one of 52 organizations awarded a grant through The North Face Explore Fund. The North Face Explore Fund
grants will affect more than 30,000 young people across the nation. Camptown’s grant will help support our year long Camptown
Youth Leader Program. The Camptown Youth Leader program is a service and leadership program that includes monthly
meetings and at least one activity per month. Last year our Youth Leaders went canoeing, hiking, climbing, backpacking and put in 512 hours of service to the community.

“First-hand experience is essential to ignite a passion for the outdoors, and that shouldn’t be limited by gender, race or income level,” said Ann Krcik, director of outdoor participation at The North Face. “At The North Face, we’re dedicated to providing everyone with the access to our natural playgrounds and the resources they need to get outside.”

If you know of a student ages 12-18 that would be interested in joining the Camptown Youth Leader program, please contact us at info@camptown.net.

Grandpa

Don Schafer — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:05:32 +0000

“I was excited for Camptown. Hiking, camping, whitewater rafting. I’ve been hiking and camping since I was eight. When I was 12 we (me and my grandpa) was on a camping trip. My grandpa had a massive heart attack. I then vowed to never go camping gain. But then I went to Camptown. By going on this trip, it reminded me how good I am at camping and how fun it was. On Monday, I automatically got picked for leader. Everybody just wanted me to be their leader. So I was the leader. We started at the twin arches and ended at Jake’s Place. On the way there, I felt like I was hiking with my grandpa again. I moved throughout the line, front, back, middle, checking to make sure everyone was okay. On Tuesday, I was scout. I ran ahead of the group to check out any obstacles. If I did see any obstacles, I went back to the group and warned them to be careful. Even when I wasn’t leader or scout, I still solved problems. Such as there was one time where we came upon a huge trunk that blocked the trail. The whole group just stood there not knowing what to do because of Poison Ivy was there too. But, I figured if I climbed onto the trunk smashed down the poison ivy so we could get by. On Thursday, after rafting, Brandon told me about the youth group and I thought maybe this shouldn’t be my last time camping.”

Camptown Recieves IPL Golden Eagle Environmental Grant

Don Schafer — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:30:31 +0000

Camptown has been named as one of three Indianapolis Power & Light Company 2011 IPL Golden Eagle Environmental Grant recipients. Proceeds from this grant will bring nature education to urban youth through Camptown’s “How Wild is Your School” program, Eco Day Camps, and Canoe/River Clean-Up programs. These programs will give students the opportunity to see, touch and interact with the natural environment. These hands-on environmental education and nature experiences will help foster positive environmental attitudes while teaching sound environmental stewardship principles.

IPL Golden Eagle Environmental Grants provide funds for projects that will preserve, protect, enhance, or restore environmental and biological resources throughout IPL’s operating territory. Since 1993, IPL has contributed more than $1.2 million through this program.