Blog content written by Zach Eigenbrodt, Executive Director
The woods have always felt like home to me. There is a specific kind of peace found in the forest that leaves me feeling rejuvenated, but it’s also a place of discovery. It’s where I feel most comfortable, yet most pushed to explore and test my limits.
I know that’s not the case for everyone, but I was fortunate to grow up in a family where camping, hunting and trapping weren't just hobbies—they were a way of life. Because of that, my life has been defined by a constant sense of curiosity and the freedom to simply wander.
I still remember my dad teaching me how to use a compass at an early age. He’d send me off into the trees with a simple, trusting piece of advice: "Just explore. If you get lost, head south and you’ll find the road."
That instruction gave me more than just a direction; it gave me the confidence to be curious—a trait that serves me just as much today as it did then.
The Power of "I Wonder..."
I believe it is vital for all of us to have the opportunity to connect with the outdoors. It doesn't always have to happen in the "deep wilderness." Whether we are paddling a kayak across a glass-still lake or simply sitting on a bench in a local park, there is a transformative power in pausing to take in the natural space around us.
When we connect with nature, we aren't just getting fresh air or exercise (though the physical and mental health benefits are massive); we are finding a rare sense of calm that allows for internal reflection. Nature provides a unique "mental clearing" that sparks creativity and invites us to ask exploratory questions again: “I notice this...” or “I wonder why” and even “this reminds me of...”"I notice this..." "I wonder why..." "This reminds me of..."
Embracing the Curveballs
Of course, nature isn't always serene sunsets and calm waters. It is, by its very definition, unpredictable. A sudden downpour during a hike, a shift in the wind while paddling or a trail blocked by a fallen limb—these are the "curveballs" the natural world throws our way.
But there is a hidden gift in that unpredictability: it builds resiliency and flexibility. When we step outside, we quickly learn that we cannot control the environment; we can only control our response to it. Facing these moments head-on teaches us to adapt, to troubleshoot and to find a way forward, even when conditions aren't "perfect." It’s a reminder that we are far more capable and durable than we often give ourselves credit for. It helps us add “this too shall pass” to our inner dialogue, earmarked to be used for all other hardships that we will encounter.
Meeting People Where They Are
At Camp Gorham, we see this magic happen every day because we meet people exactly where they are. Connecting with the earth shouldn't feel like a chore, but rathermeaningful to the individual.
For some, that connection happens at the waterfront, feeling the rhythm of a kayak paddle or the quiet patience of catching a fish. For others, it’s found in the small, tactile details like turning over a mossy rock to see the hidden world underneath, smelling the damp, earthy scent of the pines or hearing the sharp, iconic call of a Blue Jay.
Sometimes, connection doesn't even happen on the ground. It happens at night, around a campfire, looking up to see the Milky Way and the flash of a shooting star, reminding us of the vastness we all belong to.
A Moment That Sticks with Me
There is one particular moment that always sticks with me. I was walking with a colleague to our Opening Campfire, which usually starts around sunset, and they mentioned how much they loved that specific short walk as the sun began to set over the marshy area. I looked, and they were right—the light was hitting the pines and ferns just perfectly, turning the entire forest into a shimmering, vibrant gold. We walked that path 6-10 times a summer and every time was as great as the one before!
That’s the beauty of the outdoors. It allows every person the opportunity to connect exactly how they want. There is no right or wrong way to love the woods. There is only the invitation to step outside, head into the trees and find your own version of "south."