The Wonder of Camp - Camp Photography, Northern Arizona
The soft whisper of pines trees and tall blades of grass. The warm silence of sun beams wrapping around your skin. Bright laughter and quick running footsteps as friendships grow. Soft chirps from above. The relentless question, "When is lunch?" The sounds of camp!
Last week I welcomed back the camp season as I worked at an educational camp, documenting students getting lost in the wonder of camp. And I've been getting lost too! I never went when I was younger, but working at camp, especially as a photographer and filmmaker, allows me to see all the affects such a place can have on youth.
Some of my favorite moments at camp are ones of discovery. Watching students collect invertebrates and marvel at the strange little organisms is a great way to start a morning. There's usually a horny toad near by that all the students want to hold, but the best is when they shout, "Shicheii! Grandpa!". When they stumble upon a plant they've yet to notice in their day to day life they want to show you everything about it. There's always a group of girls who realize they are surrounded by an endless amount of flowers to accessorize with and want all their friends to let them weave small petals into their hair. As kids climb through lava tubes, there is a soft glow of enchantment on their faces as they overcome their fears and trek through the dark hallways. That's when I realize it's not just discovery of nature that is exciting to watch, but the students' personal discovery of themselves and what they are capable of too. The opportunity to watch students develop and discover their potential leaves me in awe of the wonder of camp.
