Into the Woods

We've returned from a wonderful week in the Mendocino Woodlands forest and I can't wait to go back!

The Ross (Residential Outdoor Science School) program was top-notch from beginning to end.

It was a completely unplugged week of community, learning, playing and breathing in the deep, unspoiled redwoods.
Ahhhh......

The camp itself is very simple, with vintage well-kept cabins, bath houses and a main dining hall that is well loved. It seems to hold the echo's of countless folk dances, wonderful shared meals and stories told in front of the fireplace.

The excellent staff of naturalists led small groups of the kids into the woods and onto the beach each day to sing, explore, write and learn in a playful and relevant way. Annie loved "Wolf" her naturalist. I trusted the team completely!

On top of all this juicy goodness, as I sat and painted with friends, sipped tea and visited with other parents, my friend Deanne was taking some time to teach herself the hammer dulcimer. The sounds became a kind of soundtrack making our time more magical and uplifting.

I would describe Annie experience as ecstatic.
Doesn't it show?

The sky is blue. The trees smell good.
I like the sound of the waves.
I feel like one of the trees.

A poem written by Annie during Ross Camp