A week of rain doesn’t stop the adventure as children gather at Nazareth Motherhouse Campus for Spirit of the Wild Summer Camp hosted by Nazareth Retreat Center. Throughout the week, campers are embracing the outdoors, exploring their creativity, and discovering new ways to connect with nature.
“What do you think of when you think of summer?” Campers are exploring the answers through activities focused on ecology, art and nature, rhythm, meditation, and mindfulness. The sprawling Nazareth campus provides countless opportunities for discovery, inviting children to observe the natural world, create artwork inspired by their surroundings, and engage with the sights and sounds of summer.
A highlight of the week is meeting a variety of animals, including snakes, tarantulas, salamanders, and turtles. Campers are also encountering some of the species that call Nazareth home, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the biodiversity found across the campus. These experiences spark curiosity and help children better understand the creatures that share their environment.
Rain showers may change some plans, but they also become part of the experience. Campers observe nature in a different way, finding beauty in puddles, plants refreshed by rain, and the wildlife that emerges throughout the week.
As the week continues, campers are learning to slow down and pay attention to the sounds of birds, the rhythm of rain, and the many small details often overlooked in everyday life. Along the way, they are making friends, building confidence, and deepening their appreciation for the beauty of creation.
Spirit of the Wild shows that some of the best summer memories are made not by escaping nature, but by stepping into it.