Thoughts on the Bear Program

 I can only make out mere outlines of the people who walk before me into the dark forest. Our footsteps cause the pine needle-laden path to softly crunch beneath our feet, creating a unique harmony with the sound of the slight breeze that rustles through the leaves above us. No one has spoken, which is sort of remarkable given the fact that the fuzzy shapes meandering through the woods in front of me are my fourteen-year-old campers. 

 It is the last night of camp and my co-counselor and I framed this night hike as a period of quiet reflection for our Bear campers. They place one foot in front of the other with assurance, trusting the person in front of them to lead them to our destination. We weave through fallen trees, nimbly tiptoe over a stretch of boards and finally trudge up a ridge to emerge on a hill bathed in moonlight. The group remains silent for a few moments as we take in the sight of the striking full moon which is rising through the pines sprawled out before us. 

 We form a circle and begin our last rose, bud, thorn, a ritual we share each night to reflect on the highs and lows of our day. This time, we asked our Bears to share about the last three and a half weeks spent together. 

 In hushed voices, they spoke of transformation- of overcoming personal and collective obstacles and evolving as a group. They shared anecdotes about pushing their limits during our backpacking trip, the excitement of catching their first fish, and the lessons learned through difficult social moments that became turning points for growth. Each story, whether lighthearted or reflective, revealed just how deeply these Bears have been changed by their time on the hill. With arms wrapped around each other, they thanked their cabinmates for spending the last three and a half weeks alongside them, for sharing both laughter and tears, and for forming meaningful friendships. 

 This night hike, and the rose, bud, thorn that followed, perfectly encapsulated the beauty of the Bear program. This summer served as a chance for these campers to put into practice the culmination of every skill and lesson that was learned in all other years of camp. Stewardship is a pillar of these campers’ time at Glen Brook and creates an enriching experience not only for them, but for the entire community for which they are serving. From turning bland pieces of plywood into colorful masterpieces for the dance they hosted, to devoting a morning volunteering at the local library, they found purpose (and joy!) in serving others.

 Simply put, this summer the Bears gave back to Glen Brook and in return made unforgettable memories, persevered through challenges, and formed close connections that are sure to last no matter the distance and months spent apart. 

 The Bears’ reflections truly illustrate how each camper who steps foot on the meadow, splashes around in the lake, and opens a songbook during evening singing leaves a lasting mark on Glen Brook—and is, in turn, shaped and enriched by their time spent at camp.

-Rachel Pinstein, Bear Leader