The Educational Value of Nature Retreats

Packing for camp is part of the adventure — but knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) can make a big difference in your camper’s comfort and confidence. Whether it’s their first overnight camp or they’re seasoned pros, we’ve rounded up the ultimate camp bag checklist — including the tried-and-true basics and some fun personal touches. ✅ Camp Essentials - T hese are the must-haves every camper needs to stay safe, clean, and ready for anything: Refillable Water Bottle – Hydration is key! Bonus if it has a carabiner for easy clipping to backpacks. Sunscreen & Bug Spray – A camper’s best defense against sunburn and mosquito bites. Flashlight or Headlamp – For nighttime bathroom trips or stories under the stars. Rain Jacket or Poncho – Because mountain weather likes to surprise us! Sturdy Shoes – Hiking boots or trail shoes that are already broken in. Day Pack – Something small for day hikes and activities. Toiletries in a Zip Bag – Think toothbrush, biodegradable soap, and a small towel. Clothing Layers – Mornings are cool and afternoons are warm up here — layers are your friend. 🎒 Personal Touches We Love - Campers like to personalize their experience, and these little extras often make the biggest memories: Favorite Stuffed Animal – Even big kids sometimes want a soft friend from home. Deck of Cards or Travel Game – Great for free time or rainy days in the cabin. Journal or Sketchbook – Camp is a time for reflection, doodles, and big ideas. Pre-addressed Postcards – Makes writing home easy and fun! Photos from Home – A mini photo album can ease homesickness for new campers. 🚫 What Not to Pack - A few things are best left at home: Phones, tablets, and electronics Candy or food (it attracts critters!) Expensive or sentimental jewelry Anything you’d be heartbroken to lose

There’s something special about the mountain air, the sound of laughter drifting across the meadow, and the satisfaction of a job well done. At camp, community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. And volunteers? They’re the lifeblood. Whether you’re flipping pancakes at breakfast, helping with trail maintenance, or guiding campers through their first paddleboard ride, volunteering at camp offers more than just a helping hand—it creates meaningful connections, lifelong memories, and lasting impact. Here are a few reasons why volunteering at camp might be the best thing you do this year: 1. You Make a Real Difference Volunteers help keep camp running smoothly, cleanly, and joyfully. Your efforts directly support our mission, whether you’re behind the scenes or right in the action. Every weed pulled, dish washed, or encouraging word shared with a camper ripples outward in powerful ways. 2. You Gain New Skills (or Dust Off Old Ones) From learning how to belay a rock wall to running a kitchen for 50 hungry campers, volunteering is a hands-on way to gain practical skills. It’s also a great way to apply your unique talents—whether you’re a carpenter, a photographer, a naturalist, or a nurturing soul who’s great with kids. 3. You Join a Community Camp volunteers often tell us they came for a day and stayed for the friendships. There’s something about shared work and shared purpose that bonds people quickly. Whether you volunteer solo or bring a group, you’ll find yourself welcomed into a warm and appreciative community. 4. You Spend Time in Nature Let’s face it—we all need more time offline and outdoors. Volunteering at camp gives you a front-row seat to blue skies, peaceful trails, and the kind of quiet that helps you breathe a little deeper. 5. You Set an Example When campers and guests see volunteers giving freely of their time, it makes a powerful impression. You become part of the story we tell our youth: that giving back matters, that service is joyful, and that every person has something valuable to offer. Ready to Make a Difference? Whether you’re a high schooler looking for service hours, a retiree wanting to give back, or a family looking to volunteer together, we’d love to have you join us. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the season, from one-time projects to ongoing roles. Come as you are. Leave inspired. 👉 https://www.buckhorncamp.org/volunteer

If you've ever wandered the trails at Buckhorn Camp, you've likely noticed the towering, reddish-barked trees that frame our paths, shade our cabins, and scent the air with a hint of butterscotch or vanilla. These are Ponderosa pines — one of the most iconic and beloved trees of the Rocky Mountains. A Tree that Tells a Story Ponderosa pines aren’t just beautiful — they’re storytellers of the forest. Their tall, straight trunks and distinctive puzzle-piece bark hold years of history in their rings, surviving wildfires, droughts, and deep winter snows. Their resilience mirrors the spirit of Buckhorn itself: strong, rooted, and full of quiet wisdom. Stop and Smell the Bark Next time you're here, try this: find a mature Ponderosa, especially one basking in the sun, and lean in close. Many of them give off a sweet scent — some say butterscotch, others swear it's vanilla or even cinnamon. Either way, it’s a small bit of magic hiding in plain sight. Home to Many These trees are more than scenery. Ponderosa forests are alive with activity. From Abert’s squirrels and woodpeckers to the tiniest insects and hidden fungi, a whole ecosystem thrives among the pines. The trees provide shelter, food, and even act as fire buffers when healthy and well-spaced — a testament to the balance of nature. A Symbol of the West The Ponderosa pine has long been a symbol of the American West. Here at Buckhorn, they remind us of our connection to this land — to the rhythms of nature, the importance of stewardship, and the joy of pausing beneath a rustling canopy of green. So whether you’re visiting for camp, a retreat, or a quick breath of mountain air, take a moment to appreciate our pine-covered hills. The Ponderosas are waiting.

There’s something truly special about gathering around a crackling fire as the stars twinkle overhead. The warmth of the flames, the quiet of the night, and the circle of friends, family, or fellow campers create the perfect setting for one of the oldest traditions in human history—storytelling. At Buckhorn Camp, campfire stories are more than just entertainment; they are a way to build connections, spark imagination, and create lasting memories. A Tradition as Old as Time For centuries, people have gathered around fires to share stories—tales of adventure, lessons of wisdom, and even a few spine-tingling ghost stories. Around the campfire, stories come alive, bringing laughter, wonder, and sometimes just the right amount of suspense. Whether it’s a retelling of a classic legend, a personal adventure, or a creative tale spun in the moment, storytelling at camp is a tradition that ties us to the past while shaping the experiences of the present. The Power of Campfire Stories 1. Bringing People Together A campfire is a natural gathering place. Sitting in a circle, everyone is on equal ground, sharing in the experience. Storytelling fosters connection—between friends, family, and even strangers—by creating shared emotions and experiences. 2. Sparking Creativity and Imagination Unlike movies or TV, campfire stories rely on words, voices, and expressions to paint a picture. The listener's imagination fills in the details, making the experience unique for each person. Kids and adults alike get to flex their creativity, whether by crafting their own stories or getting lost in someone else’s. 3. Teaching Lessons and Values Many traditional campfire stories carry messages of bravery, kindness, or wisdom. Some have been passed down through generations, teaching important lessons in a way that sticks. Even spooky stories, told with just the right mix of suspense and humor, can teach campers how to face fear in a safe, supportive setting. 4. Creating Lasting Memories Ask anyone about their favorite camp memory, and chances are, a campfire story will be part of it. The way a storyteller’s voice rises and falls, the flickering shadows of the fire, the mix of excitement and suspense—these moments stay with us long after the embers fade. How to Make Your Campfire Stories Unforgettable Want to be the one who tells the story that everyone remembers? Here are some tips for crafting a great campfire tale: Use your voice: A good storyteller changes their tone, whispers when needed, and builds suspense with pauses. Engage your audience: Ask questions, get them to repeat key phrases, or let them make sound effects. Set the scene: Describe the setting with vivid detail to pull listeners into the world of the story. Play with expectations: Sometimes the best stories take an unexpected twist at the end. Know your audience: Keep it fun for younger kids, add a touch of mystery for older campers, and always be mindful of what’s just the right amount of scary. The Stories Live On Long after the fire dies down, campfire stories continue to travel—retold by campers to their friends, carried home to family, or reimagined in new ways. At Buckhorn Camp, we cherish this tradition and the way it weaves into the magic of camp. So, next time you find yourself sitting by the fire, don’t just watch the flames—share a story. You never know who might remember it forever.

Nestled high in the mountains, Buckhorn Camp offers more than just a getaway—it provides an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, find peace in simplicity, and experience the profound benefits of time spent outdoors. In a fast-paced world filled with screens, schedules, and stress, it’s easy to overlook the importance of stepping outside and taking a deep breath of fresh mountain air. But science and experience alike tell us that time in nature is not just enjoyable—it’s essential for our well-being. The Science of Nature’s Impact Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Studies show that being in a natural environment enhances cognitive function, boosts creativity, and even strengthens the immune system. Forest bathing, a Japanese practice known as shinrin-yoku, involves immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. It has been linked to increased relaxation and decreased anxiety. At Buckhorn Camp, the towering pine trees, rustling aspen groves, and open mountain vistas provide the perfect setting for this kind of restoration. Unplugging to Reconnect A retreat at Buckhorn means stepping away from the constant buzz of notifications and distractions. Without the pull of digital devices, visitors find themselves more present with those around them. Conversations deepen, laughter comes more easily, and shared experiences create lasting memories. Whether it’s gathering around a campfire, hiking a scenic trail, or simply listening to the wind through the trees, being at Buckhorn invites people to slow down and savor the moment. Discovering Faith in the Stillness For many, time in nature is also a time to reconnect with their faith. The quiet beauty of the mountains provides a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Whether in a moment of solitude beneath the stars or in a heartfelt conversation by the lake, Buckhorn offers an environment where guests can deepen their relationship with God and find clarity in their spiritual journey. The awe-inspiring landscape serves as a reminder of something greater than ourselves, inviting all who visit to listen, seek, and grow in faith. A Place for All Whether you’re a family looking for a quiet retreat, a group seeking team-building opportunities, or a student discovering the outdoors for the first time, Buckhorn offers a welcoming space for all. Our summer camps introduce kids to the joys of outdoor adventure, while our retreat facilities provide a peaceful refuge for reflection and renewal. With every visit, guests leave with a refreshed spirit and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature. Plan Your Escape Buckhorn Camp is open from May through October, offering a range of experiences tailored to different groups and needs. Whether you’re interested in attending a summer camp, hosting a retreat, or simply finding a place to disconnect and recharge, we invite you to experience the magic of the mountains. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step outside, breathe deeply, and let nature do the rest. We hope to see you at Buckhorn soon!

Campers go gaga for Gaga Ball!

Taking time to unplug isn’t just about stepping away from screens—it’s about stepping toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. By setting boundaries, creating a structured plan, and immersing yourself in nature, you can recharge and rediscover what truly matters. A digital detox isn’t about deprivation; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Spending time in nature has proven benefits for reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being. Green spaces like parks, forests, and gardens provide a calming escape from urban life, lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation. Research shows that exposure to natural elements such as fresh air, sunlight, and soothing sounds can reduce anxiety, boost mood, and improve cognitive function. By immersing yourself in nature, you can recharge mentally and physically, building resilience to life's challenges while fostering a sense of peace and balance.

Spiritual growth is a natural outcome of camp life, as campers immerse themselves in practices and activities that nurture faith and foster connection. Whether through quiet moments of devotion or the joyful energy of group worship, these experiences help individuals grow closer to God and one another, leaving a lifelong impact on their spiritual journey.