As the holiday season is upon us, there’s something in the air that takes me back to the wonder of childhood. Twinkling lights, frosty mornings, and the magic of gathering with family and friends all remind us of a simpler time when everything felt new and exciting. Finding a sense of awe as adults can feel like a rare experience, but it’s in these festive months we’re reminded of its importance. For me, it also connects deeply with what we create at Camp Rippling Brook, where rediscovering awe is woven into every camper's experience.
Seeing Through a Child’s Eyes
The beauty of childhood is that the world is still fresh and unexplored. A child can find joy in a snowfall, curiosity in a glowing fire, and magic in a story shared by a loved one. During the holiday season, we’re invited to tap into that childlike wonder once again. It’s a time to slow down, look around, and appreciate the small miracles that surround us daily – from the warmth of a cozy fire to the sparkle of a holiday light display.
At camp, we aim to keep alive this same sense of awe in every child who joins us. We create moments that remind them of the beauty in nature, the excitement of discovery, and the thrill of overcoming challenges. Through adventures like exploring outdoors, creating a new masterpiece, and learning new skills, campers learn to embrace curiosity and awe as part of their journey, developing a connection with the world around them that they’ll carry into their everyday lives.
Rediscovering Awe in Nature
Campers often experience awe most deeply in nature. Imagine a camper’s first encounter with connecting eyes with a deer in the woods, a playing in the rain, or taking a moment to listen to sounds of nature around us. Nature’s beauty can evoke a profound sense of wonder, even for those who may have never ventured beyond the city. The natural world, much like the holiday season, invites us to pause and marvel at the miracles that surround us.
This sense of awe isn’t reserved only for children – adults feel it too. Spending time outdoors, just as we do at camp, allows us to reconnect with the childlike amazement we may have forgotten. It’s a reminder that some of the most memorable and meaningful moments come not from big events, but from simple, quiet instances of beauty.
Finding Awe in Togetherness
The holidays are filled with laughter, love, and time spent with family and friends. At camp, we recreate this sense of togetherness in a unique way. Campfire stories, group challenges, and shared meals foster an environment where campers can connect with each other and feel part of something larger. For many, camp becomes a “second family,” a place where friendships are built on trust, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging.
As adults, finding awe in these shared connections reminds us of the value of our relationships and the joy that comes from togetherness. The holidays, like camp, bring us closer to others, grounding us in gratitude and joy as we connect with our families, friends, and loved ones.
Embracing Awe as a Lifelong Habit
Whether it’s during the holidays or a summer at camp, finding awe in the world is a habit we can all cultivate. At Camp Rippling Brook, we encourage campers to embrace every adventure with open eyes and open hearts, so they leave with a renewed sense of wonder that stays with them long after summer ends. For us, camp is not just a place for fun – it’s an invitation to rediscover joy, curiosity, and the beauty of the world, just as the holiday season does each year.
As we journey through this season of celebration, let’s remember to slow down, look around, and find awe in the little things. From the sparkle of frost in the morning, to the warmth of time spent with loved ones, there’s magic all around if we’re willing to see it. And just like the memories we make at camp, these moments of wonder are ones we can cherish, hold close, and return to year after year.
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