The 2025 Spirit of the Wild Youth Summer Camp, hosted by the Nazareth Retreat Center, welcomed around 40 children for an expanded four-day experience. The camp launched as a one-day event in 2023, but grew this year with the help of generous donors. Set on the serene grounds of Nazareth, Kentucky, Spirit of the Wild offered a unique opportunity for children to encounter nature, creativity, and community.
Campers rotated through a series of one-hour sessions each day, engaging in activities that included meditation and yoga, drumming and music, ecology, nature exploration, and art. Each session was crafted to reflect values of care for creation and mindful presence in the natural world. Campers learned to slow down, listen, observe, and appreciate the sacredness of the earth.
The ecology sessions, led by Dr. Paul Gerard, stood out. With assistance from Nazareth AmeriCorps Volunteer Ashley Stout, Dr. Paul captivated the young audience with live snakes, tarantulas, turtles, and other creatures, conquering fears and sparking curiosity and plenty of questions. His hands-on approach brought science to life while grounding it in the understanding that all creatures are part of our common home.
A special feature of this year’s camp was the involvement of students from Presentation Academy, who served as teen leaders. Their guidance and support added another layer of connection for the younger campers, encouraging participation, friendship, and fun. The teen leaders joined group activities and served as positive role models throughout the week.
Thanks to donor support, the extended schedule allowed for deeper engagement and a more immersive experience. By the end, even those who were hesitant about sessions like meditation or drumming learned to embrace calming techniques and creative expression. Campers left not only with new friends and memories, but also with a greater appreciation for nature.