By Sarah Hatfield
Edges. I learned during the last week of Day Camp that I am instinctively, predictably attracted to edges; elemental ones, where two forces meet or flirt or clash. I should probably elaborate on why I figured that out during Day Camp.
The last camp was Nature Totems, and the idea was to do a lot of exercises with the kids so that they can see how different plants and animals and elements and so on click with certain personalities. It was a way to investigate why their favorite animal is a tiger, or they love the water, or they shriek at the sight of a spider. I think it worked. At least, I know I discovered some things about myself, and other things about the kids were made clear when I learned about their chosen totems.
A totem is a being – animal, plant, element, spirit, etc. – whose energy or presence you have a strong connection to in your life. It may be for a very short time, or it may be for a lifetime. On the surface, we can say “My favorite animal is a cat” and leave it there. The idea behind this camp, though, was to look at why it was the favorite and learn about it a little bit more, and what it can bring to your life.
Nature is powerful, in all its aspects. It can destroy and it can heal, it can traumatize and it can relax. Nature may terrify one person, and be another’s sanctuary. The idea that we are connected to certain plants and animals is an ancient one. Most cultures across time have placed a huge significance on the presence of nature in lives, dreams, and relationships. We’re more connected when we remember that and discover it.
Back to the edges, now. Willows have always been a significant tree for me. I love the shape, the narrow leaves, the wispiness of them. They are flexible enough to be used as bows and dance with storms. And even when the wind is too much a breaks them, they sprout from roots and racemes and keep growing. And they thrive where water meets land. That edge is home to them, and because it takes the elements of water and earth, it seems particularly powerful.
Turtles are another totem, an animal that moves freely and ably between water and earth. An ancient symbol for many people, turtles have a long history of association with creation, heaven, earth, adaptability, connection to home, and adopting the right pace for the moment.
Spotted Salamanders live tucked in the safety of the earth, but depend on water, vernal pools, to reproduce. I chose yet another animal that depends on edges. Timing is everything for the salamander, the perfect temperature, a fine rainy night, and hope that the other salamanders feel the urge to move too.
If I have to choose some favorite places, they are all edges: beaches, ponds, swamps, rivers, and cliffs, overlooks, and sitting in a tall tree. The places between those elements seem powerful to me, like I can find strength from both forces to help me move through life. They are filled with energy.
You might be reading this thinking I’m totally off my rocker this time, with all this totem babble. And that’s fine. However, Day Camp taught me quite a bit this year, and if that can teach others, I’m going to share.
The kids in this camp surprised me. They thought about it, and many of their totems reflected them as accurately as anything can when you’re a child. I learned much from the kids, as well as my totems. This wasn’t the only camp that opened my eyes a little bit more, either.
Through a number of special topic camps, we all got a chance to connect more with the kids. In that connection, our teachings were stronger, the lessons greater. Just as a connection with a totem plant or animal can bring huge revelation to one’s life, so too it seems that forming a strong connection with the kids you teach is more rewarding for both student and teacher.
We’re always looking for better ways to teach. Judging from the amount of repeat kids in the camps, our teaching is good. And with these specialty camps, I noticed even in the instructors that there was more energy, enthusiasm and laughter. When people come together for a common interest, whether it is art, music, trees, woodworking, survival skills, things that fly, becoming a better naturalist, or discovering our connections to the earth, the bond is stronger.
Day Camp is over for the year. I am definitely breathing a sigh of relief. But camp is our most effective program, and there is a little bit of sadness in the sigh. I know I will be teaching over the winter, but nothing, absolutely nothing, matches the lessons of stalking, watching, building, sketching, or discovering that come with camp. Good summer, everyone.
Originally published in local papers 29 August 2009.
By Sarah Hatfield
By Sarah Hatfield







You can help. Don’t ever doubt your ability to help. Clean up trash in a stream, block off a section of heavily trafficked roads during salamander migration, protect habitat for nesting birds and egg-laying amphibians, support your local wildlife sanctuaries. There is so much you can do.

