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Dear Parents,
As you know, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing has been conducting adventure based programs for young people since 1990. The purpose was and still is to conduct a program that offers young people a challenge which in turn increases self-esteem and confidence, provides leadership skills, and strengthens their overall character. In other words, we offer experiences and vital tools that will assist in a child’s development.
Recent experience indicates that there seems to be a decline in camp attendance in general. Unfortunately, there is no data available to indicate the cause of this trend. Some suggest 9/11, some say the economy, while others feel it is the concern of sexual predators and other related issues.
Personally, I have put much deliberation into this decline and would like to share some of my thoughts with you.
Over the past 30 years there has been a gradual change in the life style of the young people in our society. Urbanization has taken our young people further away from nature and the positive results associated with spending time in the wilderness hiking, camping and investigating the wonders of the outdoors. Although urbanization distanced young people away from the natural environment of the wilderness, it was a rather minor effect.
Many of you reading this letter will remember the days when it was totally safe for a child to leave the home and investigate their surroundings without the worries that are plaguing our society today. Gone are the days when a young person could kiss mom good bye, hop on a bike, meet friends and ride and explore as far as their excitement would take them. As long as we were home for dinner no one worried about our safety and our personal development continued unhampered. The opportunity to explore and investigate was a natural part of our childhood development.
It was and still should be a vital part of a child’s development. Unfortunately, the opportunity to explore, investigate and experience the wonders of nature on one’s own terms will probably never return.
There are other ways and means to provide similar positive experiences and growth development for young people. A camp experience offers a child the opportunity to grow mentally, physically and morally under the supervision of experienced and dedicated leaders.
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing goes a step further. WAEL was designed with the positive development of children in mind. WAEL is a program that offers a child the opportunity to learn the skills for living in the wilderness, participate in exciting outdoor adventures while gaining self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills.
In the last 10 years, with the continuing technical advancements of the internet, e-mails, cell phones, video games, i-pods; and the list continues to grow, the changes in our society are more evident and more drastic. The technological advancements that we have witnessed are a marvel and in so many ways have brought positive benefits to our society, but on the other hand it has taken away vital aspects of a child’s development and in some areas has introduced harm and a negative impact for parents who are dedicated on providing a wholesome environment for their child.
Statistics show that children are spending most of their free time in front of a television or in their room on a computer. A parent’s woes have changed from trying to get their child in the house to trying to get them out of their room. The computer is a marvelous tool and benefit to society in the education and advancement of a child, but too much of anything can be detrimental.
The experiences of what we offer at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing are no longer an extension of a child’s other experiences in life. They are a vital step in the full potential and development of a child. Most of the children who accept the “challenges” of Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing have never stepped foot in the wilderness or camped on the ground or tasted sassafras tea: never mind ever seeing it in its natural setting. When a child leaves our experience they have “grown” in physical and mental strength; they have increased their self-esteem and confidence; they have learned to endure minor hardships; they have learned to appreciate the small things in life and they have learned leadership skill and traits that will help them confront the many problems of life that they must face in the future.
If your child has attended Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing you know exactly what I am ranting about. Attending WAEL does not mean that every child will return. One time for one week, is enough for most who attend. But even that one time experience will change the outcome of a child’s future.
I want to share one e-mail from a parent whose child attended about 15 years ago. This is only one of many similar type letters that we receive from parents and participants.
“Just wanted to tell you that my son attended your camp—maybe one of your first years because he is now 27 and was a very young teen or pre-teen—he even graced the cover of your brochure for awhile. The difference in his confidence level was very obvious on his return home! He’s always been levelheaded and successful; working toward his master’s degree now, while leading up a web team for a local DoN contractor. I’ve often thought his week with you made a difference. I wanted to let you know that I’m STILL recommending people to you. I found the website so I could send it to two coworkers.
Good luck and keep up the great work!! So you are still there, doing what you do so well. Congratulations!”
Of course, I e-mailed back to thank the writer for her kind words. She sent back:
“I’ll take the opportunity to tell you all firsthand that the effort you are putting forth for these young people will be far-reaching and long-lived. My son was young and attended your camp at a time when life decisions are being made and peer pressure is so prevalent. The week really boosted his self-esteem and gave him strength in his own abilities. The result – he has never been “a follower”, but very strong in his own convictions. Thanks again for being so dedicated to our youth and molding some of our finer citizens, 12 at a time! Your investment is benefiting us all."
What we offer is not the most enticing product: no cabins, no soft beds, no a/c, no showers, no flush toilets, no home-cooked food. We offer a challenge to overcome adversity, to push ones self to your limits, to feel the overwhelming joy of achievement and to develop mentally, physically and morally.
My genuine thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Gene Nervo
Executive Director/Founder
800-782-0779 • P.O. Box 760
New Castle, VA 24127 • info@wilderness-adventure.com |
