Children from the farthest reaches of Plumas County—Lassen and Yuba counties, too — flocked to Wild Plumas in Indian Valley to participate in Nature Made Camp.
A free outdoor youth program for K-12 kids, Nature Made is designed to promote resilience, instill hope, and create positive connections with nature and one another in the wake of the Dixie Fire.
Dan Kearns opened the day Aug. 11, with a ceremonial prayer giving thanks to Mother Earth with a Native American prayer passed down from a Washoe shaman. Children then chose from a variety of stations offering activities ranging from gold panning and swimming to rock climbing and zip lining.
The camp also offered a teepee filled with games where they could just “hangout” until they were ready to find their next adventure. The various activities allowed kids to find things that peeked their interest as well as to experience nature without inhibitions.
Teaming up with Plumas Rural Services, Dan and Josie Litchfield, owners of Wild Plumas, brought their brain child to life, giving community members of all ages an opportunity to spend time immersed in the beauty of nature while searching for healing after the tragedy of the Dixie Fire.
Mark Wellman, a world renown climber, author and filmmaker, added inspiration to with the healing power of nature. The first paraplegic to conquer El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite, Wellman brought his “No Limits” mobile rock climbing program. He inspired participants by sharing his personal experiences, conveying strength and resilience and the ability to overcome insurmountable hurdles.
Plumas Rural Services and their staff and volunteers co-host the camp with Wild Plumas. Sponsors include North Valley Community Foundation, Dixie Fire Collaborative, and The Almanor Foundation.
Registration for the September Nature Made Camp is at www.PlumasRuralServices.org/Nature-Made.All activities are free and lunch is provided, with both vegetarian and vegan options available.
