Week of August 30, 2026 – September 5, 2026
by Katie McLaughlin, Environmental Educator
And all that was left at Baltimore Woods Summer Nature Day Camp was the up top tents, some staff, and our memories. No more campers, no more swamp or cook out days, no more Friday afternoon performances of “The Lorax”, no more work to be done.
The campers, they said a lot. Some bizarre kid statements like “Can you make my marshmallow golden brown because I am thirsty.” “I never want to wish for a leprechaun again.” “Chipmunks are secret agents with the amount of holes they have everywhere.”
They often looked back as they went to their cars with mixes of emotions of not wanting to leave camp… and also ready to go home to tell of their days… and nap.
Our campers however – don’t leave without a trace.
The first physical trace for us at Baltimore Woods is clean up. We will be spending the next week cleaning, resetting, and walking the trails to tidy up our indoor and outdoor spaces for the very soon to be school field trip season again. The one that always is a little eerie to me is the quiet of the woods after summer camp. Without the laughter, the screams, and joy of kids it’s MUCH quieter when you go on the trails.
During this week of clean-up I will often volunteer to be one of the staff members who goes to all the camp spots to make sure they are set for next year and to let our stewardship team know about any project needs. While I am out there – I reflect upon my summer with the kids at each spot.
I see where I started handing out my trace I leave with our campers – my truffula seeds – of caring and curiosity for nature. Perhaps it was a snake in the field first thing Monday morning. Or teaching campers how to use nets to catch their first frog at the pond.
Baltimore Woods is a special place many of us call home. It wouldn’t have been possible without kids. Over 50 years ago people just like you (and our campers) cared a whole awful lot and raised money for Save the County- allowing the first purchase of land to create the Baltimore Woods Preserve. We have grown since then. More programs, land, trails, campers, and so much more.
All those years ago people planted a truffula seed that turned into what Baltimore Woods Nature Center is today. Now those seeds are given to our campers – we gave them water and fresh air. We will grow a forest and perhaps next summer- the Lorax and all her friends may come back.