February 2021

A Thousand Hours,
A Thousand Memories

Each summer, Camp Ewalu serves as a place outside. Counselors and campers do almost everything outside. We cook, eat, play, pray, sing, swim, hike, sleep, laugh, and sometimes cry. Usually, it’s a combination of them at the same time. Ewalu is in a unique position to be as spread out as we are, which allows us to do almost everything outside. We are close to nature, which fits perfectly with our summer theme, “Creation Renewed.” 
 

As a former counselor, coordinator, and now full-time staff, I was able to appreciate how being outside can enhance our spiritual experience. Being outside, however, has more positive benefits that can possibly fit into one article. One project is trying to increase the amount of time we spend outside.

1,000 Hours Outside is a project that is designed to have people spend 1,000 hours outside in a year. The hours can include any activity that takes place outdoors. This project was started to be a counterweight to the amount of time people spend in “screen time.” The negative effects of too much screen time are well documented and impact people of all ages. By spending more time outside, people will increasingly see benefits physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That is where I believe Ewalu can come into play.

As easy as it can be to spend time looking at screens, it can also be surprisingly easy for us to spend time outside. As part of the 1,000 Hours Outside project, it is my goal to keep track of Camp Ewalu’s “time spent outside.” By looking at the programs that are running each week and the amount of staff and campers at camp each week, we can accurately estimate the hours that we spend outside by the end of the summer. Additionally, the amount of time that is spent outside is enhanced because each camper spends ZERO hours on a screen while they are at Camp Ewalu.

Anyone can participate in the 1,000 Hours Outside project. I will include a link at the end of this article that will lead you to the website. I realize the irony of going on the screen to find out more about a project that promotes going outside. There are materials that can be used to keep track of your hours outside, as well as links to other outdoor lifestyle and educational websites. Any activity will count towards the goal of 1,000 hours and I believe it’s easier than one would initially think to see the hours add up. Even if you aren’t able to get to 1,000 hours on your own, you can attempt this project as a family. Remember, the goal is to spend more time outside.

If you were a camper, counselor, coordinator, supporter, or maybe you have worked here full time; you have had many fond memories here. I am willing to bet that the majority of them were outside. A cornerstone of Camp Ewalu’s ministry involves the outdoors. More time that can be spent outside will further create new connections and positively grow that ministry.

1000 hours outside link: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

Maury Landt
Environmental Education Director

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