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The Backcountry

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

For breakfast, the chore was to boil water for oatmeal and coffee. At lunch we hiked 10 minutes to access the nearest stream and filter water. At dinner we boiled water for whatever grain we were eating for dinner. The whole design of the tent platform we built revolved around where water will flow if it rains. ... read more

The Bubble

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

During education season at Bear Brook, "the bubble," was life at camp. No TV, no newspapers no reliable internet… ... read more

AllCorps

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

The weekend was spent sharing stories and hugs, making plans for future breaks and generally goofing around and relaxing. We heard many comments that New Hampshire Corps has an aura about them of being a very cohesive group, and I believe it. No matter what. ... read more

Top 5 things about being on hitch so far

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

When one of the staff comes out to see how we’re doing, they bring letters, post-cards, and packages. It’s very exciting to get letters, no matter who they’re from. It’s a great reminder of the people we love, but don’t get to see or talk to all of the time. So if you know anyone that’s on hitch right now, send them a letter!! ... read more

Boardwalk Empire

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

We want to make this boardwalk last a long time. We want to make this beautiful place accessible for as many people as possible. We want to exceed the expectations of the site agency, our site contact, our conservation manager back in NH, and most of all ourselves. ... read more

Ideas vs. Reality

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

What would the cabins be like? How do we cook? How can members plus staff possibly share the space? ... read more

What to expect? The Unexpected…but enjoying the ride

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

Then Scott says, "Ian, please don’t get mad…" Uh oh. Not what I want to hear. "I forgot my climbing shoe." ... read more

Lessons of communal living…and loving it

By Ian Mayer / Bear Brook State Park

One of the things I find most valuable about my time as a SCA NH Corps member, is that I’m able to learn every day, all of the time. These aren’t necessarily tangible lessons, like developing a strong lesson plan, hanging an axe, learning to crochet, or making some pretty rockin’ sweet potato muffins. I’ve learned that my cabin mates snore, but they also tell really funny jokes and don’t get angry if I talk about rock climbing too much. ... read more