The first, most treacherous part of Camp Coyote 2021 was getting to it. Hosted this year at Camp Wilson in Pohick Bay Park, when we say “backwoods” we mean that it was so remote it couldn’t exist on any map (except Google Maps - nothing escapes Google), and with all of our provisions packed away between van, car, and coupe we drove away from the safety of 9001 Braddock Rd into the great unknown.
The Great Unknown this year happened to include everyone, because after 2020 we figured what better way to bond than to survive in the elements for an overnight together, as a wild pack of coyotes? Scavenging together, suffering through light morsels of burgers, hot dogs, not dogs, juice boxes, and occasionally the wild banana.
Starting on our arrival, we knew it would be a perilous evening - the bathrooms weren’t even visible from our campsite and worse! Minimal cell reception. And then forced fun activities? For some, it was almost too much to bear (although sadly no bears to be seen).
However, when prompted with “take what you need”, and offered a roll of priceless TP, our coyotes took to heart that this would be the formative first trip of the 2021-2022 academic year. Their chance to share a personal fact with each precious piece of bog roll was a heavy burden, but somehow they persevered and brought us a little bit closer together.
Suddenly, it was every human for themselves! Train wreck, a fast-paced game where every round culminates in the jostling into an often-misshapen circle, singling out the last person who couldn’t quite make it into the shape in time.
With nightfall steadily approaching, we built our fire for the evening and it was left ignored, most choosing instead to huddle their camp chairs around a lantern precariously perched on top of a rock. With darkness came the departure of some, and the intrepid remaining few ventured down the long dark path that led to the bay for a midnight hike along with Mr. Torres and Ms. N-O.
Morning came too soon thereafter, with our pack being gently woken up by the sound of trees rustling, birds chirping, and Boy Scouts screeching far earlier than the quiet hours of 10 pm-7 am allowed for. A successful camp out once again.
GW Community School
Camp Coyote
Friday, September 24, 2021
Ms. Nunez-Oliver
