Wolf Camp News & Commentary – Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science

Beauty or the Beast: Understanding Attitudes about Wolves in Washington

April 24, 2025April 15, 2025 Patrick Wiley No Comments

Patrick Wiley, M.S., discusses the complexities of wolf management in Washington State, stemming from a unique intersection of ecological interest and cultural identity. The author reflects on his personal ambivalence toward wolves, contrasting them with other predators and highlighting societal perceptions of wolves as symbols of threat or ecological balance. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s management plan attempts to address human concerns surrounding wolves, yet struggles due to a lack of social science understanding. The post emphasizes the necessity of recognizing psychological factors—like Social Dominance and Right Wing Authoritarianism—in formulating effective wildlife policy, suggesting that without addressing human behaviors and identities, conflicts over wolf management will persist. Continue Reading Beauty or the Beast: Understanding Attitudes about Wolves in Washington

Posts on Environmental Policy, Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Wildlife Tracking & Birding

Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wisconsin Wolf?

April 21, 2025October 7, 2025 Chris Chisholm No Comments

Dr. Thomas P. Chisholm shares insights on tracking wolves and elk in Wisconsin amidst changing environmental dynamics. March provides an ideal time for tracking, especially after recent elk reintroduction efforts. Wolves, once nearly extinct, now contribute to complex interactions in the ecosystem. Despite concerns over wolf predation on livestock, their impact on deer populations is minimal. Nonetheless, wolves face threats from hunting legislation and misconceptions depicting them as dangerous. The author emphasizes coexistence and understanding with wildlife while encouraging study and observation over hunting. Continue Reading Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wisconsin Wolf?

Posts on Environmental Policy, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Wildlife Tracking & Birding

Trees: The Natural Climate Change Solution

April 17, 2025April 1, 2026 Chris Chisholm No Comments

Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science suggests Thuja plicata as the best solution in our area to sequester carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the ground for extended periods. Each thujaplicata contains a unique compound that inhibits its carbon release during decomposition, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gases. Additionally, the biochar process further preserves carbon while limiting environmental pollution. Continue Reading Trees: The Natural Climate Change Solution

Posts on Environmental Policy, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency

Keep On Keeping On

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025 Chris Chisholm No Comments

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day serves as a reflection on the struggles for justice in America. The author of this article recalls a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, highlighting its inspirational design and Dr. King’s somber pose, symbolizing ongoing challenges today. The text addresses concerning trends in the U.S., including the banning of discussions on racial history in some educational institutions. Additionally, the author commends the Boldt Decision, which affirmed Native American rights, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and advocating for the freedoms we enjoy due to past activism. Continue Reading Keep On Keeping On

Posts on Apprenticeship Events, Posts on Environmental Policy

Teaching Nature Part II of II – Learning Styles, Age Considerations: Preparing & Leading Classes, Camps, Lessons & Programs

January 16, 2025January 15, 2025 Chris Chisholm No Comments

This article shares effective teaching strategies across age groups in outdoor education, grounded in a philosophy of using diverse learning styles — head, heart, and hands. It shares methods that consider developmental stages, with tailored approaches for young children, pre-teens, teens, and adults. Article author Chris Chisholm explains how to create positive relationships with parents, offering guidance for managing their expectations and emotions along with their children. Creative preparation and structured lesson plans bring successful teaching, with a balance of activities and clear communication of rules to engage students in a supportive learning environment. Continue Reading Teaching Nature Part II of II – Learning Styles, Age Considerations: Preparing & Leading Classes, Camps, Lessons & Programs

Posts on Classes & Workshops, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors

Teaching Nature Part I of II – Outdoor Education Tips & Tricks: Prep, Safety, Discipline & Building Community

January 13, 2025January 15, 2025 Chris Chisholm No Comments

The essence of teaching at Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science lies in effective preparation and building community among students with daily rituals. Instructors must prep based on experience, whether the subject is a first-time lesson or repeated sessions. Creating safe physical and emotional environments is paramount, highlighting the importance of respect, collaboration, and risk management. This article shows teachers how to implement structured behavior management techniques, acknowledging diverse student needs, such as mental health and cultural sensitivity. Wolf Camp director Chris Chisholm emphasizes how a personal feeling of continual learning is key to successful teaching, making a lasting impact on students’ lives. He shares several “tips and tricks of the trade” gained over 30 years of teaching in the classroom and outdoors all summer. Continue Reading Teaching Nature Part I of II – Outdoor Education Tips & Tricks: Prep, Safety, Discipline & Building Community

Posts on Classes & Workshops, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors

Preventing Homesickness during Summer Camp, College & Study Abroad Programs

January 9, 2025April 13, 2026 Chris Chisholm No Comments

This article highlights effective homesickness management strategies at Wolf Camp and beyond, including traditions and activities that foster bonding. It discusses the importance of choosing appropriate camp experiences for children, and provides insights on handling homesickness, emphasizing emotional readiness and communication. It also suggests that overcoming severe homesickness typically requires time, with a recommendation for longer camp durations to facilitate adjustment, rather than short camp experiences which would be remembered only as a time of emotional stress without opportunity to grow beyond feelings of homesickness. Continue Reading Preventing Homesickness during Summer Camp, College & Study Abroad Programs

Posts on Camps & Expeditions, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors

Outdoor Summer Camps May Be Key For Modern Childhood Development

January 6, 2025January 6, 2025 Chris Chisholm No Comments

Summer camps have an incredibly positive impact on children, especially in today’s digital world. Camps provide unique experiences and promote holistic learning, including arts and outdoor activities often lacking in traditional education. Camps foster essential emotional skills like attachment, boundaries, and creative expression, which contribute to social strength and healthy relationships. The summer camp experience helps children truly mature, learn self-regulation, and develop joy through various expressive activities. Ultimately, kids fortunate enough to attend good summer camps achieve more personal development and well-being than perhaps anywhere else. Continue Reading Outdoor Summer Camps May Be Key For Modern Childhood Development

Posts on Camps & Expeditions, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors

Experiencing the Magic of Birds Singing the Dawn Chorus

June 7, 2024June 15, 2024 Chris Chisholm No Comments

Summary: Early morning birdwatching excursion at a peaceful study site, observing the behavior of various bird species as they awoke and sang at specific times. The narration includes details of the birds’ activities, such as singing, calling, and interacting with each other, from the pre-dawn twilight to the official sunrise. Notable sightings encompass a variety of birds, including robins, sparrows, blackbirds, thrushes, and flycatchers, with specific mentions of their unique vocalizations and behaviors. Additionally, the writer includes observations of other wildlife, such as squirrels and crows, during the outing. Continue Reading Experiencing the Magic of Birds Singing the Dawn Chorus

Earth Conservation Course Field Experiences, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Wildlife Tracking & Birding

Subscribe to our Outdoor Skills Blog Posts!

June 3, 2024February 5, 2025 Chris Chisholm No Comments

Subscribe to the our outdoor skills blog by scrolling down and clicking on the green “Subscribe” button. After we finish moving our old posts over from our old server in May 2025, expect new quarterly seasonal posts, and in the meantime, join us for spring workshops and classes, summer youth camps, and in-depth internships. Continue Reading Subscribe to our Outdoor Skills Blog Posts!