BY ALPINE, WOLF SCHOOL NATURALIST
As many of our stories do, mine starts with my parents. Growing up I was lucky enough to have parents who wanted to spark our creativity and let us explore the world. My mom was a crafter who always roped us into her creations, and my dad loved to explore the outdoors. This love of crafting and spending time outside has led me to want to hold onto my memories of all of my outdoor fun. My favorite way to do this is by making a bracelet that reminds me of the place or experience.
I have been making bracelets since I first learned how at Camp Sugar Pine in the Sierras with the Girls Scouts. Since that summer I’ve almost always an in-progress bracelet in my pocket. I’ve made countless bracelets for memories for myself, but I also love making bracelets for other people, as gifts for friends and fellow naturalists.
My summer at Sugar Pine helped lead me to becoming a naturalist and outdoor educator. After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in Environmental Education over three years ago, I ended up at Camp Arroyo - and I still love every second of it. There’s nothing like watching students explore and experience nature with the wonder, excitement, and curiosity in their eyes. I try my hardest to help my students make new connections, educational or emotional, with the outdoors. I know I was privileged to have access to the outdoors from a young age, so I want to provide these experiences for others to enjoy as well.
One of my favorite things at camp is watching a student grow and conquer a fear or connect with the world around them. I like to give them one of my bracelets to help them hold on to the memory. The most special moment for me is when one kid helps another through homesickness. I like to give each of them a bracelet, one for being a friend and the other for being brave and trying something new.
Whether it’s visiting a new place, finding something cool in your own home, or celebrating your best friend’s birthday, I encourage you to document that memory, large or small, in a creative way. Check out my tutorials below to try your hand at friendship bracelets! And if you make one, take a picture and tag WOLF School on Instagram or Facebook so we can see what you made!