The Boys of Ivys
Article featured in the 2023 Fall/Winter Texas Forever Magazine
Camping is a timeless activity that allows people to connect with nature, build friendships, and create lasting memories. I experience this myself, EVERY spring and fall at TLC’s Ivy Payne Preserve in East Texas, and this is precisely what happened when four young boys, from different parts of Texas, came together for our 2023 Spring Weekend at Ivy's event. Thanks to their parents and the other adults who joined us, these boys were introduced and reintroduced to the natural world in a way that was nothing short of magical. The experience was a testament to the transformative power of nature and its ability to bring out the purest essence of childhood joy.
Liam, from the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, was the oldest of the group. He is a remarkably precocious 10-year-old with a curiosity that knows no bounds. This was not his first time camping at Ivy Payne Preserve, and even though his little sister wasn’t present, Liam's role as an older brother shone through in his natural instinct to play with and reassure the younger children. Liam even helped out with some of the camp “chores”.
It was obvious that Forest, a 9-year-old from the Houston area, was no stranger to the outdoors. His mom and dad are also conservation-minded folks, so Forest, with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, was eager to explore the preserve for the first time. His enthusiasm for games was contagious, and we all enjoyed cheering on an intense ping-pong tournament and an impromptu soccer game.
At 5 years old, Charles, from the Austin area, surprised everyone (except maybe his parents) with his boundless energy and sense of wonder. He spent the weekend collecting rocks, twigs, and pinecones, creating a nature collection that would become a cherished keepsake. His laughter and endless questions brought joy to the campsite, proving that age is no barrier to enjoying the outdoors.
Riley, at just 1 year old, was the youngest camper. His parents were exploring uncharted territory with his first camping experience, but they wanted to share their love for the outdoors with their son. While Riley couldn't actively participate in some camping activities, he quickly became the campsite's unofficial mascot. His laughter (and chubby cheeks) brought smiles to everyone's faces. His presence reminded the group that camping is a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, and ultimately, Riley was as much of a trooper as anyone could expect.
In a world often dominated by screens and schedules, this camping adventure offered a welcome respite. The boys reveled in the freedom of the outdoors; their youthful spirits unencumbered by the constraints of indoor spaces. They dashed through the open fields, playing lively games of tag and sending frisbees soaring through the crisp air. It wasn't just the children who enjoyed these moments; a few of the adults also joined in, forming an intergenerational bond over the thrill of frisbee golf.
Our hikes during the weekend led them deeper into the wilderness, where nature’s treasures awaited their eager hands. Together, they found turtles, butterflies, mushrooms, and even a really cool caterpillar. The boys plucked ripe dewberries, staining their fingers with the vibrant hues of pink and purple juice. It was a sensory experience that connected them to the land, reminding them that nature provides not just beauty but also sustenance.
Exploring the creek with its cascading waterfalls was another fun part of the weekend. Some of the boys carefully turned over rocks in search of aquatic insects; others took off their shoes and braved the cold water with their bare feet. And later, a quest to find elusive shark teeth added an element of mystery and intrigue to their creek-side expedition.
Though some of our group had to excuse themselves for a well-earned nap, a few of the boys were able to join us on a trek up a towering hill that seemed to reach the sky. It was an adventure both going up and coming down, with each step unveiling breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment that echoed in their joyful laughter.
The evenings were filled with the warm glow of a campfire, games for all ages, and the ritual of roasting marshmallows. Constructing various forms of s'mores became a creative endeavor, but often, the simple act of toasting marshmallows over the open flames was just as satisfying. The crackling of the fire and the sweet scent of marshmallows mingling with the forest air created a sensory symphony that only nature could orchestrate.
The enchantment of the day carried into the night as they settled into their tents. The nocturnal sounds surrounded them, a soothing serenade that lulled them into slumber. Among the calls of owls and crickets, the boys were treated to the eerie yet fascinating song of a Chuck-will's-widow, a nocturnal bird whose presence added a touch of mystique to their camping experience.
For those who were fortunate enough to witness this weekend, it was a heartwarming reminder of the beauty of childhood and the importance of nurturing a connection to nature. It harkened back to our own youth and the wonder we once felt exploring the world with wide-eyed fascination.
My hope, for these four boys, is that the memories of this weekend will be etched in their hearts forever, as it certainly will be in mine. It was a window into a world where imagination knows no bounds, where the simplest joys are the most profound, and where nature is the greatest playground of all. This is the reason the late Ivy Payne decided to protect her land, and I share my deepest gratitude to all of our TLC donors and partners who help us protect special places like Ivy Payne Preserve for this generation of young people and the next!
