When the Kids are Away, Gravatt Staff Will Play

After an incredibly busy start to 2018 preparing for upcoming fundraisers (not to mention campers), hosting current groups, and planning for future events, Gravatt staff used March 27 and 28 to bond as a group and remind each other of the powerful things that happen in this place. With day to day tasks always around, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to come to, and in some cases live in, our favorite place every single day. So many outstanding people have walked these grounds but have, unfortunately, had to leave it behind except for special occasions or to bring their own children for their own weeks spent here in the summertime. We, as staff, have the unique opportunity to be paid to play here…well at least for the past few days.

A huge part of Gravatt’s mission is to be good environmental stewards, and one of the ways we accomplish this is through the ministry of the Gravatt Garden, so the first Gravatt staff bonding event was spreading compost in the Garden to prepare for spring and summer planting! Following the gardening, staff enjoyed a field trip lunch to Juniper, which was well-worth the early morning chores! The first day of bonding concluded with staff participating in the low ropes course, completing several team building puzzles together, reminding each of us the importance of the skills we all bring to the table. Take out one piece, and the whole machine suffers for it.

Day two was equally exciting, starting with feeding the Gravatt animals and a staff hike through Sassafras Trail. The day ended with high ropes course fun and an archery course challenge! Needless to say, staff came away refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the busy spring and summer months. More than that, I think I speak for all of us when I say Gravatt truly is “a place in the woods that finds a place in your heart.”