Participants of the Forest Preserve Experience, Midlothian Meadows B Crew (2023), proudly show off their habitat restoration work.

Changing Perspectives on Camping

Posted: May 16th, 2016

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about camping? Take a second to really think. Did you think about a nice pristine lake? Or did you think about a set of mountains that light bounces right off of into the meadows? If you’re like Dyrell Williams, Friends of the Forest Preserves Palos division Advanced Crew member, when you hear camping you think of raccoons, possums, and other late night raiders. Though now, Dyrell would be the first to tell you how exciting and impactful camping can be. All thanks to the initiative of The Chicago Park District Front Country Leadership Training. Dyrell attended a two day field training that taught him how to safely lead hikes in the wilderness; set up a tent properly; prepare, cook, and safely store food; as well as operate in the safest way possible while away from civilization. The experience changed Dyrell’s perspective of camping as a whole to a brighter and maybe more desirable journey that he can take.

Dyrell Williams, Calumet Conservation Corps crew member, Friends of the Forest Preserves    Displaying IMG_0920.JPGDisplaying IMG_0920.JPGCamping

By Dyrell Williams, Palos Division Advanced Crew Member