06/07/2026
🌿🛠️ WEEK ONE: WOODLAND MAKERS 🛠️🌿
What. A. Week.
A week ago, many of these kids had never met.
Some arrived a little nervous. Some couldn’t wait to jump in. Some had never touched a drill, held a hand saw, or picked up a hammer before.
By Friday, you would have never known.
The week started with Tool School, where campers learned how to safely use hammers, screwdrivers, hand saws, drills, paint brushes, and more. There was excitement, a little nervousness, and plenty of questions.
“Wait… we actually get to use real tools.. and REAL paint!?”
You bet they did.
After learning the basics, campers put their new skills to work building and decorating their own birdhouses. Every birdhouse looked different, every design had its own personality, and every child left proud of what they had created.
*A special thank you to my Grandfather and Godfather, who spent hours preparing and building the birdhouse kits our campers assembled this week. Their work behind the scenes helped make this project possible, it’s pretty cool that they both had a part in launching this legacy with me from afar!
The real challenge was still ahead.
Armed with their new skills, our campers took on a restoration project that mattered.
Together, they helped restore the historic cottage fence at Renewed Roots. They painted boards, worked alongside teammates, solved problems, and helped bring new life to a piece of farm history. Long after this summer is over, families and future campers will walk past that fence and enjoy something these children helped restore.
Of course, camp wasn’t all work.
There were trails to explore.
Forts to build.
Logs to carry.
Games to play.
Chalk masterpieces to create.
Rainy-day adventures in the barn loft.
Campfire stories to share.
And countless laughs shared in between.
And because this is Renewed Roots, every day also included caring for the animals that call this place home. Eggs were collected, chickens were fed, goats soaked up endless attention, and the barn cats made sure no lap stayed empty for long. Through it all, campers learned that stewardship means showing up every day, even for the small jobs.
Then Friday arrived.
The birdhouses were finished.
The fence was restored.
The paint-covered clothes told the story of a week well spent.
We gathered together for our very first Patch Ceremony.
One by one, each camper was called forward and officially earned their first Renewed Roots patch:
🛠️ TOOL STEWARD 🛠️
The smiles were huge.
The pride was real.
And for many of these kids, it was the first time they realized they were capable of building something with their own two hands.
That is what Woodland Makers was all about.
Not just building birdhouses.
Not just restoring fences.
Building confidence.
Building friendships.
Building kids who believe they can do hard things.
And before we jump into Week Two, I just want to say thank you.
Thank you to the campers who showed up ready to learn, explore, create, and try new things.
Thank you to the parents who trusted us with your children as we launched this dream.
Thank you to my Rootkeeper and my Gatekeeper, (my dad and husband) for their relentless work on their ever growing task lists. Absolutely none of this would be possible without them.
Thank you to my BFF Amanda who jumped in and fully immersed herself as a camp guide for launch week.. you are so brave and the kids are going to miss you so much!
Thank you to our families, friends, volunteers, supporters, and community members who have encouraged us, donated supplies, shared our posts, spread the word, became missionaries on our land and helped bring Renewed Roots to life.
Launching a camp, a forest school, and a vision this big takes a village.
This first week was everything we hoped it could be and more.
We are just getting started. 🌿❤️
