With 26 years working with teens and 14 years leading camps for young people, Ellijay resident Jay Zipperman believes now more than ever kids need an opportunity to be in nature to grow, gain confidence and detox from the digital world. Zipperman’s Mountain Wisdom Camp offers a Young Mens’ Ultimate Adventure, July 10-15, on Tray Mountain, near Hiawasee for boys 12-17. And a Discover You, Young Women’s Empowerment Journey, July 18-23, for ages 12-17. This year the young women’s camp will be at 12-Stone Farm in Talking Rock. The website for the camps is https://www.mountainwisdominc.org Zipperman said for security he feels comfortable hosting the men’s camp in a backcountry setting, but prefers for the girls’ camp (which is staffed with female
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Zipperman has developed an approach over 14 years that he described as “good, all-around experience.” There is a little bit of bushcraft, some outdoor education, some survival skills, a little leadership training, some competitive events, some team building. In addition to daily lessons in the woods, the camps also touch some deeper issues. For the boys, much of the discussion and curriculum center on topics such as honor and integrity. “We ask the young men ‘What is a hero?’” he said. Often that definition changes during the week. For the girls’ camp, “it’s more about self-image - counteracting television and commercials and the images the girls are presented. We want them to feel better about themselves whoever they are.” Zipperman has experience with young people being involved in the Gilmer County community for the past 20 years, including work with Gilmer Family Connections and providing a program for the past four years at Gilmer Boys and Girls Club. “This is the time where young people move from adolescents to young adulthood,” he said. “This is like a rite of passage. We help young people move intentionally into a young adult. We use nature and we have mentors, counselors and staff, challenging outdoor activities. Through the challenges and different processes there is
Zipperman has developed an approach over 14 years that he described as “good, all-around experience.” There is a little bit of bushcraft, some outdoor education, some survival skills, a little leadership training, some competitive events, some team building. In addition to daily lessons in the woods, the camps also touch some deeper issues. For the boys, much of the discussion and curriculum center on topics such as honor and integrity. “We ask the young men ‘What is a hero?’” he said. Often that definition changes during the week. For the girls’ camp, “it’s more about self-image - counteracting television and commercials and the images the girls are presented. We want them to feel better about themselves whoever they are.” Zipperman has experience with young people being involved in the Gilmer County community for the past 20 years, including work with Gilmer Family Connections and providing a program for the past four years at Gilmer Boys and Girls Club. “This is the time where young people move from adolescents to young adulthood,” he said. “This is like a rite of passage. We help young people move intentionally into a young adult. We use nature and we have mentors, counselors and staff, challenging outdoor activities. Through the challenges and different processes there is