Every year when our family drives to family camp at Camp du Nord, there’s this moment.

The trees get taller… the air gets quieter…

And without fail, someone in our car says,

“Roll down the windows!”

We all breathe in deeply.

Pine. Lake air. Earth. Peace.

It’s like our whole family exhales at the same time.

That smell—the forest—is our signal that we’ve arrived at the place where we can slow down and just be together.

At du Nord:

•Our kids build real friendships and are guided by amazing young role models.

•They’re calmer, braver, and more themselves in nature.

•We connect as a family in a way that’s often harder to do in everyday life.

•Caitlin and I build friendships with other adults that go beyond small talk.

•We remember who we are without the constant noise of normal life.

Du Nord doesn’t just give us a vacation.

It strengthens us.

It roots us.

It reminds us of what matters.

As Rumi wrote, “There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”

For us, one of those ways is breathing in the pine air with the car windows down, grateful to be together in this special place.

This is why I’m asking my friends and family to consider donating to the Camp du Nord Annual Fund.

Your support helps:

•Offer scholarships so no family or teen is turned away.

•Train the staff who mentor and inspire our kids.

•Maintain programs and equipment for year-round adventures.

•Protect the land and spirit of this place.

•Keep the Du Nord community strong for generations.

Any gift—truly any size—helps.

If you’ve felt the peace of nature, the power of community, or the joy of watching kids come alive in nature… you understand why this matters so deeply.

Thank you for helping keep this sacred place alive.