Locations On Site
Thelan Meadow got its name from a Boy Scout working on his Eagle Scout Award. He built benches with holes in them to allow cables to secure them, as well as the original fire ring. Because of the growth of the trees over the years, the fire ring has been centered for better clearance. City Garden’s 1st grade class uses Thelan Meadow for its classroom.
For many years there was a big, hollowed out tree with a hole in the top and in the base. The ‘Hobbit’ lived there with his friend, Varnon. Campers and visitors sent mail to them using the stone mailbox. The Hobbit enjoyed getting mail and answered the letters in a special way. When the Hobbit Tree came down in a storm several years ago, the mailbox was relocated near the Challenge Course. City Garden’s 2nd grade class meets at that campsite.
Juniper Lodge was used as a quiet spot for reflection, songs, Sunday morning vespers, or award ceremonies. The origin of the name ‘Juniper Lodge’ is unknown, but the site is surrounded by cedar trees. Camp Mudd calls this area Cedar Circle and City Garden’s 3rd and 4th grade classes use the area for their classroom.
Other sites include: Osage Camp, home to City Garden’s after school program; Twin Cedars, whose entrance is designated by two big cedar trees; Arrow Hill, the original archery area, now ramp-accessible campsite; Tall Sky, the highest fire ring and camp site; Northern Lights, the farthest campsite; Skull Rock, named for a rock resembling a skull; and Linda’s Corner, named for a camper named Linda in the 70’s who would go here to meditate (or pout).
Near the main camp area and surrounded by the handicap ramp are two memorial trees. The tallest, a Tulip Tree is in remembrance a Camp Fire sister who died at age 16 in a car crash. The shorter shrub is for another Camp Fire sister who died as a result of Crohn’s disease.