A message from our Earth Stewardship Mentoring Program student: Hello, I am Julia Friton. I was a first year camper that stayed for two weeks only to return in the fall to attend the Ekone stewardship mentoring program. I haven't yet completed the three month fall session, though I've already learned some of the abundant life-altering lessons concerning the Earth that one may experience through Ekone. Already I have contributed to various projects on the land. Some of these include reconstructing the organic garden, helping with a three day Waldorf camp, and participating in the ten day Mt. Adams pack trip. My favorite projects yet are the ecoforestry activities; from thinning dead and dying trees to milling those same trees and creating useful wood products from them. Through these numerous facets of the mentorship program I've acquired life skills that are unknown to many kids today. Some of the most important of these lessons are the study of living off the grid to conserve energy, learning about biodiesel as a way of reducing pollution, and the handling of horses and other animals. On the Mt. Adams pack trip I was even privileged to learn how to lead a horse while riding another, and other lessons involved in an intensive course in mountain trail riding! However, the most valuable inspiration I have received from the Ekone land is to live closer to nature. Here, I have realized that the generations of today need to act now to restore the land and protect its bountiful gifts. With every breath we take each plant, each animal, each element must be appreciated by humans, for they provide the foundation of our lives. Unfortunately a multitude of humans have not respected these offerings of the land and therefore it now needs tremendous assistance to make up for what many have harmed. The trees have become my close friends; I couldn't bear to stand by and watch the same still lively creatures that give us life be logged without sensitivity by some big, commercial logging company. If only we gather enough support, we can secure this property that is in dire need of our help. Children like me will be able to continue to be inspired by the land and obtain a fresh, profound outlook about the Earth that will benefit nature. Thanks,
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