David Abeyta has a simple message to sixth-grade students heading to Camp Colton this year: “Be curious.”
The 19-year associate at Gore Medical in Flagstaff attended camp in 1977 when he was a sixth grader at Sechrist Elementary. Though more than 40 years have passed since sleeping on a bunk in the San Francisco Peaks, he has vivid memories of his Camp Colton experience.
“It’s hard to believe it has been so long since I was there,” he said. “I have some powerful memories of my time at camp.”
David grew up in a family that enjoyed spending time together in nature, from camping and hiking to fishing and skiing. As a result, he already had a good comfort level and a solid handle on basic camping skills. Still, after spending four days and three nights at Camp Colton, he went home with brand-new capabilities that he continues to use today.
“I remember spending time journaling in the woods,” David said. “It was a first-time experience for me to sit down alone and think deeply about what I was learning. Today, when I’m trying to solve a problem or work through a difficult situation, I use the skills I learned all those years ago to write down my thoughts and impressions. It has made such a difference in helping me clear my head, understand my emotions and arrive at the best solution.”
Journaling was a profound experience, to be sure, but his time at camp was also marked by simple, happy memories – of first-time independence, of being with friends and of giggling late into the night.
“It was my first extended time being away from home without my family. Some of the kids were nervous, but I was just so excited. Sleeping in the bunks, bonding with my classmates and really feeling like I was part of the community became some of my very favorite memories,” he said.
As with thousands of Camp Colton graduates, one of the biggest takeaways for David was the value of spending time outside and learning about nature. And this takeaway stuck with him.
“My time at camp influenced my interests throughout school and into adulthood,” David said. “I just got so curious about nature, in learning how all of earth’s biological systems work together and in understanding how we, as humans, impact the natural environment.”
In ninth grade, his interests helped him earn the coveted “Mr. Biologist” award. And as an adult, he says his Camp Colton experiences strengthened his lifelong passion for the outdoors – a passion he passed down to his own children.
“As I completed my coursework in college, I continued to be interested in learning about nature and took many courses in geology, biology and other sciences. It was also really important to me as a father and step-father that my own kids derive the same benefits of spending time outdoors,” he said.
David, who earned his degree in accounting from Northern Arizona University, now works for a company that shares his commitment to giving youth such experiences. Gore employees are a major volunteer force for Camp Colton, and the corporation makes regular monetary donations to ensure the camp can carry on its tradition of outdoor education for Northern Arizona’s sixth-grade students.
In one last word of advice for future campers, David said, “Make up your own mind about nature and find out for yourself how you can make a positive impact on the environment.”
What’s your favorite Camp Colton memory? We want to hear your stories and see your photos!
