Redstone Forest

Across from Lake Nell sits a forest. Its closest trees are bright, drawing you in with the promise of picnics and tree climbing. Further into its depth, though, the branches twist together into a dark net of branch and trunk. Birdsong turns into cawing crows and…is that something growling, not too far away? It's probably just the wind.

One of Camp Ohiocester's most famed activities is the trim trail, nestled in the Redstone Forest. With three difficulty levels, for the littlest campers to the bravest guests, the trail gives you a view of the entire camp. You can see the lake, the cabins, and if you squint, you might spot strange circles among the trees made of stones or mushrooms. Make sure to listen to Ryder Stokes' talk beforehand, though (even if it is about three times as long as it needs to be).

Though most nights at the camp are spent in the cabins, sometimes, counsellors will take their groups for a night in the great outdoors. Nights shivering in sleeping bags are redeemed (or worsened, depending on who you ask) by the beautiful hike out into the depths of the forest, usually out of bounds. Some campers tell tall tales of a creature with fur like leaves and glowing eyes which peers round thick trunks—but what would a night of camping be without a ghost story?