Camp Truetimber, the new home of Truetimber Arborists, may have only been constructed over a 2 year period from 2019-2021, but as far as I am concerned, the idea has been building for 25 years. From its inception in 1998, Truetimber has always wanted to be more than just the company that helps you with your trees. We have always wanted to be the company that helps you embrace Richmond’s wonderful natural environment.
The first major step was the establishment of Riverside Outfitters and a recreational tree climbing program that has helped many thousands of our Richmond youth enjoy the Richmond Park System and the tree climbing experience.
The second major step is “Camp Truetimber.” Truetimber is using its 20 acre homebase along the Grindall Creek in South Richmond for community outreach of all types and to give you and your children unique ways of developing your own special relationship with nature. One of the very special ways we are doing this is through our partnership with Open Space Education (www.OpenSpaceEd.org).
As maybe one of the “silver linings” in the dark cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic, Open Space Education emerged as a transformative force in the field of education. Founder + Director Blythe King recognized the need for a new approach and made a bold decision: to take learning outside. Collaborating with groups of elementary and middle school students, Open Space embarked on outdoor expeditions that ignited a deep connection with nature and art.
In the enchanting realm of nature, something magical happened. Students experienced a profound shift in their perception. They discovered that nature is not just a backdrop, but a source of inspiration and wisdom. As their senses awakened, they felt more alive, more observant, and more connected to the world around them. Nature became their muse, fostering imaginative thinking and nurturing the seeds of creativity.
Open Space is Richmond’s only nonprofit dedicated to nurturing young minds through a unique fusion of art education and nature-based learning. We believe that every child deserves equitable access to the wonders of the natural world, and that fostering creativity and critical thinking is essential for their development in an ever-changing world.
Open Space is thrilled to partner with Truetimber Arborists and Camp Truetimber! This exciting partnership will allow Open Space to expand its mission to work with even more people and tap into their creativity by connecting with nature.
Over the next year, Open Space will be working with Truetimber to dedicate a building on the property, a space for art-making, exploring, and connecting with the surrounding woods. This homebase will also allow us to host new programs and events including family weekend activities, week-long summer camps, and creative community gatherings that inspire curiosity, connection, and joy.
Check out the links below for more on the impact of Open Space Education, to register for upcoming STOP+SEE nature walks / scavenger hunts and TREE TALK summer camps, and to donate to Open Space. Your support makes it possible for Richmond’s youth to explore their creativity, connect with nature, and unlock their full potential.
Watch out screen time, here we come!
Scott Turner
Founder and Visionary, Truetimber Arborists
______________
Useful links
Open Space Education Website, Camp/Nature Experience Registrations, and to Donate:
Open Space Education Impact Report
https://www.openspaceed.org/_files/ugd/a62b28_c5ba0811c9d2454f9702614899b2fa71.pdf