Brendan came to White Pine as a seven year-old. Through scholarship support, he grew under the guidance of White Pine mentors. “I wasn’t on a good path in school,” he recently shared, “but I found nature here, and now I like the person I am becoming.” At White Pine, Brendan learned to be prepared for the elements the hard way, shivering through a winter’s overnight and waking with resolve to pay more attention to the packing list. He gained competence through challenges – solo navigation in unfamiliar territory, rainproof forest shelter construction, and daily journaling about quiet time spent in nature. He learned what patience looks like from mentors who invested in his growth as a naturalist and human being.
Today Brendan at the age of 16 is giving back – he volunteers many hours weekly at White Pine, sharing the skills, naturalist knowledge and sense of compassion developed throughout many seasons. Brendan has begun his own journey in mentoring and has his eyes on a few long-term prospects. Because of your generosity, Brendan got the chance to find out who he is and what he’s made of. Many more kids like Brendan can, with scholarship help, connect with our mentors and grow into capable, caring young adults. By supporting scholarships at White Pine you’re giving the next generation of leaders a chance to reach their potential.