Apprenticeships at Spring Time
Written by Ryan S. Spring ‘21
These past two weeks have been some of the more fulfilling weeks in my time here. We spent our time doing apprenticeships in the morning, and then paddle carving in the afternoon. The apprenticeships are deeper introductions to certain topics here, like farming, cooking, outdoor leadership, and facilities. I chose farming because I wanted to be outside and to learn more about the operation of Glen Brook’s farm. Our days had a variety of tasks to do, such as weeding in the greenhouse of Gabriel’s Field, cleaning out chicken coops, socializing with the new lambs (Bonnie, Ruth, and Anita. They’re adorable), seeding new crops in the greenhouse, or assembling a pig pen for the back of a truck. I find myself feeling really grateful and content after a day of work on the farm, it feels good to give back to the Glen Brook community.
During apprenticeships, we have been working on taking blank pieces of wood and shaping them into paddles for the canoe trip. We used a variety of tools during this process, some of which I’ve never used before, like drawknives and rasps. I spent 5 days carving my paddle, trying to go with the grain so I didn’t take off any big wood chucks. At the beginning, it felt like I was barely making a dent, but around the third day my paddle really started to take form. I spent a lot of time sanding my paddle down and wood burning a cool design into it to make it special. During the second week I waterproofed my paddle, and to see it finished, I feel immensely proud of the work I put in, and I can’t wait to use it on the canoe trip and when I get home.
It is spring in New Hampshire, and as the days get longer I’m noticing more flowers budding, trees getting greener, and the warm weather coming in. That being said, our time is coming to a close. I have really enjoyed being in one place and watching the rhythms of spring go by. I think a lot about special places in my life, and how I yearn to be in those places. I remind myself that the cycles of life and the rhythms of these places continue even if I am not present to see them. This will provide comfort for me as I move past Glen Brook and transition home.
