News and Notes

News and NotesNews and Notes

< Back to WVTF News

 

Don’t call it “Hippie Camp”

Deep in the Wythe County community of Rural Retreat, the hippies have taken over...if only just for the summer, if only on 50 secluded acres. They've brought their tie-dye and hemp bracelets, and they've been eating organic vegetables and singing songs around the campfire. They're swinging in hammocks and talking about peace and the meaning of life. And they're just kids. Connie Stevens takes us on a tour of Camp A-R-E, now wrapping up for the season. Listen.

Edward Morgan is the camp's program director.

Edward Morgan is the camp's program director.

This is the dining hall at Camp A.R.E. (A.R.E. stands for Association for Research and Enlightenment).

This is the dining hall at Camp A.R.E. (A.R.E. stands for Association for Research and Enlightenment).

Campers enjoy singing songs.

Campers enjoy singing songs.

Campers get to personalize the bunks in their cabins.

Campers get to personalize the bunks in their cabins.

This is the meditation garden at Camp A.R.E.

This is the meditation garden at Camp A.R.E.

Camper Naomi looks at today's lunch.

Camper Naomi looks at today's lunch.

Mural at Camp A.R.E.

(Photos by: Connie Stevens, WVTF News)