Campfire Chat: On birthdays, baskets, bees, and baby squirrels.
Where I Go Inside About the Outside
Pull up a camp chair. Let's chat.
Campfire Chat is where I go a little inside about the outside. It's my monthly excuse to unpack what's been happening in the world, in the woods, and occasionally in my own head. Think of it as catching up with a friend around the campfire—minus the smoke in your eyes and the pressure to share your marshmallows.
🕯 Inside the Tent
This week marks my 49th birthday and Field Trip’s first birthday! (No coincidence there: I launched Field Trip on October 3, my own big day.) Starting Field Trip felt a little like having a baby — so much learning, some sleepless nights, and leaning hard on my village. It’s been a wild and wonderful first year. I’m so grateful for everyone who’s come along for the ride. And I can’t wait to see what year two brings.
🌿 On My Mind
A friend recently told me about the genius little system she uses when camping: an In/Out basket at the tent door. At first, it sounded too simple to matter, but the more I thought about it, the more brilliant it became. I can’t count how many times I’ve shimmied out of my flip flops to step into the tent, zipped everything shut to keep bugs out… only to realize I forgot something. With the basket, you toss items in as you think of them — stuff headed out, stuff headed in. Grab it when you pass through. No extra dirt, no extra frustration. It really is the small things that make a trip easier and way more joyful.
🥾 On the Ground
I’ve been elbows-deep in something I’m really proud of: we planted a new Education/Pollinator Garden in our POA this week. We’re calling it The Buzz Stop. It’s a project of the conservation club in our community that I started in April, and I’m so excited to see it come to life. Even better? The community’s been cheering it on. Pollinators win, neighbors win.
📍 Pinned to the Map
My husband and I are about to embark on a 66-hour road trip — South Carolina to Yellowstone, and back. This time we’re trading the tent for glamping spots (and yes, I dislike that word too). Cabins, tipis, yurts… the whole mix. We’ve learned from experience that setting up and tearing down camp daily is just too much, but hotels feel too far removed from nature. So glamping is our happy medium. I’ll be writing about the adventure in the coming weeks, but if you want a sneak peek, follow along on our socials.
🧵 Thread I’m Pulling
Meanwhile, back in squirrel world: Harry and Henry (the babies I’ve been rehabbing) are officially teenagers. They’re cracking nuts, nearly weaned off formula, and practicing their leaps like little acrobats. They’ll be ready for release soon, which is both thrilling and a little heartbreaking. Rehab is bittersweet like that. I know it’s what they’re meant for, and these two will always have a place in my heart. But let’s be real: they won’t be my last baby squirrels.
🎒 Packing Out
As I blow out the candles this week, I keep circling back to how much of a gift Field Trip has been to me this past year. What started as a “crazy” idea has evolved into a growing community, a place to share, and a reminder to stay curious about the world beyond our doors. Thanks for being here — I can’t wait to see where we go in year two.
A little more about the person tending this fire...
I'm Kayt, founder of Field Trip. I started this whole adventure because I believe the outdoors has a remarkable way of connecting us—not just to nature, but to each other.
I'm awfully glad you found your way here.
While I may do most of the talking in Campfire Chat, I'd love to hear what's on your mind, too. Send me a note at kayt@explorefieldtrip.com. I read every email.
