Campfire Chat: Two Squirrels, One Heavy Pack, and a Month for Our Pets
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.
📦What’s in My Pack
Some packs are light. They are comfortable enough to carry for miles without a second thought. Others feel fine at first. But when the trail turns steep and rocky, every step reminds you of the weight you carry.
Lately, my pack has been in that second category. It’s been a heavy season for my husband and me. These weeks have been filled with tears and questions about whether those tears will ever run out. I’m not ready to unpack the details here. However, I will say this: we’ve been carrying a lot of weight for a long stretch, and there hasn’t been a place to set it down.
Yet, in the middle of this uphill slog, there’s been a little patch of trail that feels lighter. Writing this month’s pieces for Pet Month at Field Trip has been a genuine joy. They say pets can help you live longer. While I sometimes question that during my dog’s “bark at a leaf” campaign, I understand it. Pets bring comfort, companionship, and a ridiculous amount of joy. For me, with an officially empty nest, they’ve made the “empty” feel a little less so. This month, we’ve packed our site with tips, stories, and gear guides for the animals who share our trails and homes. Not everything is pet-related, but a lot of it is—because they deserve a whole month of attention.
The Joy of Pets
Pets have a unique ability to fill our lives with happiness. They offer unconditional love and companionship. This month, we celebrate that bond. From heartwarming stories to practical tips, our content is designed to enhance the lives of both pets and their owners.
Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or considering adopting, there’s something for everyone. We explore the benefits of having pets, from emotional support to physical activity. Pets encourage us to get outside, explore, and enjoy life. They remind us to appreciate the little moments, like a wagging tail or a soft purr.
🥾On the Ground
In the spirit of Pet Month, I should tell you: I recently took on two new “roommates”—Harry and Henry, baby squirrels currently living in a tote that serves as their nest. It started with volunteering for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Group of South Carolina. They were overwhelmed with more squirrel babies than they could handle this breeding season. When I found out they needed help, I signed up for training. I worried it might be one more thing in an already heavy season—less sleep (they need a midnight feeding), more responsibility. But it’s been the opposite.
I’m a nurturer by nature. I raised three extraordinary human beings (biased, yes, but still true). I’ve been the woman at the pool who can’t fully relax because I’m watching the toddler across the way. Even with my own pets—two dogs and two cats—there’s been a piece of that “mom” part of me that’s been missing in this empty-nest chapter. Harry and Henry have given me a new sense of purpose that’s outside career, relationships, and community work. Quite literally, I have life in my hands again.
In wildlife rehab, the goal is to re-wild them—give them a second shot at living where they belong. Sometimes they don’t make it. Sometimes they do, and you let them go, knowing you may never see them again. It’s bittersweet, but there’s no greater privilege than being the reason a wild life goes on. In a season when I’ve needed it most, these tiny squirrels have reminded me that even when the trail feels impossible, there can still be moments of deep, unexpected meaning.
The Importance of Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation is a vital service. It helps injured or orphaned animals return to their natural habitats. The process involves care, feeding, and eventually releasing them back into the wild. This work is not only rewarding but also essential for maintaining ecological balance.
By volunteering, I’ve learned about the challenges these animals face. Each squirrel has its own story. Some come in weak and scared, while others are more resilient. The goal is always the same: to prepare them for life in the wild. This experience has deepened my appreciation for nature and the creatures that inhabit it.
🎧On in the Background
A baby sound machine plays nature noises. This helps acclimate the squirrels to outdoor life while disguising their tiny squeaks from my own curious pets.
🕯Inside the Tent
We have a new intern, Catelin, who you can meet on the Chaperones page of the site. She’s a fast learner, a problem-solver, and the kind of teammate who frees up enough of my time to tackle projects that have been on the back burner. I’m really grateful she’s here.
Finding Balance
Life is about balance. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by responsibilities. However, it’s essential to carve out time for self-care and joy. Whether it’s spending time with pets, enjoying nature, or simply taking a moment to breathe, these small acts can make a big difference.
🪵Kindling
My mom moved from Maine to South Carolina last year. While we don’t see each other as much as I would like, we share yoga sessions a few times a week and the occasional lunch or dinner. In this heavy stretch, her compassion, hugs, and quiet support have been a lifeline. Sometimes you just need a place—and a person—where you can drop the pack for a while. Moms are cool like that.
The Power of Community
Community support is invaluable. Friends and family can provide the encouragement we need during tough times. They remind us that we are not alone. Engaging with others can lift our spirits and help us find joy in the little things.
🎒Packing Out
I recently asked a new friend if she’d take on a leadership role in Green Keepers, the conservation club I run in our POA community. She said no. Not because she didn’t want to, but because she’s already committed elsewhere and didn’t want to overfill her plate.
I truly loved that answer. It told me she trusted me enough to be honest. It reminded me that “no” can be a healthy trail sign—the one that keeps you from taking a path you don’t have the energy to hike. It reinforced something I’ve been learning lately: carrying only what you can manage isn’t selfish. It’s smart.
Some seasons, our packs are heavier than we want them to be. Some trails feel longer than we think we can handle. But there are also squirrels to feed, dogs to hike with, moms to hug, friends to admire, and whole months of celebrating the animals who make our lives better. I would be remiss if I did not mention my husband, Liam, and the peace that his presence and love offers at the end of every long day.
So here’s to finding the light patches of trail when we can—and to knowing it’s okay to stop, adjust the straps, and catch your breath along the way.
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.
