About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

After years of travel and outdoor adventure,

I found a new application for my experience and camper van in environmental service as a Penn State University Extension Master Watershed Steward. This collection of training and event recollections offers a primer on the range of projects and groups available for others to find their own calling in this field of civic service.

The TomteVan

My VW camper (also known as “Vinsson, the Tomte Van”) has served me well over the years as a rolling basecamp for diverse outdoor activities. I found that it also offered many features that could be applied in support of this program. The journals reminded me that it has served me at every stage of this journey and should be recognized accordingly as a project partner.

When my kids were young, our family travelled about hiking and camping with the support of a 1973 VW Westphalia campervan that we called Baloo (because it had just enough room for ‘the bare necessities’). Unfortunately, we lost that family member to an accident that was a consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time (some of my generation would understand it as the ‘Malachi Crunch’). I missed that quirky adventure partner, but my outdoor activities and scout-support service continued with other capable vehicles. When grandkids became part of the family picture; it was time for a new campervan! That’s when I found and adopted the 1999 VW Eurovan, which I began calling the “Tomte Van”.

This campervan is two model generations after my ’73 loaf Baloo. It offered more power for current highway speeds and towing trailers or boats, as well as some more modern RV features. When purchased it came with some 60s vibe decals and the name “Winston”. I felt that a few adjustments would suit me better for the trail-support role I envisioned. So I deleted some flowers, configured & customized interior details, and gave it a more Scandinavian version of the name: Vinsson.

The Scandinavian connection is a combination of my interests in Nordic values, folklore, and outdoor culture … and more significantly: the result of my daughter marrying a Swede! This union brought a wonderful addition to our family in her husband, his family, and our granddaughter. They are in my mind always and that is reflected in many décor choices for the van.

And that brings us to the Tomte. In Swedish folklore, the tomte (aka nisse, gnomes, or tomtar) are benevolent creatures that inhabit and stealthily tend to places like the home or barn. Like the Swedish homestead in need of a watchful steward, my van is watched over by a team to keep it working reliably:

Dasha sits on the dash

The mechanic, watches over this antique vehicle.

Sporka is in the galley

The epicurean, tends coffee café and libation cellar.

Hobb is by the propane.

The host, brings warmth to stove and furnace.

They watch over the key functions of the camper: mechanical operation, food preparation, and the comforts of home. As a team, they keep the van fit and reliable to support the projects we pursue on our mission as environmental stewards.