​I want to tell you about a little-known place that is making a big difference. It’s called Camp Breac and is located in historical Bellefonte, PA along Spring Creek which is a popular trout fishing stream.  It’s proprietor James Lanning, Jim for short, has a heart that is bigger than his body.  Jim is a retired police officer from California whom has continued his public service by acting as an advocate for military veterans, public service members, and Clearwater Shed.   Jim and his wife, Denise’s compassion, hospitality, and vision are contagious and all who meet them are quickly brought into the fold.  That’s how it was for Ed and I.  What started as favor for a friend to look at an old tree that had fallen down leaving a rather tall ugly stump standing in the center of the front yard, quickly turned into a lifelong relationship. 
After a tour of Camp Breac and one of Jim’s famous Irish Coffees made with local spirits from Big Spring Spirits the place begins to feel like home.  You quickly settle in and the many faces you meet are new family members that you share a common connection to.  For Ed and I, we are children of veterans with many family members that were part of the armed forces.   I particularly felt at home.  As I sipped my coffee, surrounded by veterans listening to their stories, my mind drifted to images of my childhood surrounded by military and civil servants and the feelings of comfort and a sense of belonging came over me.  Memories of my father, an Army veteran, came to mind as I sat chatting with and observing several more veterans.  I wondered if they realized how simply being in their presence brought me joy.  We left that day honored to be a part of Camp Breac’s mission and became part of the family. 
Jim had a dream to turn that ugly stump into something special for everyone to enjoy.  As family members do, we help each other out with time and talents, it was not different to Ed and I.  We agreed to take on the project and understood why Ed was recommended for the task.  Ed is known for his giant leaping fish carvings and this tree stump was perfect for one.   
It was winter when Ed began cutting into massive stump with his chainsaw.  It took him two weekends to carve the “Leaping Trout” that stands about 9 feet tall and faces Spring Creek.  After the color was added to the base to resemble the creek, Jim and veterans painted on the clear sealant coat. Another avid fisherman tied the large fly that hangs above the trout. 
Art in the outdoors is part of our mission and teaming up with Camp Breac is a natural fit.  We look forward to meeting more of our community and working on projects together in the future.