The sun filtered through tall trees like spilled gold, dappling the soft forest floor with light and shadow. Birds chirped overhead, and a light breeze carried the earthy scent of moss and wildflowers. Not far away, the lake shimmered like a mirror tossed onto the world. The campers wandered toward the clearing near the water, where cushions, clipboards, and sketchpads were already waiting beneath the trees.

The facilitator clapped her hands lightly. “This morning,” she said, “we’re ...