specific essays by the author can be found by clicking here:

The Church - State debate absolved

The Entertainment Industry - do violent images  inspire violent behavior?

A quote from the guest book:

 "It takes much courage and a strong spirit to live a self sufficient, monastic existence in harmony with and respect for the earth and life.  Thanks for dispelling the myth and proving it can be done" ...

more soon....

This web page is designed to introduce and compliment the recent publication titled Off On Our Own by Ted Carns III,  published by St Lynn's Press.  The book details the 36 year evolution of an off grid,  self sufficient, sustainable lifestyle.  The Stone Camp is said to be the most isolated dwelling in Pennsylvania's Southwest Division.  Thus this evolution took place of necessity rather than by choice because it was never an option for us  to be connected to the grid or any utilities. 

I'd like first and foremost to acknowledge 2 women who really deserve a great deal of recognition that they didn't receive in this book. One of course is my own Mother and the other my dear friend Donna Perkins.  Of all the people who have come here, Donna is no doubt the all time greatest beneficiary to The Stone Camp.  Not only in the form of generous donations, but you can scarcely look in any direction in any room and not see and enjoy a piece of beauty that she added to this living art form.  And I'm talking about expensive and exquisite pieces that literally drip, ooze and reflect a person of the finest tastes. 

I'll never forget the story of her first visit so many years back.  Donna, such a sensitive and loving person had just put to rest her precious little dog PeeWee.  Her friends were concerned at her being so devastated and ask her to accompany them to see this guy who lives in the mountain.  She declined, turned and walked away from their pleading when one of her friends said "He has two baby deer".  I was told that stopped her right in her tracks whereupon she did an about face, paused a moment and relented.  No amount of thanks could ever repay her for how much she's done for The Stone Camp.  Kudos to you Donna Perkins   



We basically produce most of our own power and if fossil fuels failed could easily produce all of our own power.  Our isolation, the powerful environmental influence of the Late Ruth Jury Scott,  Bronze silver palmed eagle scout, and two wonderfully instructive parents, all synthesized and produced a unique lifestyle.  
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In the author is paved a cross road of experience and events evolving a lifestyle that could exist and flourish if totally cut off.  True sustainability.  As for the author himself, it has often been remarked "Teddy you're the real Peter Pan".   He claims The Stone Camp is "Be Prepared" on steroids.  Years ago he became a licensed minister for $19.95 and claims the title "The Irreverent Reverend Teddy"         

The crescendo of laughter is tears and the depth of tears leads to laughter.  All things that achieve their apex of a sudden are faced with their own contradiction.  And so it is with the pursuit of affluence, the  allure of upward mobility and the great culmination of the American dream.  They stand out bold and yet hide within a shadowy mist.  Just for a moment take your eyes from the prize and let your head settle back down closer to your chin.  Now take a peek directly into the shadowy mist itself.  Look hard and I guarantee you'll see the ugly face of misery peering back out at you.  
The paradigm of desire has failed.  The ink stains from printing the dollar signs of worldly wealth have discolored the hands of the poverty stricken.   Our "dominion" mindset has lead our endeavors to their own antithesis, great hopes turn themselves into disasters and out of great disasters has formed great hope.    We have the choice to usher in the paradigm of necessity and lessen it's shock or have self reliance forced upon us with great pain.    Necessity reconnects the circle of life, it mimics the ordinance seen in the food-chain of creation.  The Stone Camp is necessity evolved to an eclectic, somewhat eccentric art form. It makes the faces of children light up and has gladdened many the heart of an elder.  

We hope you enjoy this sample platter and hope it stimulates your appetite to know more.