I just returned from my summer in Texas working with the youth foundation C5. It was pretty incredible. Challenging, but rewarding to watch the kids learn, explore, and develop as leaders. Here's a brief recap:
June was spent with the third-year kids, called "Hammers." Summer programming is just a small part of the year-round, 5-year leadership program, but each year begins with some sort of program. For the Hammers, it's a backpacking trip in Wyoming. Our two week trip began in Utah with a college visit, after which we hit the road to see some of the sights of the west. We went white water rafting, camped, and toured Yellowstone National Park. Some of the highlights include....
June was spent with the third-year kids, called "Hammers." Summer programming is just a small part of the year-round, 5-year leadership program, but each year begins with some sort of program. For the Hammers, it's a backpacking trip in Wyoming. Our two week trip began in Utah with a college visit, after which we hit the road to see some of the sights of the west. We went white water rafting, camped, and toured Yellowstone National Park. Some of the highlights include....
Exploring Yellowstone's geysers and hot springs.
Grizzly and bison sightings.
Really great runs.
And sunsets over base camp.
After spending several days at base camp prepping gear and food, we headed into the backcountry for a 7-day backpacking adventure......
Where our views looked like this,
and this,
And this.
We climbed a mountain
and built a snowman at 10,000 feet.
We traveled through fields of flowers like these lupins.
And, aside from the hoards of mosquitos, had a really great time!
After a short break, we returned to Texas for a month of camp for the first year (Flint) and second year (Lantern) kids. I was an Adventure Instructor and I helped with the ropes course, taught several lessons on leadership, helped with the mountain bike club, and helped organize a 5-day trek for the Lanterns and an overnight for the Flints, among other jobs. Some scenes from camp:
The Windmill.
Exploring the trails on foot (and sometimes by bike).
Sunrise over camp.
Flint overnight.
And dressed as Texas Parks & Wildlife rangers for the dance!
Now that I'm back home, I have less than one week until I leave for Thailand. It's hard to believe I'm going to be leaving for an entire four months, but I'm excited and I feel ready with most of my gear and supplies already packed. Check back for updates once I arrive in Thailand!
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