Camp is all about allowing campers the ability to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and experience new things. I am fortunate enough to facilitate our Rangers program here at camp, which involves different adventure trips for our oldest campers. Our 14-16 year olds have the chance to rock climb, canoe in white water, hike the Appalachian Trail, geocache, rappel, and much more. More importantly however, while they are out on their adventure they are learning life lessons and self accountability. Each one of our trip programs takes a waterproof group journal with them to use however they fit. Our Rangers write stories or poems, draw landscapes, or use it to record daily anecdotes and quotes. I wanted to share some of the entries from our Session 3 Ranger trips, to showcase how inspiring these campers really are.
“…we hiked to the High Rocks where we climbed two different climbs and rappelled again. The 1st climb was easier. The 2nd climb, which was where we rappelled, was really really difficult. First we did a 5-3 climb, but it was 100 feet tall so it was nerve-wracking. Everyone got to the top, but only Chris was able to touch the caribiners. I don’t get how Chris rock climbs but is scared of heights at the same time, but that’s pretty cool. Then we climbed a shorter 5-4 cliff. We all got to the top of that one too. It had a flatter face. It’s really great when we climb because we really try to support each other and give advice. There are points during the climb where you have no idea what to do and your body hurts, but when all of your friends are cheering you on, you really get motivated to finish that climb no matter what.”
“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all of the growth and happiness is built while climbing it.”
“These girls (Rangerettes) are the closest family you’ll ever get at camp”
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”
“Loving someone deeply gives you courage, being loved deeply gives you strength.”
“All of a sudden, I saw it was okay to hike slow. I noticed the trees, the rocks, pine needles, leaves, sky, clouds, mountains and so many other things. I was happy, calm, and positive. I noticed nature with a higher level of respect. I figured I liked the AT. It was beautiful. It was peaceful. Maybe I’d do it one day.”
These anecdotes and quotes are just a snapshot of the experience that all of these Rangers went through. Every single day I feel blessed to be able to help these teens along their journey through Rangers. It is not often we have the chance to immerse ourselves in this kind of challenge, let alone reflect on it. So if you have the opportunity to send yourself or someone you know on this trip, I highly encourage it. I can promise one thing, Rangers makes stronger children in mind, body and spirit. Not a day goes by that I don’t find myself thinking about the time I got to watch the sunset from the top of a mountain. That’s a memory that is with me for a lifetime and every child deserves memories like those.
by Matt Geurtsen
Program Coordinator Family and Trip Programs