Imagine what it’s like to get out of your comfort zone: no running water, no bathrooms, no access to showers, no TVs, no tablets, no cellphones. That’s just what a group of teens did this summer, as part of our Boots & Boats Ranger trips. The co-ed trips took place three times this summer – the most recent one happened in early August. It involved spending five days backpacking part of the beautiful Appalachian Trail and four days canoeing the Delaware River. The trips are single gender, but both boys and girls participated. (The way it works is, the boys canoe while the girls backpack and vice versa.)
Boots & Boats is an amazing excursion for young people who are used to all the comforts and conveniences of modern day life. Out in the wilderness, they had to lug heavy backpacks, pitch tents, cook meals outdoors, filter drinking water, and challenge themselves physically each and every day. They also got to experience moments of pure solitude along with beautiful bonding experiences – along with stunning views and fabulous sunrises and sunsets.
Here’s are a few quotes from some Rangers after the August trip:
“This was a really good experience. It’s not every day you get to do something like this!” – Sarah
“I like that we were really able to cooperative with everyone.” – Cat
“I felt like I made some of the closest friendships on this trip.” – Frances
“I feel like I learned more about myself.” – Lara
“Boating was a little more challenging, but by the end, they all got it.” – Ranger leader
“I thought hiking was the most challenging.” – Participant
“It was challenging, but so rewarding.” – Kimmie
“Everyone bonded together at night.” – Anna
“The bonds you make are so special – you don’t get it anywhere else.” – Lindsey
One Ranger described it this way: “It’s my first season doing Boots & Boats. At first, it was like adjusting to a new lifestyle; it was kind of like being homeless. We had to carry giant packs and we were not used to camping.”
“By the end, they were all superstars.” – Ranger leader
“It’s interesting to see how they grow during the trip; they end up taking it all in stride.” – Jess
(Contact Kelsey Henry, our Teen Program Coordinator, for information about 2018 Ranger programs. In addition to Boots & Boats, we offer a host of other trips, including fishing, hiking, climbing and service-oriented projects.)