Challenging yet Inspiring -our trip to Hells Canyon.
Inspiring moments from our trip to Hells Canyon, were witnessed throughout the
expedition through various experiences which included the following: doing the unthinkable – backpacking 18 miles
in three days; overcoming doubts, such as, climbing a steep hill and then climbing
another steep and yet another hill without giving up; having a positive outlook and
attitude throughout the entire trip; inspirational discussions that touched our hearts and minds; completing thought provoking assignments such as outdoor
metaphors and the time-capsule letter; growing stronger as a group and learning
to accept people for who they are despite their differences; and personal
reflection time. We at Turning Winds Academic Institute consider's these experiences as invaluable opportunities to grow emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Some of the highlights of the trip included: reaching our
destinations, playing capture the flag, harvesting remnant volcanic ash from
Mt. Mazama’s eruption that was found inside a small cave near Carter’s Mansion;
the tremendous views throughout the canyon; completing the expedition; having
breakfast at John’s house on his birthday; and going out to eat and watching a
movie at the theater.
One of the great tools that we use in teaching our students, is the use of experiential education - providing learning experiences in an informal setting free, from walls and staleness. One particular assignment which is fun to participate in, is the writing of outdoor metaphors. An outdoor metaphor is defined by relating the backpacking experience into some aspect to our life. For example, the stars that can be seen in
the night sky may represent all of the people in our lives that guide us with
their good light, especially through dark periods of our life. Excerpts from the outdoor metaphor writing
assignments include: “Grass represents
the soft, caring side of myself,” “tent represents a safe shelter,” “our
backpacks are like all [of] our troubles weighing down on us,” “wind
[represents] struggles in life,” “down-hill, the break that comes after all the
hard work,” “flowers represent the good parts of life,” “traction on shoes are
the support of friends that keep me from slipping.”
Some of the daily devotionals which we discussed included: Staying positive when the going get's tough; If only I had changed myself first...; A Tale of Two Wolves; The power of persistence and determination.
