"I was standing on the highest mountain of them all, and round about beneath me was the whole hoop of the world. And while I stood there, I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw.” – Black Elk
I've always loved this quote by Black Elk, a famous Ogalala Sioux leader who witnessed the clash of cultures and the loss of his people's way of life. Black Elk described a mystical experience he had at the top of a mountain when he was only nine years old. He saw the beauty and the sacredness of the land, and he felt a deep connection with it. He also saw the challenges and the opportunities that came with change and adaptation.
REACH Peer Mentor Wilderness Learning Expedition: Standing at the top of Black Elk Peak, South Dakota, July 2023.
His quote captures the essence of what we at REACH aim to achieve with our wilderness learning programs: to inspire our youth to see beyond their immediate challenges and to discover new perspectives and possibilities. This summer, we had the privilege of witnessing this transformation in our Peer Mentors, who embarked on a series of epic adventures across the country, following the footsteps of Black Elk and other historical figures. They learned not only about the natural beauty and diversity of America, but also about the rich and complex history and culture of its people.
But our summer fun didn't stop there. We also ran four weeks of summer adventure camps for our newer refugee youth participants, who are just starting their journey with REACH. We introduced them to a variety of outdoor activities and places that will help them feel more at home in their new community. We practiced archery, kayaking, hiking, and more in our local parks, forests, and waterways. We also took them on camping trips to national and state parks where they learned how to cook over a fire, set up camp, and complete solo night hikes in the woods. They had a blast exploring new environments and making new friends.
I invite you to continue reading to learn more about the extraordinary experiences that you helped to make happen among our youth participants this summer!
Peer Mentor Leadership Corps 2023 (PMLC23)
Wilderness Learning Expeditions
As you know, at REACH, we believe that life is full of surprises and challenges, especially when we interact with nature. We are passionate about helping young people discover their potential and overcome obstacles through outdoor adventures that expose them to nature's wonders and teach them valuable skills. Our youth participants (and adults) face various situations that test their limits, such as weather changes, injuries, fears, and more. A few quotes taken from our Peer Mentors’ Summer 2023 Field Notes, which showcase some discouraging moments, are highlighted below.
Sounds miserable, right? The cool thing is that, ultimately, all of these young people learned to adapt to different scenarios, to cope with disappointment, and to find joy in the journey. Our Peer Mentors have been preparing for this summer since last fall, planning the routes, activities, and budgets for their trips. They also participated in regular trainings on wilderness aptitudes, safety, and group dynamics. They were ready to take on any challenge that came their way, whether it was hiking up steep mountains, practicing new skills, camping in stormy weather, or encountering wildlife. They also learned to support each other and celebrate their achievements. Each of the quotes above correspond to the following statements from the same youth authors:
This summer, fourteen Peer Mentors and staff embarked on two incredible Wilderness Learning Expeditions, first across the states of Illinois and Indiana into the lush, rugged terrain of Daniel Boone National Forest, and the floodplain woodlands along the Missouri River, and then across the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota into the dry white clay mountains of Badlands National Park, and the sweet-smelling ponderosa pines and rolling grassland prairies of Black Hills National Forest. The young people learned the basics of primitive camping near rivers and in the mountains, hiking in with all of their gear, setting up tents, and packing out, and they even had a chance to sleep in a treehouse atop a steep canyon in the forest. They practiced wet exits and rescues while kayaking in gorgeous lakes, hiked miles through caves and caverns or up to sacred peaks and vistas, biked from town to town on the scenic Katy Trail, and rode horseback through creeks and hills in South Dakota.
Peer Mentor Wilderness Learning Expedition: Kentucky and Missouri, June 2023
They also learned to appreciate the stories and struggles of those who came before them, such as the indigenous people like Black Elk who lived in harmony with the land, and the European pioneers like Lewis and Clark who explored the "unknown" territory. Near the end of our second trip, we had a cozy and reflective moment round the campfire, accompanied by gentle guitar music played by one of the youths, under a mysterious moon. We talked about our favorite moments together and what we learned from our two journeys. It was clear from their comments that they gained a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Several of the youth leaders remarked on how grateful they were for the brave efforts of the indigenous communities who fought long and hard to protect these sacred places so that people like us could enjoy the tranquility, beauty and connection they offer.
“I learned that I need to listen more so that I don’t miss the opportunity to understand history, what the indigenous people sacrificed, and why I should care about protecting this land,” explained Peer Mentor Wagdi, age 14, while sitting around the campfire.
Peer Mentor Wilderness Learning Expedition: Minnesota and South Dakota, July 2023.
Summer Adventure Camp 2023 (SAC23)
Day Camp & Overnight Camping Adventures
Our newest refugee youth participants also had a blast this summer! Thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we offered more opportunities and experiences for our refugee and asylum-seeking youth than ever before. This summer, we welcomed more than 65 refugee and asylum-seeking youth from 13 different countries to our day camp programs, where they enjoyed a variety of outdoor learning and adventure sports, such as archery, disc golf, fishing, kayaking, and more. They also visited local parks and forest preserves, where they explored diverse ecosystems and learned about the animals and plants that inhabit them. They made new friends, practiced their English skills, and had a lot of fun along the way. Many of these youth also joined us for their first or second overnight camping trip this summer. REACH organized three overnight camping trips, one at Indiana Dunes National Park and two at Chain O Lakes State Park, all of which were designed to introduce new campers to the joys of camping. It was a big deal for many to sleep in a tent away from home, brave a dark trail by themselves, and paddle on a big river.
