TRIP REPORT: Youth Excellence Project, Backpacking Overnight

On June 11, the Youth Excellence Project crew geared up with Outside Perspectives and prepared to head out on to the trail for an overnight backpacking trip. It was a small crew of three, which allowed for one to one adult to participant ratio, a rare and special situation!



The crew arrived at the Mt. Washington Ranger Station to receive their gear and prepare for their trip. After a quick snack, the crew hiked 2 miles up the Alander Mountain Trail to the Ashley Hill Campsite. They set up their site, ate lunch, and prepared their day hike bags for the next leg of their trip. With full bellies, they embarked on the hike to the summit of Alander Mountain. Camouflage and other trail games kept them moving along the 1.5 miles. Once on top, the crew dropped their packs, took in the view, and then opted for a sweet summit nap in the shade of nearby blueberry bushes.


Once everyone was feeling rested and ready to go again, they prepared to cook and eat dinner with a view. The boys worked together with the instructors to make some delicious chicken burritos for all. They ate, talked, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. 




The small crew allowed for one on one mentoring sessions. Each participant had the opportunity to talk about their experience thus far, receive feedback, and create personal goals to work toward throughout their year of programming with Outside Perspectives. Then, as if the sunset wasn't magical enough, they were treated to some distant fireworks before heading back down.



This crew was excited to share their experience with their friends. A few more would be joining them for the 6 day expedition in the Delaware Water Gap in July. The boys expressed that they are committed to the big picture, that they are looking to grow into year long outdoors people. Each participant shared that they are getting more comfortable in the wilderness, with putting their new skills to use, and are looking forward to growing in areas like cooking and navigating.



The crew hiked back down to their site to end the evening. In the morning, they cooked and ate breakfast, broke down camp, and headed out for the final hike out to complete their 7 mile loop. The Youth Excellence Project will be back in July for their 6 day backpacking and canoeing expedition with Outside Perspectives, and we just can't wait to see these faces back outside again!


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