Trip Report; Delaware Water Gap Expedition

TRIP REPORT: Signature Destination Expedition

Delaware Water Gap

Each year, Outside Perspectives offers a "Signature Destination" expedition. We have explored place like the Adirondacks in NY, the Bigelows in ME, and the Delaware Water Gap in NJ. These trips take us out of CT and into locations that involve higher mountains, longer rivers, giant lakes, more expansive views, more diverse ecosystems, and less crowds. These Signature Destination trips also offer an opportunity for an extended expedition that provide a longer and more unique experience for participants. This summer, we went to the Delaware Water Gap with two crews to backpack for two days and then paddle the rest on the Delaware River.

Our first crew consisted of six participants, and their fearless leader, Damion, from the Youth Excellence Project (YEP). The boys from YEP included participants that have come out with OP several times over the past few years, as well as a few first-timers! This trip was the culminating experience after several one day and overnight courses with us throughout the year. 

Our second crew consisted of 5 girls from Charter Oak Boxing Academy, 4 of which are Alumni participants that have been on several courses with OP over the past three years, and 1 participant who was new to the OP experience! This trip happened in collaboration with Alpine Alchemy, another organization started by one of our most experienced instructors. 

The crews took from OP one day apart from each other. Once they arrived at the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center, they set up camp and hit the lake for some paddling instruction and practice! On Day 2,  they hiked 7.5 miles to the Backpackers campsite, where they were welcomed by tons of delicious blueberry bushes. On Day 3, they hiked another 4.5 miles before they were picked up to be transported to Dingman's Campground where they would begin the canoeing portion of their adventure. The next morning, they began their 13 mile paddle to their next stop at the River Bend Campsite. They followed that up with a 10 mile paddles from River Bend to the Worthington campsite. On the final day, they paddled another 7 miles before taking out Portland-Columbia Pedestrian Bridge. Both crews paddled an impressive total of 30+ miles on the Delaware River!

Although both crews followed the same itinerary, each group had their own special experiences while on the expedition. While backpacking, the boys from YEP cooled off in a swimming hole, enjoyed views that went on forever, and sunsets on the trail. During the canoeing portion of their trip, they brought their fishing poles and enjoyed a beautiful sunset fishing session on the river. Meanwhile, the Alumni ladies were faced with the challenge of a rolled ankle on the trail. They rallied, exited the woods, and spent time at the beautiful Shohola Waterfalls. They canoed on Catfish Pond and then headed for the Delaware River. 

The Alumni trip was a truly special experience for OP, the participants, and Aline Alchemy. The trip was designed and developed in collaboration with the 5 participants. The girls had the opportunity to participate in several pre-trip meetings and conversations. They discussed personal goals, group goals, the itinerary, the menu, and what they wanted to take away from this experience. The outcome of these discussions evolved beautifully over the course of the expedition into; time for meditation, wilderness solos, journaling, conversations about difficult topics and tools to support one another going forward. The girls came away with a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader in the outdoor guiding world and a commitment to continue on the journey to use time in the outdoors as a tool for improving mental health, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging within themselves and with their peers.

Both crews left this expedition with a sense of pride and accomplishment that they will carry with them back to each of their communities. Each participant learned just how strong they are; mentally, physically, and emotionally. They experienced a sense of belonging within their crew. They disconnected from technology and reconnected with themselves, each other, and their environment. We are so excited to see how they progress individually, as a group, and as future participants with Outside Perspectives!