Nicky's Outside Perspective: Back on the Trail


Nicky's Outside Perspective:

Back on the Trail

By Nicky Wood, MSW


Last week was my first time leading an expedition since becoming a mom. My last expedition was in the early fall of 2020, at the start of the pandemic. It felt like so long ago and yesterday at the same time. The most significant change was how I needed to prepare myself and my family for an expedition. Now, it feels much more monumental to get to day one! I can tell you that once we pulled our backpacks out of the van at the trailhead and watched the van pull away, it felt like I was back in the saddle. The worries of the world melted away, and I was just there. There in the woods, in the rain, with whatever we remembered to bring and nothing more. Our challenges are what are in front of us, and we have only each other to rely on. 


After this trip, the one thing that sticks with me is that pivotal moment that an instructor lives to facilitate, helping a participant turn a challenge into fun. In some ways, the instructor's experience reflects what the kids experience, only through a different lens. Our challenge is to manage the crew's morale while keeping a pulse on the emotional and physical safety. But you're not above it all; you go through the lows with them. I remind the kids that I feel just as uncomfortable in the rain and with the bugs as they do. The difference is that I come with the perspective and knowledge that I can get through this. Knowing this is more than half the battle. Never having anything to compare this to, the kids are questioning their ability to complete the four days. It is a serious and challenging mental exercise. As an instructor, I know they are all physically capable of making it to the end. The wild card is always how their mental game will hold up. Can they find their joy through the hardship? Can they be vulnerable enough to let their guard down and be the silly kids they are all dying to be? 



This trip was an absolute honor and joy to be a part of. I went into the woods with five boys, uncertain of themselves and each other. I left with five young men who could call each other friends and see themselves as leaders moving forward. The first mile of the hike was silent in its uncertainty. Hoods up, hair hanging over eyes, and distance between them. The last day was full of laughter, hugs, and a newfound camaraderie. It wasn't that they had an easy time. I watched some breathe heavily with fear, air out blistered wet feet, get covered in bites, and melt exhausted into their sleeping bags at night after 12 hours of being on their feet.



Amazingly, these young men didn't let it get the better of them. Their courage and tenacity shone brightly. They found connection in the shared challenge. They found friendship in the struggle, and most importantly, they found shared joy in the process. Not everyone can do this. Occasionally, a participant leaves us still questioning why they went through it all. Only upon reflection can they see how it might have served them well. But if you can grasp it in the moment, it makes the journey so much sweeter. 

That is what they will bring with them into this coming school year. A newfound confidence, resilience for challenge, and a brotherhood they can rely on. And all it took was four days. 


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