The week I spent at Camp Huntington was excellent. I have not been to a better setting that for learning to take place. I loved the overall focus of the week - environment and energy - that kept resurfacing time and time again. Yes, the schedule was jam packed full of activities, but I did not mind one bit.
I like the fact that we were there with another group. In my opinion, the larger group brought more diversity, experience and perspectives to the weeks activities. It was nice to sit at a different table, meeting new people and hearing their stories, at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There were two high points for me on the trip. The first was the book talk we had with John Slade. Engaging, passionate, inspiring and colorful are a few words that I think of after meeting John. I am looking forward to reading the other two novels in the trilogy of "Adirondack Green". His honest opinion of "Americans" and where we are as a country, in comparison to other cultures, was a bit sobering. Although, I do not think that we should worry too much about what the other "guy" is doing around the world, and are we keeping up, but rather turn the table on us and start asking the hard questions. Are we being a good steward of Earth? Are we teaching a future generation the skills and abilities they will need to succeed in today's world society? Can we make the hard decision and sacrifices necessary to change how we live to become more in-tune with nature and less dependent on non-renewable energy sources?
My interpretation of how John portrayed "American" students in Norway, Russian and China is a difference of the desire to challenge one's own person to be the best they can be. I felt as if his message was very clear, "Americans, have become lazy and complacent". We can do better as a country. We can do better as a culture. And we can definitely do better as part of the human race. The way we are living as a society is costing us too much financially, emotionally and spiritually. I agree with John's message, there is a better way to live in harmony with nature.
This brings me to my second highlight of the week. The high ropes course. It was amazing to watch people, that I only recently met, accomplish such great feats. I was surprised at some individuals actions, both positive and negative. I remember seeing the platform for the zip-line and saying to myself, "You need to see that view up there". It was spectacular! I was not the most graceful climber in the group, but I was very proud of myself for doing the pamper pole. Even though I didn't touch the ball. Drat!
The whole feel of that day was awesome. I thought the day was scaffold very well to build us up to the high-ropes part. The positive reinforcement and support was excellent among both groups. I also would also comment that I'm glad it was later in the week. I think people were more comfortable with one another. Those were my two high points of the week.
I learned a tremendous amount over the six days at Camp Huntington. Learning about the history of the Adirondacks - environment, great camps and political - was phenomenal. I have definitely fallen in love with the Adirondacks. I have just spent the last week in Anchorage, Alaska, hiking, fishing and being in the outdoors. It has been great, but completely different the feeling I had in the Adirondacks. I have two more weeks up here in the great white north. My time spent in the Adirondacks has put me in a state of mind to really soak up every minute.
Lastly, I'd like to take this time to say thanks to Beth, Karl and Tim. Your passion for the outdoors, education and making a difference really in this world really came through loud and clear. Thanks for a great experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment