Jubilee Youth Ranch Day 1

After two weeks of skill learning, as students we had to choose a skill in which to specialize. I chose to specialize in challenge course where we use facilitation to work with a group. As a part of specialization we went to Jubilee Youth Ranch in Eastern Washington. Jubilee Youth Ranch is a christian based behavior modification program for at-risk and troubled teenage boys with on campus counseling and an accredited high school. Throughout day 1, as a team we worked through the course to understand how it was set up and then we planned out a progression.

Rock Climbing Z-crack

A group of friends and I ended our day off by rock climbing z-crack. Here are some pictures of our afternoon.

Off to work we go...

About a week ago we had a day off of classes and skills. Explore students who are in their second year have been working on building a small prayer chapel up on the mountain at camp. A couple of us first years decided to go help. It was tons of fun to learn how to use a few new tools and get in on building a log chapel.

Day 5 of Backpacking

Today is our last day on the trail. We have several miles to hike that include hiking back up that mountainside and down a rockslide on the other side. But, there is a bit of excitement to head back to Camp Bighorn.

Day 4 of Backpacking

Today we climbed down the side of a mountain. For the first time in a long time I have to admit that I have a fear of heights in certain contexts. I stood at the top of the mountain looking down the slope that our leader told us was the path. The slope was a steep one that dropped some 600 feet or so and was covered only in bear grass. I decided in my head that it might be safer if I just stayed on the top of the mountain and did not come down...these people must be crazy for wanting to climb down this with a thirty-some pound pack on my back. Finally one of the members of my team realized my fear and grabbed my hand and began directing me down the side of the mountain. I chuckled as I thought how I had to look like a fearful child being led quickly through a haunted house. Upon reaching the bottom, I sighed with relief and jumped into a freezing cold lake.

Day 3 of Backpacking

Last night and today were fun...we experienced sleet, hail, and snow...it made sleeping and hiking super tough. We spent the night in Alpine meadows, a gorgeous view of all the mountains laid out before us. Honestly, indoor bathrooms will never compare to being able to take a rest stop where mountains surround you and the sun sets...chuckle.