The Inaugural Voyage
Our Voyager trip kicked off with a palpable buzz of excitement as we meticulously packed our essentials. The prospect of a three-day journey lay ahead, and we all had to carefully consider what to bring, sharing a dry bag for our canoes. Some of us found this planning process a breeze, while others saw it as a delightful puzzle. Yet, we all agreed on one thing: it's always better to have too much than not enough.
Despite the shorter distance, our canoeing journey across the lake was not without its challenges. Spiders and winds added an adventurous twist to our expedition. But we persevered, working with our canoe partner to navigate our way. We even had some friendly races, adding a dash of joy and courage to our short excursion. Overcoming these challenges filled us with a profound sense of pride and inspired us to tackle more adventures in the future.
Upon arriving at the camp, we docked our canoes and stored them. Then, we carried our belongings and paddles and hiked to our campsite. We assessed the space and planned the positioning of our tents, ensuring comfortable sleeping arrangements and a nice view for everyone. Campers worked together to set up their own tents and helped each other when needed. We also set up a communal tent to store our water, food, and cooking utensils. After that, we had a discussion with CWES staff about proper camping etiquette and how to minimize our impact on nature, including using the outdoors for bathroom needs. The staff provided valuable information on sanitary practices and environmental awareness. After our conversation about our stay, we started making our evening dinner. Campers were empowered to take roles in which they felt comfortable. Some were interested in cooking, others in lending a hand to help stay tidy, and most of us were interested in consuming the food. After our meal, we got to spend time together. This looked different for us because we had two different sessions. Some of us were interested in a hike where we explored the area, and others on the second Voyager trip were more interested in relaxing and listening to music. In both experiences, we learned more about each other and spent quality time, fostering a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among us, making us feel like a close-knit community.
The second day looked different for our two different sessions. For the first group of campers, we packed up and got ready to go canoeing down the Wisconsin River. We had to take the bus to get to our drop-off point. CWES Staff reviewed our canoe safety and explained how we would travel down the river together. Once going over the essential safety procedures, we gathered our canoes and took off on our journey. We could see how large and powerful the Wisconsin River was and explore nature differently. Some of us took to canoeing with ease, where they could easily travel down the river. Some of us, specifically Dorian and I, the camp counselors, took a couple of 360 maneuvers, where we spun our canoes in a complete circle to follow behind the rest of the campers. This added a fun and challenging element to our journey. We played games and worked together as a group to be able to explore the river. After our trip, we docked our boats and had lunch. We could swim and play on the playground. All campers and counselors experienced much joy when we came together, played games, and started to ask personal questions and learn more about each other. There was a lot of adventure and curiosity. We ended our trip excited to return to camp after our explorations.
We hiked to the Dells of the Eau Clair for our second session. It was a breathtaking hike where we got to walk alongside the rushing waters, waterfalls, and beautiful Dell. We appreciated how lovely it was, taking moments to sit and reflect before moving on to the next beautiful thing. While walking, we all talked about various things. Some of us were extremely brave in our discomfort, navigating moments of body dysmorphia and physical pain but still appreciating and participating in our adventure. We saw a couple of toads and lots of mushrooms climb some rocks, took in the view, and then walked to the location where we would enjoy our lunch and layout, swim, play games, and enjoy each other's company, feeling a deep sense of awe and appreciation for the natural beauty around us.
At the end of both sessions, our return to the campsite left us feeling a stronger sense of connection and thoroughly exhausted from our extensive adventures. We indulged in preparing our meals, singing melodious tunes, engaging in various games and conversations, working on craft projects, and relishing the experience of making pudgy pies.
On the final day of our trip, we had an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience at the high ropes course at Lions Camp. Our first challenge was the giant swing. It required us to summon our courage and ascend a ladder, relying on our fellow campers to hoist us into the air. Working together, we lifted each other, ensuring everyone felt secure and comfortable. Some of us eagerly embraced the experience, fearlessly soaring into the air, while others approached it more cautiously, still relishing the thrill of the adventure. Once everyone who wanted to take on the swing had their turn, we received instruction on the safety measures for the high ropes course. Then, we were allowed to explore and conquer the high ropes course. It proved a physically demanding and delightful challenge for many of us who initially found it daunting. As we navigated the course, we also spent time bonding, engaging in conversations, making bracelets, and offering encouragement to our fellow campers as they tackled the ropes course challenges.
Dorian and I were excited to begin our first year with Project Kindred. Our anticipation reached new heights when we were allowed to participate in the Voyager trip, an experience that will forever be etched in our memories. The journey allowed us to witness firsthand the profound connections and the empowering sense of community fostered by the five foundations, making Project Kindred truly special. This experience left an indelible mark on my life, serving as a profound source of inspiration and reinforcing my commitment to working for an organization that genuinely champions community, courage, joy, self-awareness, and kindness.
- Serena
