I get paid to hike! The concept of doing something that I love, AND making money at the same time is mindblowing! I am now being paid to impliment the skills I have been paying to learn for the last 2 years. Granted, the pay isn't large, but it's not negative. So I arrived at Easter Seals Camp Horizon on May 7th and have been hiking, planning, calling, asking, reading and talking. As I said in a previous email, I am the Trip Lead; ie. I plan and run all the hiking and overnight camping trips. We have a fabulous colourful schedule already made, and I have had a blast getting to know the other camp staff. Very different from Camp Bighorn, but still special and fun in a different way. This is not a Christian camp, so that dynamic is different as well. Just to keep your attention and not blab on for ages, I shall make a handy little list for you to browse. A list of... I'll make it a list of new things I have experienced while being here: - Hiking in kilometers and not miles, and measuring the height of mountains in meters, not feet. It's messing me up.
- The giant swing (on my birthday none the less!)
- Certified in Swift Water Rescue and doing that course in a glazier fed river (which means beautiful clear water...but also freakin cold!)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (or as I mixed it up all day, Non-Crisis Violent Intervention. Oops.)
- Not new, but something I was hoping to avoid: but I summitted yet another mountain...in a blizzard. I believe I have had more whiteout conditions on mountaintops than clear. And WHY is it still snowing in May?
- A course in Accessible High Ropes (how to get people who have a disability up onto a regular high ropes course? 4-1 pulleys and so many techniques. Very useful, very cool.)
- Sleep in a container (like the ones they send overseas-- except mine has walls and a bed)
What's Next? Camp doesn't start for another 2 weeks- but the rest of the staff arrive tomorrow. I'm looking forward to more training and then implimenting my plans. Your prayers would be appreciated as I step into a role that I have never been in before, and there is a fair amount of expectation and responsibility put on me. If you would like any more information about what I do specifically just let me know. I think it will become more clear as the summer goes on. | | | | | |
