This blog is not over yet. We will add a copy of the Valentine article once it arrives and there will be instructions on how we can share our pictures with one another. The pictures I have taken are but a few of the many out there. If nothing is posted within the next week about this, drop me an email or call me at the church.
I would like to thank all of you who helped make this trip a roaring success and I look forward to doing something like this again next year. Watch the NE Episcopalian and the diocese youth activities web page for details.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday Memories
The Friday wake up was uneventful. Everyone who wanted to sleep in until 8:30 was able. The cabins were comfortable (they stayed warm, dry, and had mattresses) and the peacefulness of the outdoors refreshing in the early morning as several of us gathered for our morning cup of coffee. It rained last night and the morning fog was heavy; but the temperature was pleasant and the fog quickly lifted (for a while at least). We could tell that the day would be a great one for the fun ahead. We still had a final choice to make, tubes or canoes. The kids really wanted tubes, yet several of us though canoes would be wiser. In the end, with the recommendation of the camp staff we choose canoes.
As we waited for the fog to lift (again) and the light drizzle that followed to let up, we packed up the RV and cleaned up the campsite. Expecting to head out at 9:30am, we didn’t pile into the camp bus until 10:30. During the 30 minute ride to our jumping off point, the kids sang and sang and sang. We hoped the bus driver wouldn’t dump us off in the middle of nowhere, especially after the third rendition of “The wheels on the bus go round and round”. Along the way we saw elk and wild turkeys. The low clouds were giving way and by the time we set out, we had good enough weather to enjoy the trip.
We quickly learned that the canoe experience professed by so many in the group was largely exaggerated. We saw canoes spinning around, going backwards and zigzagging from one side of the river to the other. The 45 minute trip to our lunch stop took almost an hour. Arriving at Smith Falls, the group quickly began to check out the surroundings. Disappointed to find that last night’s campsite was not the only place that lacked indoor plumbing, lunch was enjoyed and we all headed to the falls for the mandatory group picture. Didn’t I tell you that we took canoes because the water was cold? It must not have been too cold, some of our team went straight for the center of the where the water was coming over the ledge. Me, I took the safe spot behind the camera. Pictures taken, it was time to head back out onto the river.
Our next leg was supposed to be about 2 hours. The current was strong and with moderate paddling the trip to the campground beach would be over before we knew it (or so we thought). Some of those who had difficulty on the first leg were started at the front of the pack. More confident they became the new leaders. This worked until about the half-way point (which we reached about 20 minutes later than expected) where canoe wars began. There was splashing between boats using the paddles to move the maximum amount of water possible. Of course this ended in at least a few tipovers. While the water was not deep, and everyone had life jackets on, the kids had not expected having difficulty in emptying the water they had so earnestly taken on. So the adults scattered throughout our group stopped to help them out. Fortunately by this time, the temperature had drastically improved and those who got wet dried fairly quickly.
All this of course slowed our travel and as we approached the landing (almost an hour later than expected) many of our teens were worn out. During the last 30 minutes of our time on the river, some who started out strong after lunch found themselves once again bringing up the rear and glad that the end was in sight. The moans, groans, and laughter carried over the water and a group of park rangers that had caught up to us must have thought we were a bit unusual. Already behind our schedule, we tried to encourage the team to get into some dry clothes so that we could get on the road and return to our homes. It was like herding cats. Eventually everyone was dried and dressed, the vehicles were packed, and it was time for one final prayer and goodbyes.
While there were some tears it was great to hear our team talking about next year and how they might find a way to do this all over again, of course next time with better shower facilities. So off we went, each with a story to tell, each with memories that will last us a long time. Across the state last night, families and friends were reunited and through the grace of God we are all just a little bit different for the experience. One young lady summed it all up when she said, “I came on this trip thinking it was going to be really lame, but it has been one of the best experiences in my life”.
As we waited for the fog to lift (again) and the light drizzle that followed to let up, we packed up the RV and cleaned up the campsite. Expecting to head out at 9:30am, we didn’t pile into the camp bus until 10:30. During the 30 minute ride to our jumping off point, the kids sang and sang and sang. We hoped the bus driver wouldn’t dump us off in the middle of nowhere, especially after the third rendition of “The wheels on the bus go round and round”. Along the way we saw elk and wild turkeys. The low clouds were giving way and by the time we set out, we had good enough weather to enjoy the trip.
We quickly learned that the canoe experience professed by so many in the group was largely exaggerated. We saw canoes spinning around, going backwards and zigzagging from one side of the river to the other. The 45 minute trip to our lunch stop took almost an hour. Arriving at Smith Falls, the group quickly began to check out the surroundings. Disappointed to find that last night’s campsite was not the only place that lacked indoor plumbing, lunch was enjoyed and we all headed to the falls for the mandatory group picture. Didn’t I tell you that we took canoes because the water was cold? It must not have been too cold, some of our team went straight for the center of the where the water was coming over the ledge. Me, I took the safe spot behind the camera. Pictures taken, it was time to head back out onto the river.
Our next leg was supposed to be about 2 hours. The current was strong and with moderate paddling the trip to the campground beach would be over before we knew it (or so we thought). Some of those who had difficulty on the first leg were started at the front of the pack. More confident they became the new leaders. This worked until about the half-way point (which we reached about 20 minutes later than expected) where canoe wars began. There was splashing between boats using the paddles to move the maximum amount of water possible. Of course this ended in at least a few tipovers. While the water was not deep, and everyone had life jackets on, the kids had not expected having difficulty in emptying the water they had so earnestly taken on. So the adults scattered throughout our group stopped to help them out. Fortunately by this time, the temperature had drastically improved and those who got wet dried fairly quickly.
All this of course slowed our travel and as we approached the landing (almost an hour later than expected) many of our teens were worn out. During the last 30 minutes of our time on the river, some who started out strong after lunch found themselves once again bringing up the rear and glad that the end was in sight. The moans, groans, and laughter carried over the water and a group of park rangers that had caught up to us must have thought we were a bit unusual. Already behind our schedule, we tried to encourage the team to get into some dry clothes so that we could get on the road and return to our homes. It was like herding cats. Eventually everyone was dried and dressed, the vehicles were packed, and it was time for one final prayer and goodbyes.
While there were some tears it was great to hear our team talking about next year and how they might find a way to do this all over again, of course next time with better shower facilities. So off we went, each with a story to tell, each with memories that will last us a long time. Across the state last night, families and friends were reunited and through the grace of God we are all just a little bit different for the experience. One young lady summed it all up when she said, “I came on this trip thinking it was going to be really lame, but it has been one of the best experiences in my life”.
Friday Pictures
Berry Bridge Falls - our jumping off point.
Standing around again
The excitment is high as we prepare to get underway.
Two by two we begin our journey
A stop for lunch means it's time to get wet
We all trek down to the falls. Once there the platform walkway gives way to sand and stone.
Brave ones endure the falling water while the rest of us form up in front of it.
Yet another opportunity for a group picture.
Mother Karen gives the thumbs up as a sign to the team we can once again head down river.
The Nebraska Armada ventures forth.
Hailey and Summer liked being different as they head backwards down river.
Even experienced canoers run into a few problems.
Lori and Ali make good progress.
Valerie and Stephanie became pros once Valerie learned how to hold onto her paddle.
Three is not always better when it comes to paddling. But at least the company is good.
There is a feeling of calm as we turn the last bend.
Praise God, we all finished safe and sound. Now let's go home!!!!!!
Our Last Day on the Reservation
How do I describe Thursday…Crazy. We let the kids sleep in an extra 30 minutes, not sure that was such a great idea at first. Despite a wake up that launched everyone into the new day, and one the kids were still talking about during the evening wrap up, the morning seemed to start out in slow motion. Eventually, we got into the groove and we accomplished a lot of work before lunch.
Today’s service projects included painting a second coat on the Pow-Wow arbor, installing a new faucet in the kitchen sink, digging four post holes for a new sign, and braiding yarn curtain wraps for the windows. The goal was to be done with everything by 10:45 so that we could enjoy some crazy games with the folks from Denver in an end of trip party. As with every plan this week, this one too needed slight adjustment. But by 11:30 the games had begun.
We divided the groups into four random teams. The first game was an ice cream eating contest. The teams had to race down the length of the facility one at a time to a table with four bowls of ice cream and syrup. The challenge was to eat the ice cream without a spoon or by using your hands and to race back for the next person to do the same. As the game progressed, the cheers got louder and louder and the building was filled with the sound of kids having fun. In the end, Team four pulled off a slimy but tasty victory.
Game two required a little less energy, but some real fortitude. We had everyone sit in a large circle and played a version of hot potato. Giving each person a spoon, and distributing five jars of masked baby food around the circle, the music began and the jars were passed from one to another. Whoever held the jar when the music stopped, dipped their spoon into whatever flavor they held, and enjoyed an appetizing spoonful of energy. Okay, maybe it was not so appetizing, and maybe the energy manifested itself in faces of disgust, but everyone dug in. Once a spoonful had been placed into the mouth, they passed the jar off and bowed out of the next round. This went on until we got down to one person who was lucky enough not to eat any of the wonderful fare.
Then it was outside for the next game. We divided back into our teams and each team member got a ladies knee high nylon stocking which they stretched over their head. The laughter began immediately after the stocking went on and we did not think we would ever get to the real game. Still, they were given a small cup of pudding and one at a time team members sucked the pudding through the stocking Again, team four pulled out in front of the others for a victory that was a “ mouthful”, if anything.
To help the kids let loose a little frustration, while having fun, on the adults who worked them hard this past week, we had one last game. Cary (from Denver) Robin Heller, Keith Gourley, and Fr. Tom donned a large plastic garbage bag and sat down in a chair in the parking lot. The teams gathered around these brave souls and each was given a large can of whipped cream and a supply of cheese balls. The object was to give their subject a whipped cream hat and then see who could toss the most cheese balls into the hat and stick. The whipped cream went on, and the kids formed hats, some with flaps that filled the ears. Then the race was on as they tossed cheese ball after cheese ball into the pile of goo. When the supply ran out, they picked them up off the ground and kept on tossing until the time ran out. Somehow, team four again pulled out smashing victory with 67 cheese balls in Cary’s hat of cream. Once the tally was complete, Keith and Tom’s teams helped them clean up by rubbing the pile of goo into the hair. Fr. Tom’s Mohawk was quite impressive.
The games over, the clean up complete, it was time for pictures. The mood shifted slightly as the kids knew that our departure time was approaching. This group that came from all across the state of Nebraska and from Denver had become one group, one family, and the pictures could not be taken in any other way but together. Those taking the pictures were given what seemed like dozens of cameras as everyone wanted their memory of this blessed time together. Afterwards, it was time for lunch. The fellowship all had enjoyed was obvious as we shared a meal of pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, chips and watermelon. As the reservation kids began to arrive, we quickly cleaned up and after some tearful goodbyes, from both groups and the reservation kids, we headed back to Valentine to pack up.
The chatter on the ride back was all about the new friends that had been made and the anticipation of the fun to come. Once in Valentine, there was some painting to finish up and the pack up went more smoothly than we expected. Another thing happened that we did not expect, the arrival of a reporter from the local newspaper. They had learned about what we were doing and wanted to meet us and learn more. Taking copies of some of our pictures, the reporter said the article would be in next week’s paper. She promised to send me an electronic copy which I will post to this blog. Another set of pictures for use at Annual Council and it was off to the campground.
When we arrived, we found we were the only group in the section with the cabins. This gave the kids the freedom to run around and make noise without fear of disturbing others. One of the first noises made was a loud groan as they realized the only bathroom facilities in the immediate area were outhouses and portables. However, once they learned that modern indoor facilities were 100 yards away at the office, the groans subsided and the fun began. Robin grilled burgers and hot dogs and the kids enjoyed left over ice cream and a piece of Rowan’s birthday cake.
After dinner the trek to the showers began and we noticed that kids were going but not coming back. So as some of the adults made their way for a long awaited and well deserved gift from heaven, we saw the kids gathered around the beach area, many knee deep in the cool waters of the Niobrara. With adult supervision, several climbed on the rocks and the cameras were busy as kids took pictures together with the river as the background. Just before dark, we gathered around a fire pit next to the river and enjoyed a bonfire put together by some of the scouts on our team. Ali played the guitar, we sang, enjoyed S’mores, and the cameras continued their constant flashing as the kids tried to get one more picture. The night ended with the group singing “One Tin Soldier” and saying the Lord’s Prayer. This was a long day, but one that each of this trip’s participants will remember.
Breaking News: As everyone began to settle in for a well deserved rest, it has been brought to this reporter’s attention (of course I had no knowledge that anything such as what is to be described was about to happen) that shortly after retiring, a group of unnamed individuals left their cabin up to no good. The peaceful silence of the night was broken by the loud sounds of grunts and howls along with pounding from 8 pairs of hands on one of the walls to the girls cabin. This was immediately followed by screams of terror from inside the unsuspecting cabin and the sound of laughter as this gang of roughens sought the safety of their humble abode. As we know all decisions have consequences and the once proud and mighty band of revelers met their match as Mother Karen pointed out the error of their judgment while I (your humble reporter) and Keith cowered in the cabin out of sight in hopes we would not somehow be implicated in this dastardly deed. The night calm returned and before we knew it everyone was fast asleep.
Today’s service projects included painting a second coat on the Pow-Wow arbor, installing a new faucet in the kitchen sink, digging four post holes for a new sign, and braiding yarn curtain wraps for the windows. The goal was to be done with everything by 10:45 so that we could enjoy some crazy games with the folks from Denver in an end of trip party. As with every plan this week, this one too needed slight adjustment. But by 11:30 the games had begun.
We divided the groups into four random teams. The first game was an ice cream eating contest. The teams had to race down the length of the facility one at a time to a table with four bowls of ice cream and syrup. The challenge was to eat the ice cream without a spoon or by using your hands and to race back for the next person to do the same. As the game progressed, the cheers got louder and louder and the building was filled with the sound of kids having fun. In the end, Team four pulled off a slimy but tasty victory.
Game two required a little less energy, but some real fortitude. We had everyone sit in a large circle and played a version of hot potato. Giving each person a spoon, and distributing five jars of masked baby food around the circle, the music began and the jars were passed from one to another. Whoever held the jar when the music stopped, dipped their spoon into whatever flavor they held, and enjoyed an appetizing spoonful of energy. Okay, maybe it was not so appetizing, and maybe the energy manifested itself in faces of disgust, but everyone dug in. Once a spoonful had been placed into the mouth, they passed the jar off and bowed out of the next round. This went on until we got down to one person who was lucky enough not to eat any of the wonderful fare.
Then it was outside for the next game. We divided back into our teams and each team member got a ladies knee high nylon stocking which they stretched over their head. The laughter began immediately after the stocking went on and we did not think we would ever get to the real game. Still, they were given a small cup of pudding and one at a time team members sucked the pudding through the stocking Again, team four pulled out in front of the others for a victory that was a “ mouthful”, if anything.
To help the kids let loose a little frustration, while having fun, on the adults who worked them hard this past week, we had one last game. Cary (from Denver) Robin Heller, Keith Gourley, and Fr. Tom donned a large plastic garbage bag and sat down in a chair in the parking lot. The teams gathered around these brave souls and each was given a large can of whipped cream and a supply of cheese balls. The object was to give their subject a whipped cream hat and then see who could toss the most cheese balls into the hat and stick. The whipped cream went on, and the kids formed hats, some with flaps that filled the ears. Then the race was on as they tossed cheese ball after cheese ball into the pile of goo. When the supply ran out, they picked them up off the ground and kept on tossing until the time ran out. Somehow, team four again pulled out smashing victory with 67 cheese balls in Cary’s hat of cream. Once the tally was complete, Keith and Tom’s teams helped them clean up by rubbing the pile of goo into the hair. Fr. Tom’s Mohawk was quite impressive.
The games over, the clean up complete, it was time for pictures. The mood shifted slightly as the kids knew that our departure time was approaching. This group that came from all across the state of Nebraska and from Denver had become one group, one family, and the pictures could not be taken in any other way but together. Those taking the pictures were given what seemed like dozens of cameras as everyone wanted their memory of this blessed time together. Afterwards, it was time for lunch. The fellowship all had enjoyed was obvious as we shared a meal of pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, chips and watermelon. As the reservation kids began to arrive, we quickly cleaned up and after some tearful goodbyes, from both groups and the reservation kids, we headed back to Valentine to pack up.
The chatter on the ride back was all about the new friends that had been made and the anticipation of the fun to come. Once in Valentine, there was some painting to finish up and the pack up went more smoothly than we expected. Another thing happened that we did not expect, the arrival of a reporter from the local newspaper. They had learned about what we were doing and wanted to meet us and learn more. Taking copies of some of our pictures, the reporter said the article would be in next week’s paper. She promised to send me an electronic copy which I will post to this blog. Another set of pictures for use at Annual Council and it was off to the campground.
When we arrived, we found we were the only group in the section with the cabins. This gave the kids the freedom to run around and make noise without fear of disturbing others. One of the first noises made was a loud groan as they realized the only bathroom facilities in the immediate area were outhouses and portables. However, once they learned that modern indoor facilities were 100 yards away at the office, the groans subsided and the fun began. Robin grilled burgers and hot dogs and the kids enjoyed left over ice cream and a piece of Rowan’s birthday cake.
After dinner the trek to the showers began and we noticed that kids were going but not coming back. So as some of the adults made their way for a long awaited and well deserved gift from heaven, we saw the kids gathered around the beach area, many knee deep in the cool waters of the Niobrara. With adult supervision, several climbed on the rocks and the cameras were busy as kids took pictures together with the river as the background. Just before dark, we gathered around a fire pit next to the river and enjoyed a bonfire put together by some of the scouts on our team. Ali played the guitar, we sang, enjoyed S’mores, and the cameras continued their constant flashing as the kids tried to get one more picture. The night ended with the group singing “One Tin Soldier” and saying the Lord’s Prayer. This was a long day, but one that each of this trip’s participants will remember.
Breaking News: As everyone began to settle in for a well deserved rest, it has been brought to this reporter’s attention (of course I had no knowledge that anything such as what is to be described was about to happen) that shortly after retiring, a group of unnamed individuals left their cabin up to no good. The peaceful silence of the night was broken by the loud sounds of grunts and howls along with pounding from 8 pairs of hands on one of the walls to the girls cabin. This was immediately followed by screams of terror from inside the unsuspecting cabin and the sound of laughter as this gang of roughens sought the safety of their humble abode. As we know all decisions have consequences and the once proud and mighty band of revelers met their match as Mother Karen pointed out the error of their judgment while I (your humble reporter) and Keith cowered in the cabin out of sight in hopes we would not somehow be implicated in this dastardly deed. The night calm returned and before we knew it everyone was fast asleep.
Thursday Pictures
The finished look
Getting ready for worship
Valerie playing "The Entertainer and Amazing Grace"
There was still more painting to do.
At least today the sun was shining and the weather warm (er)
Not just painting, but hole digging too for a new sign going up.
The team developed a unique way to ensure the hole was at the right depth. The Work is done...Let the games begin!!!!!!
The games begin. The Harry Potter look gives way to the Col Sanders look as Travis wears his ice cream goatee.
Maddie is glad her turn is over but enjoyed the cheering of her teammates.
Nick took it all in as if he did this every day.
Piper is loking at starting a new cosmetics line.
Bryan says "Only a real man can eat that much ice cream and avoid brain freeze"
Courtney is all about enjoying this unique delicacy
While the other adults watch from the sidelines, Noelle takes one for the team
That look tells it all
Piper prepares for what she expects to be an interesting experience.
Juan contemplates the spoonful of heavenly bliss he is enjoying.
These ain't gangsters, they're a bunch of Christians
Cary, Robin, Tom, and Keith receive a new hair treatment. While Cary's team successfully tossed more cheeseballs into his whipped cream hat, Fr. Tom's mohawk was impressive.
The gang gathers for parting pictures outside the Bishop Jones Center.
Everyone points to the one who made this trip a success.
The Nebraska Team
Arriving at the cabins, Keith (also known as Special K) checks things out.
What's this? We were told this place had modern facilities. Modern like 20th century, not 19th. After the initial shock we let the team know the real thing was 100 yeards up the road.
Robin takes charge of the grill.
The Three Musketers
Doug and Juan are not laying a new kind of sports egg, they are simply enjoying dinner in the great outdoors.
Andrea and Noelle chillin
All the cares of the world seem unimportant when food and fellowship are being enjoyed.
Yo Ho and a hamburger bun for me...
Dinner was good, but desert is better. Especially when the S'mores are hot off the fire.
Speaking of fire.... We wrap up with a bonfire along the river.
Robin and Noelle look on as the crowd begins to gather.
Singing, talking, and lots of picture taking as the team unwinds from a busy week.
You should have seen that snake, it was this big.
Can't have a party without snacks.
Sharing the day's stories.
Things begin to wind down.
This picture says it all.
The games begin. The Harry Potter look gives way to the Col Sanders look as Travis wears his ice cream goatee.
Maddie is glad her turn is over but enjoyed the cheering of her teammates.
Nick took it all in as if he did this every day.
Piper is loking at starting a new cosmetics line.
Bryan says "Only a real man can eat that much ice cream and avoid brain freeze"
Courtney is all about enjoying this unique delicacy
While the other adults watch from the sidelines, Noelle takes one for the team
That look tells it all
Piper prepares for what she expects to be an interesting experience.
Juan contemplates the spoonful of heavenly bliss he is enjoying.
These ain't gangsters, they're a bunch of Christianstrying to suck pudding through a nylon stocking.
Cary, Robin, Tom, and Keith receive a new hair treatment. While Cary's team successfully tossed more cheeseballs into his whipped cream hat, Fr. Tom's mohawk was impressive.
The gang gathers for parting pictures outside the Bishop Jones Center.
Everyone points to the one who made this trip a success.
The Nebraska Team
Arriving at the cabins, Keith (also known as Special K) checks things out.
What's this? We were told this place had modern facilities. Modern like 20th century, not 19th. After the initial shock we let the team know the real thing was 100 yeards up the road.
Robin takes charge of the grill.
The Three Musketers
Doug and Juan are not laying a new kind of sports egg, they are simply enjoying dinner in the great outdoors.
Andrea and Noelle chillin
All the cares of the world seem unimportant when food and fellowship are being enjoyed.
Yo Ho and a hamburger bun for me...
Dinner was good, but desert is better. Especially when the S'mores are hot off the fire.
Speaking of fire.... We wrap up with a bonfire along the river.
Robin and Noelle look on as the crowd begins to gather.
Singing, talking, and lots of picture taking as the team unwinds from a busy week.
You should have seen that snake, it was this big.
Can't have a party without snacks.
Sharing the day's stories.
Things begin to wind down.
This picture says it all.
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