Old Bill's 2020: Exploring New Places
Most kids will always remember the first time they carried their own overnight equipment on a backpacking trip. Overcoming new challenges and learning new skills is a key component of the Coombs Outdoors Be REAL Mentoring Program, and this summer, 50 kids went on their first backpacking trip with Coombs Outdoors.
Each week, groups hiked 2-3 miles into the national forest for a night outside with their friends and counselors. Some participants had been car camping before, but carrying everything into the backcountry on their own was unfamiliar territory.
Adjusting to a heavy backpack was difficult on the way in, but excitement replaced exhaustion as soon as everyone arrived at camp and got to work choosing their tent sites and setting up shelters. Afterwards, the group cooled off in the creek and learned to filter water for dinner.
“I love talking and hanging out with other kids at camp, but spending a night outside together is just that much better for getting to know each other”
Cooking at camp was a highlight of the trip - groups prepared mac 'n cheese, ramen, and brats for each other - and everyone got to practice trying to throw the bear hang. The whole group gathered around to cheer on whoever was trying to throw it high enough until the food was finally safe and sound up in the tree.
Diego (12) had never been camping and loved every minute of it. “You can get to know each other so much in a week of camp," he says. "I love talking and hanging out with other kids at camp, but spending a night outside together is just that much better for getting to know each other.”
After one night the campsite really felt like home, and a few kids even asked if they could stay another night. Hiking into camp with all their overnight gear was hard, but after returning to the car each and every kid agreed it was "100% worth it!"
A huge thanks to Teton Science Schools for lending us backpacking gear for these trips!
An Old Bill's gift to Coombs Outdoors will give local kids access to the opportunities for empowerment the outdoors have to offer.
