My experience camping with the YMCA
I went on my first YMCA BOLD & GOLD trip in 7th grade. On the first day, participants took turns introducing themselves. I felt scared. I was about to spend a week with these strangers. What if they didn’t like me?
None of us had ever been camping, and some of us didn’t bring backpacks or hiking shoes. Thankfully, the YMCA let us borrow all the gear we needed before we got on a bus to Mt. Rainier National Park.
When we arrived at our campsite, our instructors demonstrated how to pitch a tent and asked us to pitch ours. Without much confidence, we spread a tent out on the ground. Through trial and error, we learned that we could only succeed with this new task by communicating, and helping each other out.
On our first night, it rained non-stop. The next morning, we were soggy, grumpy, and complaining, “If only we could change the weather”. After some sulking around, we came to terms with our situation. “Let’s cook breakfast so we’re not hungry, let’s clean up camp so more things don’t get wet, and let’s play some games”!
After a filling meal, we started throwing a frisbee to each other. For the first time, I didn’t worry when I made a bad throw or missed a catch. We were all having genuine fun.
Later, the instructors announced we’re going on a hike. As we walked up a grassy slope, rays of warm sunshine broke through the clouds and illuminated the rocky cliffs around us. That’s when I thought, “Maybe this trip won’t be so bad”.
This experience taught me a memorable lesson: there’s no use worrying about things out of my control. All I can do is take small steps, and things will eventually get better.
On our second night, we felt more capable setting up tents, so we worked together and finished in no time. This excitement started spilling over to other activities, like filtering water, playing new games, and sleeping in the backcountry. Everything was scary and difficult at first, but all it took was some courage and trial-and-error, and we could do anything!
Our instructors led lessons, handled logistics, and ensured everyone was included. Other than that, we felt autonomy in what games we played, and how we got things done. This allowed our sense of purpose and responsibility to flourish.
Over time, we grew more comfortable around each other. Camping is challenging, but at least we’re all living through these challenges together. Spending many evenings with each other, we learned to have more honest conversations.
These lessons have helped me with school, family, and work. I hope that more children and young adults get to go on these valuable group camping trips.
