Taking It Up a Notch: Camp Fire Teens Face the Weather at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Cool trip Mina! I love that area and it was fun to see pictures of places I've been. I liked your ideas for non-backpacking fun like the sandhills, I'll bet those kids remember it for a long time.

Luke, thanks for your comment. Youth trip reports aren't likely to spark controversy leading to a lot of posts but I do hope folks get a chance to read about it anyway. And maybe it will inspire others to volunteer for the next chance to take some kids out. Even if it is just family and friends. We have another group going out to Pecos Wilderness at the beginning of July. That's where we usually go with the beginners for their first mountain trip (unless it's closed for fire). I have some other folks leading that one this year. We wouldn't have this program without the volunteers.

One thing I didn't put in the article that later I wished I had: During the evening we camped in the cold rain, with everyone just trying to warm up, the three girls in the Haven 2 spent a long time just singing–folk songs learned from grandmother, favorite pop songs, whatever. They raised their own spirits and everyone else's. Teenagers are so awesome.

Mina

Super enjoyable trip report! Thanks Mina.

That was a great trip report, Mina!

This being BPL, you very well may have stirred up some controversy with that comment about "teenagers are awesome…"

"This being BPL, you very well may have stirred up some controversy with that comment about "teenagers are awesome…"

Dear Jen,

With all that energy and exuberance and creativity? I'm sure even the fabled curmudgeons on BPL will be with me on that one!

: )

Besides, we all know the marvelous effects the outdoors can have.

Mina