STRAWBERRY MOUNTAIN TRIP

On September 17-20, 2006, Peer Group #57 embarked on trip to the Strawberry Mountains in Eastern Oregon. We had the peer group and support students Mike Brokaw, Megan Johnson and Dylon Brown. The week prior was devoted to preparation where we worked on personal and group goals, packing gear and reviewing the itinerary. We also talked about weather, personal challenges to individuals and the group and events that would take place on the trip. As we did these things, everyone seemed ready to go.

On Sunday morning as we drove down the highway in the school’s bus, affectionately called the “Donga”, the students seemed excited, but also anxious and apprehensive. Many of the students had never worn a backpack or hiked in the backcountry, while others have spent up to 8 weeks in the woods. This created a good mix of novices and experienced students. Jeff, Jobey and my self were excited to watch the group experience all the trip had too offer and gel into a performing, successful group of kids.

After a two and a half ride to the little town of Prairie City, we turned onto Strawberry Road heading for the trailhead. The road up to the trailhead was all up hill and reminded everyone of an old fashioned wash board. It created lots of rattling and no one was napping at this point. When we arrived, we unpacked the bus, cinched up our gear and were ready to hit the trail. The hike was approximately three and half miles along a gentle rise up to Little Strawberry Lake. En route, we passed Big Strawberry Lake and Strawberry Falls.

We arrived at Little Strawberry Lake in good time and it seemed as though everyone enjoyed the walk. The girls, especially Phoebe, seemed to take to the environment. She was a bit apprehensive as we talked about the trip, but as time went on, she began to relax and enjoy herself. We set up camp, talked about expectations and made dinner.

In the evening, we sat around the campfire and checked in with everyone. We talked about the next day where we would ascend Strawberry Mountain (9,083 ft). Everyone seemed in good spirits and liked where we were. As the evening came to a close some of the boys were telling ghost stories and escapades of the “skin walkers” at wilderness.

Day 2 was the hike up to Strawberry Mountain. Jessica Nugent stepped up to lead the day and be in charge of directing the group where to go. The hike was about six and a half round trip. Again, the group did well. They traveled together with purpose and were able to support those that were struggling. It turns out as Jessica was leading and we traveled to higher ridges on the mountain, she scared herself. As we hiked along the trail and got more exposed on the mountain, she kept saying “I’m scared of heights”. Low and behold the higher we got the more Jessica was saying, “I’m scared of heights”. Even though she was fearful, she persevered and made it to the top of the peak with the rest of the group . After coming down off the peak, we spent the remainder of the day socializing and play in the wonders of nature. Jeff was fishing catching some little “brookies” with his fly rod. Dylon was making spears for science class and others were scrambling up on the rocks. As Jeff was fishing he looked up and on the ridge saw a herd of mountain goats! Mike Brokaw and Travis Hess took the camera and volunteered to take some pictures of our visitors.

The evening was again spent around the camp fire. We focused on the upcoming Bridge and the kids shared their anticipation and reservations. The group also played a rousing game of “Mafia”, led by Jacob Tannenbaum.

Day 3 was the Truth Workshop. This workshop is done as a steeping stone for the Bridge Lifestep. The students are paired up with others they don’t particularly trust. They are asked to share on a variety of subjects….happy times, sad times, fearful times, etc… We then had the students do Trust Falls. Each person taking a chance to fall into the safe arms of their peers….even me!

We ended the experience with the students painting their own faces in an exercise to identify their positive and their negative traits. When they were done, they stood in a circle and shared why they painted their face as they did.

Dean Bonanno,
Phase One Leader

For more pictures from FALL 2006 click here

For more pictures from SUMMER 2006 click here