Welcome to Miami

A few weeks ago a group of at risk teenagers from Miami, Florida came to Teton Science School for a 9 day wilderness therapy retreat. They were kids that have some sort of social disorder, behavioral issues, or anxiety disorders and as a result, partake in weekly therapy sessions (including rock climbing therapy) back in Miami. This group has been known to be one of the most challenging groups to work with, and, although it was challenging at times, it turns out it was my favorite group I worked with all summer.

Our group of kids from Miami, FL at the beginning of the program (ages 11 to 17). 

Myself, Katie E., Josh, Joe, and Matt McGee - the instructors and supervisor for the program.

It was really interesting working with these boys because they came from such a completely different world than I am used to. They are so disconnected from nature and their environment living in the city and constantly absorbed in their cell phones or i-pods. As we got to know each other more, they were in disbelief by my separation from life as they know it - they cringed when I said I had never heard of their favorite rap singers and that I did not have a T.V. to watch Saturday Night Live. We took the group on a couple day hikes to get used to elevation and on a canoe trip in Grand Teton National Park. The whole week culminated with a 3 day backpacking trip to Alaska Basin and the summit of Static Peak (11,303 ft). Prior to this retreat, most of the kids had never even been hiking before, so the idea of surviving out in a tent without technology (which is a main part of these kids lives) was pretty overwhelming for some of them. After hiking only 30 feet down the trail from the parking lot our youngest boy burst into tears. Josh and myself ended up carrying all the contents of his backpack in addition to our own belongings - and let me tell you, a first time backpacker from Miami does not pack lightly. Luckily this reduced his sobbing to only a slight sniffling and we managed to coax him all the way up to Alaska Basin, which was a huge accomplishment for him. Our first night a few of the boys were able to see their first shooting stars ever. They couldn't believe how many stars filled up the sky - in Miami they said you can't even see the sky most of the time.

Alaska Basin - the area we set up camp during our backcountry trip.

My tent and the gorgeous view I woke up to every morning while camping in Alaska Basin.

Our second day we woke up at 4:30 AM  - before the sun was even up - for an alpine start up Static Peak. The younger kids stayed behind with Katie and Joe while Josh and I led the group of older kids up the trail to try and summit their first real mountain. It was really amazing to see these kids who were constantly trying to maintain their "tough guy" and "cool" image work together and push each other so that they could all make it to the summit as a team. Some of the boys really surprised me by how supportive they were and their ability to show this softer side.

Wild lupine

One of the major highlights of our hike up Static was snow! Many of the kids, having lived in Miami all their life, had never seen snow before. They made their first snowballs ever (and got in trouble for hitting me with one), which was a pretty neat experience to be a part of. They even got the chance to learn how to glissade down steep snow, which wasn't the most graceful thing to watch. They disregarded the idea of breaking in order to slow down, so when I started down the snow after they had all gone they were amazed at how in control I stayed.

Glissading down a small patch of snow - one of the boys waiting for me at the bottom. 

The group did great and we all made it up to the summit of Static by early afternoon (with a bit of coaxing and complaining). Many of the boys play lacrosse on their high school team - they commented on how they had thought they were in really great shape and they couldn't believe how much they were huffing and puffing to make it up that mountain. I think it was a humbling experience for them - they seemed to have a new respect for the mountains and felt really accomplished when they did make it to the summit.

On the summit of Static Peak - pointing to the top of the Grand, which we had a great view of.

This was the most rewarding week of work - after working with these boys I feel like I may have made an impact (even if it was small) on their lives and how they view the world. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster. The last day the boys reflected on how big of an impact this trip has already had on their personal struggles they are dealing with. The boys who had tried so hard in the beginning to be "tough" were finally showing their true emotions and shedding tears in front of the entire group. In fact, one of the counselors that brought the group explained how he was a student on this trip last year and because of his experience here, he was able to overcome his anxiety problem, got taken off his medications, and is now a counselor for other students.