Backpacking Camp Reflection

On April 27th, 2011 the Outdoor Ed. class took off at approximately 9 o'clock A.M. for yet another camping trip! Even though we had a minor set back, from the snow that had fallen the night before, nothing was able to stop us! We walked down the RC-17 trail for about 6 hours, approximately 10 km down the trail. We were all so relieved when we arrived at the campsite, the walk was a tough one! We all pushed through it, and motivated each other to keep going!

I found that while snowshoeing or hiking in a big group like the one we had, it is very important to walk your own pace. If you don't it will cause you to become tired faster, from trying to keep up with other people in the group. By walking your own pace, you aren't tired or sore, and you have more energy to continue to walk, which is good in the long run! You don't want to be pushing yourself too hard to keep up, because this can cause other things aswell, such as dedyration, from pushing yourself too hard. Walk as fast or slow as you need to, to stay comfortable. When the class was walking, there was a group far up ahead, some in the middle, and a group of people in the far back. Everyone was walking their preffered speed, and everyone always had someone to walk with.

Another thing is completing tasks in a timely fashion. This includes making supper, cleaning up, preparing anything, etc. You need to make sure you are on the ball when making the meals, because if you wait too long, it will become dark and you wont be able to see what you are doing. That also ties in with doing the dishes. It's difficult doing things in the dark, so manage your time so that everything is completed in a productive way.

You are expected to do everything as well as you can. Certain tasks that must be completed with attention are setting up your tent, or setting up your stove or fire, to cook with. If you are not attentive with your stove while cooking, someone may become injured, which is something you would want to avoid when you are 6 hours from town.

When you come face-to-face with a tough challenge, take it one step at a time! Nothing needs to be rushed. A tough challenge you might encounter could be the walk going to the camp. Many classmates found the hike in to be very challenging, and physically difficult. Legs were cramping up, people were sweating, blisters were forming, etc. With this situation, all you need to do is not worry about getting there quickly, but just walking a comfortable pace, and evetually you will get there. If breaks are needed, then take one. This is the way to approach your challenges. Don't worry about getting it done right away, just worry about completing it in a way that you can work with.

These lessons apply to my life, because I am constantly faced with challenges. One good example would be homework. Completing all my homework is a big challenge for me, especially when you feel there is so much, and other things are going on in your life. All you need to do, is approach that challenge in steps. Take a breath, and do it in a way that you will have it completed. If it requires you to go outside, then do that. Another lesson would be paying attention when you're doing things. My saying is, if you're going to do something, do it right! By paying attention to your task, you will have it done possibly faster, and it will be done properly.

I had lots of fun on the camping trip. It's too bad it wasn't a little nicer, and we couldn't stay a few nights longer. It was nice to just get out and enjoy being around nature. I felt calm when we were there, because I didn't have any distractions to stress me out. I would do it again, although I'm not sure if I would go as far! It was a great workout, although my body payed for it the next day! I had lots of fun, and plan on going back to RC-17 this summer.