Dear Boundless Families:
Battered, but far from shattered, both groups got hit a few days ago by a tempest cast down by Zeus himself. 15 millimeters of rain in 15 minutes reminded the kids just how insignificant they are, and just how indifferent the world can be.
The storm left our facility without power for 30 hours, but it mattered not a bit to your children. They were already quite deep in the wilderness, wrestling with class 1-3 rapids.
Being pummeled drew them closer together. Emboldened, they shrieked “bring it on” like the acne prone warriors they are quickly becoming, huddling together for warmth like affectionate piglets. And they were giggling, one of many timeless moments that are adding together to make this quite the epic journey.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Bugs, bruises, boulders and a big slice of novelty every day is making them tougher. Sometimes a few of the kids seem like they are about to buckle, and then are promptly propped up by their mates. No one, not a soul, is left behind in body and spirit.
And that is what is making this session so special.
The older group left for the Dumoine River and its 58 sets of rapids, 100 foot waterfalls and prodigious deer flies on Wednesday. The water is so high! Groups must descend the river with the strategic artistry of chess grandmasters, needing to think 18 moves ahead. About a third of the Weiners are extremely shy and hesitant by nature. It is the small victories over their own recalcitrance, let alone the river, that is having a profound impact on their confidence and their bowel movements, or lack thereof. But succeeding they are, despite the melodrama that rears its head on occasion. The Weiners are maturing months in a matter of days.
The younger group; well, it is no exaggeration to say they are among the strongest groups in our history. Pretty much love at first sight with each other. Hard working and selfless, the Call of the Wild are boisterous and cocky. Maybe it’s the impact of the Palmer kids with their stellar work ethics. Or maybe the “twin towers” – two brothers, each an eighth of a ton in body and 8 tons of kindness, modeling how to get other people’s backs. Or perhaps it’s the nerdy kids who have emerged as the surprising leaders. Whatever the mysterious reason for this cohesion, this group is a wonder to be around. I join them tomorrow on the lower Dumoine for the weekend. One of the twin towers pledged to take care of me and my rapidly dwindling knees – almost brings tears to my eyes.
Thanks for sending us your kids.
Steven
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