Typical Day on an Expedition

Begin the day by making gingerbread pancakes with your tarp group while watching the sun rise. The morning chill is subsiding as you pack your backpack and get ready for the day. Today you're a "Leader of the Day." You look over the day's hiking route one last time before heading over to join the small group you will lead for the day.

As you hike through green meadows and past shimmering mountain lakes, you reflect on how differently people view and value wilderness. As you approach a trail intersection, you wonder whether to make a directive decision or consult the group about which way to go. You decide on the latter and pull out the maps to look at them together. Jokes and stories, plus a lunch break, fill out your time on trail.

Arrive in camp by mid-afternoon and set up camp. Pack a snack to take with you to today's leadership class-a debate about ethical decision making. Make macaroni and cheese from scratch, followed by brownies, for dinner. Under the summer sky, now filled with stars, gather as a group one more time to debrief today's hike, reflect on the day's accomplishments, play games, and share stories before bed.