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Post date: Mar 12, 2013 6:8:54 AM
Dear Families,
Today our students and chaperones had a day to become familiar with each other start the process of building a group that will support each other through the challenges of the week. Even on this first day, there were several challenging activities from cross country skiing at Badger Pass (Rot 4(D) the Celebs, to challenging hiking in the valley. I enjoyed this morning with a group from Rotation 2(B), the Feldspar group. After introductions and checks of backpacks we enjoyed several activities including an opening about storytelling. The NatureBridge instructors develop themes for each day to encourage deeper connections for the various experiences. The theme for Feldspar was the "Art of Storytelling". You will hear all the stories from the weeks events when we return from fun in the cabins to stories while we are on the trail. We do hope that everyone leaves with a story to tell for years to come.
Two group arrived in the valley for the day from Wawona (Rocks and Stars). Even though they are staying at Wawona all the groups are enjoying the grandeur of the valley. Several groups were up in the Mirror Lake area enjoying the newly opened trail that encircles the lake. Others visited the "Spider Caves" for an experience that pushes them out of their comfort zone, and develops trust in your team members.
The weather today must have been close to 70 degrees. It is perfect hiking weather; not too hot or too cold. The weather is just as warm in Wawona where the groups are enjoying the historic hotel in the evening. The mornings and evenings are a comfortable 40 degrees. These warm temperatures are drawing more visitors to the park than I remember in the eight years I have been doing this. It is nothing like summer, but when the weather is more rainy or cold, we really have the park mostly to ourselves. It is a small price to pay for the splendid weather.
We had a short power outage this afternoon in our building so some kids took their first shower with the help of a flashlight. Thankfully the food service and the gift shops were unaffected thanks to the emergency generators. We enjoyed dinner and took our evening program close by where we were guaranteed light. The topic of climate change for the evening juxtaposed to our obvious need for electricity was perfect. Thankfully lights were on in the evening and we ended up with a bit more free time.
I want to thank NatureBridge for being so flexible to accommodate our needs this evening and also adapting to my request to have some of the students experience Shelton Johnson's presentation tomorrow. I hope that will be yet another opportunity for the kids to become aware of the many people from history that have maintained this park so that they can enjoy it this week and years into the future.
Looking forward to another fabulous day tomorrow,
Mary Enright
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