by: bridget clapp, program facilitator
Day 1: Davis Mountains, The Adventure Begins…
The campers gathered at the Youth Odyssey offices at 6:30 a.m. for an early departure to the Davis Mountains of West Texas. After loading their things into the trailer and before saying their goodbyes and climbing into the van, the group participated in a Check-in Circle and a game of “All My Friends” to learn each other’s names and break the ice. Shortly after, the adventure began as the van rolled out and the campers settled in for the ride. Many took time to sleep while others listened to music or watched videos on their phones as they understood that they would be put away upon arrival at the state park for the duration of the trip.
After an early lunch in Kerrville, Texas, the van began to come alive as the campers started socializing on the long afternoon journey toward the Davis Mountains State Park outside of Fort Davis, Texas. Upon arrival, the sky opened up briefly with light rain as spots were chosen and tents were set up. The more experienced campers assisted the newbies in setting up tents so no one got too wet in the process. Once the campsite was established, all enjoyed a dinner of Walking Tacos and became familiar with the surroundings. As we prepared for lights out at 10:00 p.m. and a night of rest, the campers were intrigued by an uninvited guest: a skunk meandered through the campsite looking for any food that may have been dropped during dinner.
Day 2: Hikes, Rockstars, and Night-time Skies
The campers awoke with little effort ready for breakfast and the day ahead. After a breakfast casserole cooked in the Dutch oven, the teens were encouraged to clean their dishes and tidy up their tents before heading off for the first adventure of the day. We walked to the trailhead of the Skyline Drive Trail to begin our ascent to the Scenic Overlook high above the park. Although the hike was taxing for some, with encouragement from their fellow adventurers, everyone finished the hike. During lunch, several campers stated they had impressed themselves after thinking they could not do it. Following lunch and a short rest, the group descended on the Skyline Drive roadway to the Interpretive Learning Center to attend the 2:00 p.m. “Rock Stars of Davis Mountain” presentation. There we learned how the mountains were formed and about the different types of rocks found in the area.
Soon it was time to return to camp for some downtime, spaghetti dinner, and showers before driving back up the mountain for a “Star Party with the Park Rangers” to finish out the day’s events. Many of the campers asked questions about the night sky and patiently listened to Rangers as they learned new information to be able to share when they returned home. As only a few had the red flashlights needed to find our way back to the van, the campers without, trusted their fellow campers to lead the way. It did not take long once we reached our campsite for the campers and staff to drift off to sleep after a full day of adventure.
Day 3: A Touch of History, Cold Waters, and the Paranormal
This morning the adventure began with cooler temperatures as we enjoyed our breakfast tacos and lively conversations. After the meal, two campers showed leadership skills by volunteering to help clean the dishes, including pots and pans, while the others dressed in swimwear for the trip to the spring-fed pool at the Balmorhea State Park. Due to the coolness, the staff made the decision to begin the day by exploring the Fort Davis Historical Site in order to allow the temperature to rise before going to Balmorhea. The campers were agreeable and enjoyed traversing the grounds and learning the history of the old fort. During the time we were at Fort Davis, the temperature outside reached the mid-eighties and it was time to make our way to the Balmorhea State Park.
Once we arrived, the campers worked as a team to get the life jackets and swim noodles to the pool’s edge and it was not long before everyone had braved the 72-degree water, encouraging each other to take the plunge. Some were even brave enough to jump off the high dive into the 25-foot deep water. Following an afternoon of swimming it was time to head back to camp to shower and have Hot Dogs and Frito Pie before heading to check out the legendary Marfa Lights. Several of the campers took turns using binoculars to search for the unexplained twinkles of lights brightening and fading along the horizon. On the way back to the State Park a few were talking among themselves and trying to explain the lights but there was no consensus.
Day 4: Back on the Trail, Chihuahuan Desert, and an “Out-of-this-World” Party
Today’s adventures began with a Survival Hike with Park Ranger Charlie. After breakfast tacos, the group drove to the end of the Skyline Drive to begin the hike. The campers followed along the trail as Park Ranger Charlie talked about how early settlers in the area used various skills to survive. He pointed out different types of plants that could be eaten and those that should be avoided. He talked about how to find water, how to avoid being struck by lightning, and how to survive a brush fire. The campers asked many good questions and answered courageously when he posed questions to them.
Next was lunch back at camp and then a drive to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Once they spotted the desert plains and took a group picture, some of the campers were ready to move along the trail to the cactus museum while others stopped to read about trees and plants that grow in the Chihuahuan Desert. After a visit to the cactus museum and then the gift shop the group headed to Alpine, Texas, to see the small town and visit the candy store and other shops until it was time to return to the Davis Mountains State Park for showers and Sloppy Joes.
Before the night’s event, everyone participated in a Check-in Circle. The campers talked about their highlights of the past several days. Several reported pushing themselves to accomplish the hike on the second day and being proud of themselves. They expressed appreciation to others in the group who had waited on and encouraged them. Jumping into the cold water and jumping off the high dive at the Balmorhea State Park were also mentioned as accomplishments and highlights. Also, making new friends was a highlight. The group then headed to the McDonald Observatory to enjoy a Spectacular Star Party and look at the night sky through telescopes. The ride back to camp was mostly quiet as the conversations were sparse due to the late night. The campers made it to their tents for a quick sleep in anticipation of the early morning that would soon greet them.
Day 5: Ring of Fire
Saturday morning greeted us with a 5:00 a.m. wake-up in preparation for our travels to South Llano River State Park to participate in the Annular Solar Eclipse Party. The teens practiced teamwork as they worked together to take down tents, roll up sleeping bags, and pack the trailer as we broke camp and loaded in the van to roll out around 6:00 a.m. The campers settled in with some chatter but mostly sleep due to the early morning and long ride ahead. As the sun came up the conversations and laughter began as the campers were comfortable with each other after spending five days adventuring together.
We arrived at the South Llano State Park around 11:15 a.m. and joined the Park Rangers and others
who had gathered to watch the eclipse. The Park had arranged filtered telescopes around for individuals to observe the happenings. The campers patiently took turns talking to the Rangers and other enthusiasts about the eclipse and looking through the telescopes. Soon the major part of the eclipse was over so we loaded up to continue the trip home.
The van again became alive as the campers visited and played games as it was obvious that they had had a great adventure together and a healthy level of friendship, communication, self-confidence, and trust had been established. Having completed the journey, the van pulled into the Youth Odyssey parking lot full of happy campers at 5:00 p.m. to meet their rides home and to tell them all about the many adventures they had experienced in such a short time. Until next time, may the mountains they climb be accomplished and the roads they travel be smooth. Check out our next leadership camp happening soon…
- Robert Petty
