Day One: Leaving for Caprock Canyons
As families dropped off their eager youths at the crack of dawn, their excitement palpable as they loaded their belongings into the trailer, ready to embark on a journey with Youth Odyssey. With a flurry of activity, the trip set out from Corpus Christi’s Youth Odyssey office, bound for the rugged beauty of Caprock Canyons State Park.
Upon arrival at the park, everyone pitched in to unload camping gear, setting up tents under the watchful guidance of facilitators, Erica, Hannah, Tony, and Jim, our trip volunteer. The aroma of sizzling hamburgers filled the air as dinner was prepared, fueling the group for the adventures ahead. As darkness descended, the camp gathered in a circle, reflecting on the day’s experiences and eagerly anticipating what lay in store.
Day 2: Eagle Point Trail
As dawn broke, the camp awoke to a crisp morning, greeted by the tantalizing scent of breakfast cooking. Over biscuits and gravy, stories were exchanged of how each camper had braved the chilly night in their tents. Energized and ready for more, the group embarked on a hike along the Eagle Point Trail, pausing to marvel at nature’s wonders and capture moments on camera.
The afternoon brought a driving tour of the park in search of bison and prairie dogs, with Hannah’s infectious enthusiasm adding an extra layer of excitement to the adventure. Back at camp, a hearty dinner of spaghetti awaited, followed by showers next to the charming prairie dog village. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the camp gathered for a debrief session over popcorn, reliving the day’s highlights before retiring to their tents beneath the star-studded sky.
Day 3: North Prong/Haynes Overlook
Morning dawned cold but invigorating, with campers enjoying leisurely games and breakfast tacos as they planned for the day ahead. With spirits high, the group set off on the challenging North Prong/Haynes Overlook loop trail, armed with plenty of water and snacks for the journey. The trail presented both physical and mental challenges, but with determination and support, the group conquered each obstacle, reaching the summit to bask in the breathtaking panorama below.
As they descended, a sense of accomplishment washed over the group, their bonds strengthened by shared triumphs and unforgettable moments. Returning to camp, they made a pit stop at the park’s visitors’ center to collect souvenirs, a tangible reminder of the memories forged during their wilderness odyssey.
Day 4: Palo Duro Canyon
A new adventure as the camp awoke before the sun, anticipation buzzing in the air for what lay ahead. Today, they would journey to Palo Duro Canyon State Park to tackle the famed Lighthouse Trail. With spirits high and energy abound, they set off on the trail by 9:30, eager to conquer the rugged terrain that awaited.
As they approached the iconic Lighthouse hoodoos, the campers, emboldened by their previous hiking experiences, set a brisk pace. Upon reaching the base of the ascent, a decision loomed: the choice between a short, steep route or a longer, more gradual path. With divided opinions, the group split. With determination in their hearts, Erica and Tony’s group opted for the challenging path, scrambling up the sandy slope with gusto. Soon, they stood triumphant at the top, marveling at the breathtaking vista below. Meanwhile, Hannah and Jim led the remaining hikers along the gradual trail, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and supported every step of the way.
As the groups reunited at the picnic table, laughter filled the air. Snacks were shared, stories exchanged, and bonds strengthened amidst the beauty of the canyon. The campers gathered once more, ready to embark on the next leg of their journey. Their next destination: the Trading Post gift shop, where they refueled with sandwiches and picked up souvenirs to commemorate their adventure. From there, they made their way to the quirky roadside attraction of Cadillac Ranch, adding their own colorful spray paint tags to the lineup of vintage cars buried in the desert sands.
As the day drew to a close, exhaustion mingled with satisfaction as they returned to base camp at Caprock Canyons. With memories of the day’s escapades in their minds, they took quick showers before retreating to their tents to sleep beneath the starry Texas sky.
Day 5: Rest Day and Ranger Garza
On the fifth and final day of their camping journey, the campers reveled in a well-deserved rest before their return journey to Corpus Christi. As the sun painted the sky, they emerged from their tents, greeted by the aroma of pancakes, eggs, and turkey bacon.
With breakfast underway, along with games of chess and Uno, laughter filled the air. The tranquility of the morning was soon interrupted by the arrival of Ranger Garza, bearing a wealth of knowledge about the park’s wildlife. With pelts and skulls in hand, she captivated the campers with tales of the creatures that called the area home, their intricate roles in the ecosystem, and their interactions with humans throughout history.
Eager to immerse themselves further in the beauty of the wilderness, the campers embarked on a session at the visitor center, where they learned the art of watercolor painting. With brushes in hand, they sought to capture the essence of Caprock Canyons majestic landscapes, each stroke a testament to the memories they had made during their time in the park.
As the afternoon sun dipped low in the sky, the group returned to camp, kindling a small fire and preparing for their final evening meal. With a twinkle in her eye, Hannah revealed a special surprise in honor of Jim’s upcoming birthday: Dutch oven brownies and popcorn, a sweet indulgence to mark the end of their journey.
Gathered around the flickering flames, the campers savored their treats, exchanging stories and reminiscing about the highs and lows of their adventure. For many, the Lighthouse Trail Hike had been a highlight, while others chuckled fondly at memories of their chilly first night in the park and Hannah’s infectious enthusiasm for prairie dogs.
As darkness descended, the campfire cast dancing shadows upon the faces of the weary but contented adventurers. With hearts full of gratitude and memories to last a lifetime, they retired to their tents a bit earlier than usual, knowing that the dawn would bring with it the bittersweet task of dismantling camp and bidding farewell to the wilderness they had come to love.
But as they drifted off into a peaceful slumber beneath the star-studded sky, they carried with them the indelible imprint of their time in Caprock Canyons—a tapestry of laughter, friendship, and the boundless beauty of the great outdoors, forever etched into their souls.
Join us on our next adventure this summer. We have five leadership camps to choose from!
