By: Kayaking Facilitators, Adrianna & Raegan
Day 1: Travel
We took off from Youth Odyssey, both vans in tow to South Llano River State Park for our kayaking adventure! We planned to eat lunch at Whataburger, but when we got there, we were told they were closed because of technical issues. However, as we were about to get into the vans, we were told that it was just fixed. We were able to eat there before embarking on the rest of our journey! Before we left though, one of our campers spilled their extra large drink . That was alright, it was easy clean…but then the same camper knocked over their refill! We all had a good laugh.
When we were about 30 minutes away, it started to rain really bad. Rain was coming down so hard we couldn’t see the cars in front of us, so we slowed down, and turned the lights and windshield wipers on high. It cleared as we were pulling into the camp site. Since almost every camper had been on a trip with us this summer, setting up camp took no time at all. We had a camp meeting about rules, water safety, and the week ahead. Little did we know how much was about to change.
Day 2 & 3: Rain, Rain, Go Away
Monday morning the camp woke to a river of water that made its way down near the campsite. After breakfast, we took visited the ranger station pavilion where the youth learned about the insects they found and had an opportunity to get into dry clothes. There, rangers let us know that all water activities were restricted due to dangerous river conditions, including kayaking. When it lessened to a sprinkle around lunchtime we headed back to camp where our staff members Robert and James set up tarps as a cover from the rain and the youth made sandwiches. A camper had brought a volleyball and that afternoon was spent playing monkey in the middle and working as a group to get as many volleys in a row as possible. Dinner was walking tacos and we had s’mores over a fire that was quite difficult to start, but it burned!
Tuesday, we woke to even more water than the day before. That day had a short hike as well as a mass effort to gather firewood for the fire that staff member Reagan worked to keep alive. When youth facilitators Robert and Arianna left to scout out the put in points for kayaking they found that it was impossible to leave the park, the river had risen over the bridge and was rushing dangerously fast. More volleyball was played and many youth messed around in the mud and puddles. Rest assured, we were all safe just itching for a little kayaking.
Day 4: Enchanted Rock
Alas, the day came where the rain stopped! The river was still not safe for kayaking so Plan D it was! Today was a sunny day and the water on the roads cleared up. We were able to all fit in 1 van and drive 1.5 hours to Enchanted Rock. While we were a little squished, the drive was worth it.
Once we all ate our sandwiches, we started up the mountain. It was a steep hike, but every camper made it to the very top! The facilitators saw a lot of teamwork and encouragement from the campers during our hike. Once we got to the top we were able to take a break and explore. Nearby were some rock formations that allowed us to climb around and go into some cave-like areas they created. The hike down was a little more difficult because it was easier for people to fall. We took our time, but it was worth it. Once at the bottom some people were able to get snow cones. After refilling water bottles, we headed back to camp. When we got to camp we ate fajitas for dinner.
Day 5: Garner State Park
Another drive took up our morning as we drove go Garner State Park. There, the youth were finally able to swim, this time in the Frio River. They played Marco Polo, had sword fights with sticks they found, and found cool rocks while exploring past the dam. We had a lunch of hot dogs and the kids had lots of snacks. On the drive back, we had Disney karaoke. That evening we packed up what we could before heading into town for a delicious dinner at Junction Pizza. That evening we reflected on the camp’s ups and downs as a group and headed to bed. The group meshed and adjusted and kept their spirits high our the facilitators modeled flexibility and fun!
Day 6: Travel
After a long week of unexpected events, we packed up the rest of our gear and started the journey home. During our reflections, we took note of how we grew and learned the power of flexibility! Nothing like the excitement of the unknown for an added adventure. Donuts for breakfast and a peaceful start to our journey. The van ride home was quieter than normal as a lot of campers slept. Join us on our next adventure!
