By: Araceli Arredondo and Julius Richardson
Day 1: The Journey Begins!
The van was filled with the chatter of excited campers as our Outdoor Adventure camp embarked on their first van ride. They talked about the activities in the week to come and their thoughts on what was for dinner. After setting up camp at Lake Corpus Christi, Noelle and Celi took the youth to Cave Swallows to swim. After showers and eating, the group turned in for the night, all tired and ready for the day ahead.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventure, Underwater fun!
Waking up bright and early with good spirits, Noelle’s good morning song echoed throughout the camp. Quickly getting ready and eating grab-and-go breakfast, everyone set out to the YWCA for scuba diving. Meeting James and Riley Gourley on time, the youth suited up in scuba gear before jumping into the pool to learn beginner scuba skills.
After loading back into the van, the group went downtown to Cole Park for lunch and playtime. Returning to camp once the sun was getting too hot, it was discovered that the wind had flipped over both Noelle and Atlas’s tents and was being held down by one remaining stake. The remaining stakes were bent and taken out by the wind. After fixing the tents, everyone went back to Cave Swallows to swim.
After showers and dinner, we did our check in circle before learning from Richardson how to make a fire from flint and steel. Unfortunately, with winds so strong, they were constantly burning out Richardson’s flames, Ironically, Beckett suggested we take fire ants and chuck them in the fire pit to make a fire, we all had a laugh. Later, half of the youth wanted to play tag while the other half wanted to chill and lay back. Having a closing discussion with everyone, the youth went to sleep for the night with the facilitators to follow suit.
Day 3: Lifesavers and fishing
While enjoying a grab-and-go breakfast, we headed to the CPR class. We were greeted by a friendly dog along with the Gourleys. Taking our seats in the learning room, the youth first had to watch an educational video on CPR and basic first aid. Next, they did CPR and performed emergency breaths with Riley on the ever-patient training dummy, Anne. After everyone completed one round, some went twice because they genuinely enjoyed it, and then learned how to remove and discard used gloves.
Finally, they all took a group quiz with Riley to see what they remembered from their lessons. Provided by the Gourleys to congratulate their accomplishments on becoming CPR and First Aid certified, pizza was brought in for everyone to enjoy.
After lunch, everyone filed back in the van for the drive out to Goose Island. During the meeting with a park ranger, she explained how to use a fishing rod and demonstrated some simple knots that the youth replicated. Then we all headed out for fishing. With it being really windy nobody caught any fish, but we celebrated when an older couple nearby did. Back at camp everyone had dinner, showered, and learned how to make s’mores before cleaning up and going to sleep.
Day 4: Surfing fun!
The group awoke bright and early with high spirits. Everyone was beaming and in a good mood. We drove to White Cap Beach where the youth learned to surf. They all had a blast and were constantly asking to go out and shred more waves.
Eating sandwiches for lunch, a Nutella sandwich was followed as dessert. Making our way back to camp, everyone picked up their money to shop at the park gift shop. After all purchases were made, we went swimming at Cave Swallows. Once dinner and showers were finished, everyone–facilitators included–played tag before going to sleep.
Day 5: Outdoor Adventure, on target!
The group took another late start to the day, partaking in grab-and-go breakfast before sitting in a circle and engaging in light morning conversation. Once breakfast was cleaned up, we all headed out to meet a park interpreter for archery. Beckett and Jason were both naturals, hitting bullseyes on their first shot! Abigail had a harder time at first pulling the string back, but after the first round of shots she was a ping, easily shooting each arrow. Completing archery, we made a bathroom break and enjoyed chewy bars before chilling around camp.
Dressed in swim clothes, we headed to Cave Swallows where we met Robert. He stayed for a while to chill and talk with everyone. After swimming for a long time, everyone enjoyed their last swim at the camp. After three hours, everyone was exhausted and ready to go back to camp to prepack. Taking showers early, we headed back to camp to eat our final dinner together. Everyone played tag, hot potato, and did high low buffalo before going to sleep.
Day 6: Graduation
All the tents were wet from morning dew, so Richardson took the youth to a pier to fish while they waited for the sun to rise and dry their tents. After finally packing their tents, sleeping bags, tarps, and personal items, the group loaded into the van and drove back to the office.
Back at the office, our Outdoor Adventure Graduation Cookout was underway and certificates were handed. It was a great celebration of shared memories and friendships. The youth left with smiles on their faces and memories that will last forever.
Special thanks to Pepsi-Co for being our Camp sponsor! If you are interested in sponsoring a camp, please reach out to our office and stayed tuned for our next adventure!
