Sunday: The Climbing Journey Begins
Buc-ee’s Break, by Erica Salinas
The adventure started at 11:00 AM sharp at the Youth Odyssey offices, where excitement buzzed in the air as climbers gathered for their week-long expedition. With the building’s elevator out of commission, Tony and Erica enlisted the help of eager Youth Leaders to haul climbing gear and supplies down multiple flights of stairs by hand—a fitting warm-up for the week ahead.
Once the trailer was packed to the brim, everyone formed a circle for the traditional trip check-in. The goals were as diverse as the group itself: parents hoped their children would grow in confidence and forge new friendships (and joked about enjoying a quiet house for a week), first-time climbers buzzed with anticipation about learning camping skills and rock climbing basics, while veteran climbers already had their sights set on lead climbing and tackling unfinished projects from the previous year.
Pitching Camp, by Chase Martinez
After one final bathroom break, the crew hit the road toward Pedernales Falls State Park. The drive passed quickly as youth swapped stories from previous Youth Odyssey adventures, bonding over shared experiences and building excitement for the days ahead.
Camp setup at Pedernales Falls was a masterclass in teamwork, with veteran campers mentoring newcomers on proper tent placement. With rain forecast for later in the week, everyone paid special attention to ground tarps and rain fly stakes—a precaution that would prove invaluable.
Scorpions glow in the dark! (who knew?), by Erica Salinas
As dinner preparations began, Tony outlined the climbing plans while Erica and Shivaun worked their magic in the camp kitchen. The evening’s entertainment came courtesy of Erica’s UV flashlight, which revealed an unexpected treasure hunt around the shower building. Under the purple glow, scorpions’ exoskeletons fluoresced bright green, turning a simple trip to the showers into an impromptu nature lesson that left everyone amazed.
The day ended with tired but excited campers settling into their tents, dreams filled with tomorrow’s climbing adventures.
Monday: First Taste of Texas Rock Climbing
Dawn brought a light drizzle that left the camp glistening, but spirits remained high as the group fueled up on bagels, fruit, and other grab-and-go breakfast items. Climbing gear was distributed with military precision before everyone piled into the van for the journey to Reimer’s Ranch.
The reunion at Reimer’s parking lot was particularly sweet as Will and Abby joined the group after their Sunday night performance in The Wizard of Oz at Harbor Playhouse in Corpus Christi. The group also welcomed Tommy Blackwell, one of Tony’s climbing partners from the 1990s, whose weathered hands and easy smile spoke of countless adventures on Texas limestone.
The hike down Climber’s Canyon to Zoe’s Wall felt like a pilgrimage, anticipation building with each step. Once at the wall, the experienced climbers sprang into action: Will, Cruz, and Araceli efficiently established top-rope anchors on Zoe’s Arete (5.5), I Never Called You a Beast (5.6), and Bulginator (5.7). These routes became the training ground for beginning climbers, who eagerly absorbed lessons in basic technique.
Devin clips the chains on Zoe’s Arete, by Chase Martinez
Meanwhile, the veterans pushed their limits on Light Buzzyear (5.9) and Zoe’s First Step (5.8), their movements flowing with the confidence that comes from countless hours on rock.
The morning’s highlight came when Devin and Chase decided to take the leap into lead climbing. Tommy, with the patience of a seasoned instructor, coached them through their first redpoint attempts on Zoe’s Arete. The moment they clipped the anchors on their own lead climbs marked a milestone in their climbing journeys.
After a simple lunch of sandwiches and chips, Tommy departed, but Chase and Devin weren’t ready to call it quits. Fired up by their success, they convinced Cruz and Will to stay behind for belaying duties while they tackled the other routes on Zoe’s Wall. Two more redpoints each later, they were finally ready to join the rest of the group for a well-deserved swim in the Pedernales River.
The afternoon dissolved into the simple pleasures of river life: cool water against sun-warmed skin, the satisfying plop of skipping stones, and the easy camaraderie that comes from shared accomplishment. As shadows grew long, the group reluctantly hiked back to the van, carrying with them the satisfaction of a successful first day.
Hannah and Vinny Build a Fire, By Chase Martinez
Back at camp, walking tacos provided the perfect fuel for tired bodies, while careful attention to rain fly adjustments prepared everyone for the storm that weather forecasts promised. Showers and early bedtime followed, with dreams of limestone and the next day’s adventures.
Tuesday: Nature’s Power Display and Legendary Sends
The night erupted in a spectacular display of nature’s power as a thunderstorm rolled across the Hill Country around 2:00 AM. Lightning illuminated tent walls like strobe lights, while thunder crashed so loudly that Chase and Devin had to shout across the mere four feet between their tents to check on each other’s dryness.
For thirty intense minutes, the storm held everyone in its grip, a humbling reminder of nature’s raw power. Tony, Vinny, Cruz, Chase, and Devin became impromptu camp wardens, checking on everyone’s safety and tent integrity. After the storm cell moved on, the group sat in awed silence for another twenty minutes, processing the experience before finally returning to their sleeping bags around 2:30 AM.
The 7:00 AM wake-up call revealed an amusing discovery: Marcus had slept soundly through the entire meteorological drama, completely oblivious to the night’s excitement. His confused expression as others recounted the storm’s intensity became a running joke for the rest of the trip.
Shelter from the Rain, by Chase Martinez
A post-breakfast expedition to park headquarters for weather updates and souvenir shopping hit a snag when they discovered the storm had knocked out power to the entire park. With more rain predicted throughout the morning, Tony and Erica made the tactical decision to delay the Reimer’s Ranch departure and instead transformed the camp into a cozy headquarters.
The group’s ingenuity shone as they constructed a tarp awning attached to the permanent picnic shelter, creating a dry haven for games and conversation while morning showers passed overhead. This impromptu shelter became the stage for bonding activities that might not have happened otherwise.
By noon, clearing skies beckoned, and the group loaded up for their second day at Reimer’s Ranch. Today’s destination: Dead Cats Wall, where unfinished business from the previous year awaited.
The afternoon began with route preparation for newer climbers. Celi led Hissing Cloe (5.8)—the same route where Cruz had achieved his first redpoint onsight the previous year. Will established Clawing Zoe (5.7), while Chase took on Lessa the Puramatic 6000 Kitty (5.5). Cruz, following Will’s inspiring example from the year before, challenged himself with Talk It Up (5.9) as his first lead of the day.
Midafternoon brought a special surprise: Kirsten, Youth Odyssey’s former facilitator and ropes course manager, joined the group. The veteran climbers’ excitement was palpable as they crowded around her, eager to reconnect and catch up on the intervening months.
Cruz plans his path for Talk It Up, by Chase Martinez
The day’s defining moment came when Will approached Dead Cats Don’t Meow (5.10c), the route that had dealt him his first lead fall the previous year. With Tony belaying and a year’s worth of determination fueling his efforts, Will moved smoothly through the initial sequence and made his second clip. However, the day’s earlier exertions caught up with him at the overhanging crux, and after several valiant attempts, he decided to rest.
“Can I give it a try?” Cruz asked.
What happened next became instant Youth Odyssey legend. Cruz and Tony strategized an approach that would conserve energy for the route’s upper half, skirting the overhang slightly to reach the third bolt with gas in the tank. Cruz climbed confidently through the lower section, paused briefly at the second bolt to study his approach, then committed fully to his sequence. Third clip, fourth clip, and suddenly he was in what Chase later dubbed the “pinch-and-pray area”—the thin, balance-intensive top section.
Three attempts. Three short lead falls. Then Cruz found the hold he needed, gained the top rim, and traversed to the anchor chains. When the rope clicked into place, his victory shout echoed across the canyon. The entire camp erupted—applause, cheers, and pure celebration as Cruz was mobbed by every climber wanting photos with the hero who’d conquered Dead Cats Don’t Meow.
With the top rope now established and his energy restored, Will returned for his redemption climb. This time, his execution was flawless. Every movement was precise, every hold deliberate. He pulled smoothly through the overhanging crux that had been his nemesis, stood confidently on the ledge, and found the exact crimps and footholds needed to reach the top.
Will’s request to be locked off at the summit spoke to the moment’s significance. From his vantage point overlooking the Pedernales River valley, he experienced something profound—a moment of triumph that stirred deep emotions and would stay with him long after the climb ended.
The slow, celebratory hike back up Climber’s Canyon was filled with the kind of satisfaction that comes from overcoming real challenges. Erica’s suggestion of pizza for dinner was met with unanimous approval—the group had certainly earned it.
Late-night pizza consumption while preparing for showers and bed provided the perfect end to an extraordinary day of climbing.
Wednesday: Well-Deserved Rest
After two intense days of climbing, the group savored a luxurious sleep-in, with tents remaining zipped until 8:30 AM. A hearty breakfast and relaxed morning lounging around camp provided the perfect recovery from their limestone adventures.
Just before noon, the group split for different activities. Shivaun and Erica led a bird-watching expedition to one of the park’s blinds, while Tony organized a session of “Oh Captain, My Captain!”—a card-based role-playing game that challenged players to collaboratively create pirate adventures.
The storytelling session became unexpectedly captivating, with Abby and Vinny leading narrative developments that held everyone’s attention. When the birdwatchers returned to find the group deep in creative storytelling, the applause that followed the story’s conclusion was well-deserved. The returning campers immediately requested their own round of the game.
Lunch provided fuel for the afternoon’s activities, after which Tony and Shivaun led a river expedition while Erica enjoyed some well-earned downtime. At the Pedernales, a rock-skipping competition developed into an epic showdown between Will and Devin, with Will’s 14-skip stone narrowly edging out Devin’s 12-skip effort.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent in the simple pleasures of river life: lounging in cool water, building rock cairns, and enjoying easy conversation. When everyone’s fingertips had reached maximum pruning, the group hiked back to camp for dinner, showers, and another peaceful night’s sleep.
Thursday: Urban Climbing and Heartfelt Farewells
The 2022 Climbing Crew Reunion (with photobomb by Mando), by Shivaun Netek
Another unhurried morning greeted us, though storm clouds gathering on the horizon prompted a change of plans. With rain threatening our outdoor climbing, Tony and Erica made the smart decision to take us into Austin for a session at Austin Bouldering Project’s Westgate gym. Kristen joined us once again, adding to our climbing crew for the day.
After getting everyone checked in, we naturally formed small groups of three and four, each gravitating toward routes that matched our skill levels. Marcus, Hannah, and Vinny tackled the yellow and red routes (V0 to V3), building confidence with each successful climb. Noah, Celi, Armando, and Abby pushed themselves on the more challenging green and purple routes (V3 to V5). Meanwhile, Cruz, Will, Devin, and Chase tested their limits against the demanding orange and black problems (V4 to V7).
After several hours of intense climbing, everyone’s forearms were thoroughly pumped from the sustained effort. We bid farewell to Kristen and headed back to Pedernales Falls State Park, where something special awaited us.
Back at camp, we formed our final circle for the trip’s closing conversation. Armando posed the evening’s reflective question: “From the moment we met in the Youth Odyssey parking lot on Sunday up to right now, how have you grown?” The profound depth of his question settled a thoughtful quiet over the group as each person considered their personal journey.
As the conversation began, campers shared stories of improvement—not just as climbers, but as human beings. They spoke of deeper friendships forged, trust built through shared challenges, and discovering inner resilience they never knew they possessed.
When Will’s turn arrived, he reflected on learning acceptance. “Yes, I completed Dead Cats,” he said, “but it didn’t happen in the way I planned or expected.” His honesty opened the door for Chase to express gratitude for Will’s vulnerability, explaining how Will’s willingness to share that emotional experience had deepened their friendship. Cruz then told Will that his perseverance on that difficult climb had inspired Cruz to push his own climbing boundaries.
But it was Celi who brought the evening to its emotional peak. She went around the entire circle, calling out each person individually and sharing something she genuinely appreciated about them. Then, with the weight of transition in her voice, she acknowledged that she and Will were participating in their final Youth Odyssey summer camp. She charged Cruz, Vinny, Chase, and Devin—the emerging leaders—with carrying forward the spirit and traditions that she and Will had helped nurture over their seven years with the program.
Celi’s stirring words broke the dam of emotion that had been building throughout the week. The entire camp dissolved into hugs and tears, a beautiful testament to the bonds forged during our time together.
As our debrief circle naturally wound down, the group fragmented into smaller clusters. Some took contemplative walks around the park, others gathered for card games, and a few helped Erica and Shivaun prepare fajitas for our final dinner together. A warm sense of camaraderie settled over the camp as we shared our last meal, took final showers, and retreated to our tents for one last night under the Texas stars.
Reflections on Adventure
The five-day climbing expedition to Pedernales Falls State Park and Reimer’s Ranch represents Youth Odyssey’s mission crystallized into lived experience. What began as a group of young people with varying climbing abilities evolved into a community bound by shared challenges, mutual support, and profound personal growth.
Fostering Leadership Through Experience
Youth Odyssey’s commitment to developing young leaders manifested throughout the week in both planned and spontaneous moments. When the building’s elevator failed on departure day, Youth Leaders immediately stepped up to haul gear down multiple flights of stairs—a perfect metaphor for the program’s philosophy that leadership emerges through service and problem-solving. Veteran campers naturally assumed mentoring roles during camp setup, teaching newcomers proper tent placement and weather preparation techniques that would prove essential when the Tuesday night thunderstorm tested everyone’s preparations.
The most striking example of peer leadership occurred during the climbing sessions. Will, Cruz, and Araceli efficiently established top-rope anchors, creating safe learning environments for beginning climbers. This wasn’t merely task delegation—it was the organic development of responsibility and care for others that Youth Odyssey intentionally cultivates. When Celi challenged the emerging leaders (Cruz, Vinny, Chase, and Devin) to carry forward the program’s traditions during her emotional farewell, she was acknowledging the successful transfer of leadership that had been occurring throughout the week.
Building Confidence Through Challenge
The program’s approach to confidence-building through appropriate challenge was evident in the carefully structured progression from beginner routes to advanced projects. First-time climbers began with fundamental techniques on easier routes like Zoe’s Arete (5.5), while veterans pushed their limits on demanding climbs like Light Buzzyear (5.9). This scaffolded approach ensured that every participant faced meaningful challenges matched to their current abilities.
The leap from top-rope to lead climbing represented a particularly significant confidence milestone. When Devin and Chase attempted their first redpoint leads under Tommy’s patient guidance, they weren’t just learning technical skills—they were discovering their capacity to manage fear, assess risk, and commit to challenging goals. Their subsequent success on multiple routes demonstrated how confidence builds exponentially when young people experience genuine achievement.
Perhaps most powerfully, Will’s year-long journey with Dead Cats Don’t Meow illustrated how Youth Odyssey views setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. His initial fall the previous year became motivation for continued development. When he finally conquered the route, his request to be “locked off at the summit” revealed the profound emotional significance of persevering through difficulty—a lesson that extends far beyond climbing.
Creating Authentic Community
Youth Odyssey’s emphasis on genuine relationships shone through every aspect of the expedition. The diversity of participants’ goals—parents hoping for confidence and friendships, first-timers excited about basic skills, veterans pursuing advanced projects—created a rich community where everyone had something to offer and something to learn.
The Tuesday night thunderstorm became an unexpected catalyst for community building. When nature unleashed its power at 2:00 AM, the veteran campers instinctively became “camp wardens,” checking on everyone’s safety and tent integrity. This wasn’t programmed behavior—it was the natural expression of care that emerges when young people feel genuine responsibility for their community.
Even the enforced indoor time during Wednesday’s rainy morning became an opportunity for deeper connection. The “Oh Captain, My Captain!” storytelling session allowed participants to see each other in new contexts, appreciating creativity and imagination alongside physical courage. These moments of vulnerability and shared creativity often prove as transformative as the physical challenges.
Reflection and Integration
The closing circle conversation demonstrated Youth Odyssey’s understanding that experience without reflection remains merely activity. Armando’s profound question—”How have you grown from Sunday until now?”—invited participants to name their transformations and integrate their experiences into their developing identities.
The depth of sharing that followed revealed the program’s success in creating psychological safety for authentic vulnerability. Will’s reflection on learning acceptance, Chase’s gratitude for Will’s emotional honesty, and Cruz’s acknowledgment of how Will’s perseverance inspired his own growth—these exchanges represent the kind of meaningful peer influence that shapes character.
Celi’s individual appreciation of each participant and her emotional charge to the emerging leaders created a moment of profound significance. Her tears, and the camp’s collective emotional response, testified to bonds forged through shared challenge, mutual support, and authentic connection.
Living the Mission
This climbing expedition exemplified Youth Odyssey’s mission in action. Young people developed leadership skills through responsibility and service. They built genuine confidence through appropriately challenging experiences. They formed authentic relationships through shared vulnerability and mutual support. They practiced reflection and integration, ensuring that their experiences became foundations for continued growth.
The program’s success wasn’t measured in climbing grades achieved or routes completed, though these accomplishments mattered. Success was evident in Marcus confidently tackling V0-V3 boulder problems alongside more experienced climbers. It was visible in Chase and Devin’s willingness to attempt lead climbing and their persistence in pursuing multiple routes. It was present in the natural mentoring relationships that emerged between veterans and newcomers.
Most significantly, success was manifest in the tears and hugs of the final evening—evidence of a community that had formed around shared values of challenge, support, and growth. In five days, Youth Odyssey had created not just an adventure but a formative experience that would influence how these young people approach challenges, relationships, and leadership for years to come.
The Pedernales River valley provided the setting, and the limestone cliffs provided the challenges, but Youth Odyssey provided something more precious: a community where young people could discover their capabilities, form meaningful relationships, and develop the character that will serve them throughout their lives.
