Project Challenge Wilderness Experience

The 29th hiked, paddled and zipped their way to a successful Project Challenge wilderness outing last weekend. We met at the trailhead after school on Friday and hiked our gear a couple of miles to a meadow just below the summit of Max Patch Mountain. We helped each other set up our tents and find wood for a fire. As the sun set we cooked dinner over the flames and talked about the challenges ahead. At 4600 feet the night air grew almost cold as we headed for the warmth of our sleeping bags.

In the morning we learned how to start a survival fire using flint sparks, tinder and twigs. We toasted our breakfast while watching the sun rise over the ridgelines below us and then broke camp. A challenging hike around and back up the mountain lay ahead of us.

We helped each other finish the trek and headed for our next challenge: zip-lining through the Appalachian canopy. Some of us had to step outside of our comfort zone to step off the platform and fly through the trees!

Our final challenge was a whitewater rafting trip through the wild and rugged Big Pigeon River Gorge. We trained in buddy rescues and preventive safety before launching our raft into the river. The water was running low and we had to work together to negotiate the rocky channels.

After dinner on our final night we had no problem going to sleep. We had paddled, hiked and flown our way the Appalachian wilderness. Before leaving for home the next day we circled up and talked about keys to our success. Teamwork and positive attitudes were identified.