This is a very exciting time of year for GOALS. We’ve now launched our first 3 trips of the season, and are accomplishing the mission of INSPIRING EXPLORATION IN YOUTH through multi-day wilderness river programs.
On May 20th, a group of 10 girls, their 2 dedicated chaperones, and GOALS board member Jody Erikson braved high flows and an initial day of cool, wet weather to take on the Colorado River through Ruby, Horsethief, and Westwater Canyons.
The following day, 2 separate groups launched into Desolation Canyon of the Green River for 5-day adventures. One of these groups was from Blevins Middle School in Fort Collins and the other was from Clear Creek Middle School in Evergreen. Flows in “Deso” were pushing 30,000 cfs, but the guides from Sheri Griffith Expeditions and fantastic chaperones kept kids safe while delivering an incredibly meaningful experience to all participants.
Need proof?? Here it is…
On the last night of their 5-day Desolation Canyon program, the 8th graders from Clear Creek Middle School wrote thank-you notes to the canyon. Enjoy these excerpts:
“Dear Desolation Canyon-
Thank you for helping me in so many ways. Your canyon is so beautiful from all of your mountain beauts (buttes) to your swift moving water – almost everything is perfect. You have also helped me figure out myself alot. You gave me time to think about my life and what I want to do later in my life. I also love just looking at your mountains at sunset – it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
“Dear Desolation Canyon-
I would like to thank you for donating your beautiful walls, fearless rapids, and unforgettable views to give me an experience that I will take with me wherever I may go. This trip has been able to teach me about overcoming my fears and living in an environment that is nothing close to the one I see every day. Although the weather you gave me is not exactly ideal, it has pushed my raft group and me to see the importance of teamwork and a positive mental attitude.
Because of you, I have been able to live in a different world for the past 4 days. My road has been transformed into a river, my ceiling has been replaced by the starring night sky, and the canyon is now my home. Your raging raids have pushed me to overcome fears and realize the importance that going past your comfort zone is what makes life interesting. I will never forget this experience you have allowed me to have. Because of your generosity, I have learned life-long lessons that will change who I am forever. Thank you.”
“Desolation Canyon-
Thank you for one of the best weeks of my life. It was great to paddle and look up at your walls. Your history was like a good book that is read over and over, but you still get something new every time. I also thank you for a good get away. It is really easy to forget there is a world out there! The silence is something I have come to appreciate. Thanks for everything.”
“Dear Desolation Canyon-
You have taught me many things while I was on my trip. First, you have taught me to be patient. You have to wait for big rapids or you have to wait for the beautiful sunset. You have also taught me to act like a team with my peers. You have to help others in need. You have also taught me discipline. Your huge rapids would teach anybody discipline. Thank you Deso for all of your teachings and thank you for all the beautiful sceneries. You have definitely taught me that life is more than just T.V. and video games. It is about friends and relationships.”
“Dear Desolation Canyon-
Thank you for all of the incredible experiences you have given me these past couple of days. You have taught me SO much about my environment, friends, and myself. I now realize just how much water I waste and misuse. It would be such a shame to see this beautiful river dry up from the selfishness of humans.
I also found out so much about my friends – this canyon really showed their true personalities. I realized just how lucky I am to have them. I also became friends with people I never would have expected to.
Finally, I learned a lot about myself. Desolation Canyon, you have opened my eyes to the beauty of being natural. So what if I have a layer of dirt of my skin, or my hair is dried up and gross. I love myself just the same, and and that’s what’s called “river elegance.” I love you Deso!”
And finally…my FAVORITE!!
“Dear Desolation Canyon-
During these few days on your river I have learned so much about myself. I have learned about my personal limits not only physically, but also mentally. Lately, I have lost my grip on who I am and what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be. Floating on your waters gave me time to talk my way through issues in my life. I not only had the time of my life but also got closer to myself.
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful river, sunsets, rain, rapids, sound, wildlife, and amazing love with me. I had so much fun with you. This is an experience that I will never forget. I got closer to my friends and we became a family. A family put together by an amazing canyon. I am going to miss your beauty and your water. You gave me memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you so much Deso. I could never repay you for the confidence that you gave me. I will miss you.”
This is why we do what we do. Thanks, kids – for summing it up so well!
Wow.
That is awesome! Brett-thank you so much for all you do for these kids!
Loved the notes to the canyon…I was lucky enough to have these types of trips every summer through 12 years of cub scouts, boy scouts, and explorer scouts. There will be nothing in your life as impactful as spending time in nature, away from whatever your “rat race” has become back in your everyday life, to acess and re-acess the path you’ve taken, and whether it is the right path to continue….or..????. Contributing to this kind of program is always a joy, cause I know I’m investing in a life altering miracle for someone, and these days…it’s tough to find those gifts that will provide a memory of a lifetime. Thanks Brett and all who helped in this trip. Lloyd
Wow, indeed. What a great experience for the kids, as expressed so articulately in their own words. Thanks, Brett!
Brett – it is such a delight to get to be a tiny part – from afar – of the transformations, growth, and understandings you are facilitating for these young people. The impact of these experiences can never be taken away from them and the results will be constantly remanifesting themselves in the everydayness each of these students encounter day by day. Your vision and great efforts are making the world a better place! Keep up the awesome work.