Hey bloggers!,

I know it has been a while since my last blog update.  It is a new year and a time to start over, a time to grow change and learn from the year gone by. now lucky for all of you, you do not have to read a blog about me going on for ever about any of that. Instead I am going to post up an essay composed by one of our very own alumni from WAEL. Thats right "Bobo"! 

Enjoy!

Dano

Caryn Maconi
October 19, 2008
I was introduced to backpacking at a summer camp called Wilderness
Adventure at Eagle Landing when I was eleven years old. After learning about
the program at a local camp fair, my mother signed me up on a whim, unaware
that the experience would have a lasting impact on my life. The founder of
the organization, Colonel Gene Nervo, is a wise, friendly, balding man in
his sixties who started the camp after serving in the marines. His goal was
to create a program that builds character in young people by having them
experience firsthand the challenges that the outdoors can hold. Throughout
my five years as a camper and one year as a staff member at Wilderness
Adventure, “Colonel”, as he is lovingly called, has taught me about the two
main principles of character that I base my life on: a strong work ethic and
a positive attitude.
When Colonel talks about the “principles of success” in his
discussions at the start and finish of every youth backpacking session, he
explains their usefulness in the outdoors, but especially emphasizes their
importance in the rest of life.
During my summer working as a Wilderness Adventure employee, I
really learned to understand what a good work ethic was all about. I was
excited to spend six weeks at Wilderness Adventure, getting paid to
backpack, rock climb, kayak, and mountain bike - all of the activities that
I have grown to love during my years as a camper. It was easy to put forth
my best effort with these. I soon realized, however, that the ins-and-outs
of running an outdoor adventure camp require a lot of work that is not so
exciting. For example, I spent entire days digging a drainage pipe out of
the ground with a pickaxe and a shovel. I worked hours in the base camp
kitchen, washing dishes, taking out the trash, and mopping floors. I would
frequently help out after work hours were done, loading a boat trailer or
preparing a re-supply for a group out on the trail. This task consisted of
collecting mail, food, fuel, water, and other items to be distributed to
backpackers in the middle of a long trip, and it often took more time than
expected. Still, I remembered Colonel telling me that a good work ethic
meant doing every task, no matter how big, small, or smelly, to the best of
my ability. I followed his advice, knowing that I was lucky to have a job at
Wilderness Adventure and that I would be given an opportunity to have an
action-packed day off if I only kept up the effort. This principle carries
over into my life at home in countless ways. As a cross-country and track
runner, I train hard every day, never slowing down or cutting a run short
when the coach isn’t looking. At school, I study for tests until I know I am
well prepared, and I complete every homework assignment, even if it won’t be
checked by a teacher. To me, “slacking” is a bad word, and when I notice
somebody slacking off, I feel compelled to encourage that person to set his
or her goals just a little higher. I love the personal feeling of
accomplishment that a good work ethic provides, and I know that every
challenge I meet with perseverance and effort makes me a stronger, more
confident person.
I believe that a positive attitude is one of my most outstanding
traits, and Colonel consistently strengthens that trait within me. He has
shown me the value of keeping my head up whatever difficulty comes my way,
always trying to find something good in the situation. A positive attitude
is extremely important at Wilderness Adventure, because while living purely
outdoors and carrying your life in a pack is an amazing experience, it
certainly has its share of obstacles. Backpackers must find ways to deal
with poison ivy, rainstorms, bug bites, hikes that last into the night,
flavorless freeze-dried meals, and worst of all, no showers! Still, I see
all of this as part of the package; I realize that with each obstacle
overcome I build character, and I know that each experience will be another
exciting story to look back on with pride. With a positive attitude, I find
life so much more enjoyable and challenges so much more fun to meet. I get
excited about my eleven-mile cross country practice, and instead of dreading
and procrastinating that term paper, I look forward to the moment when I can
say it’s completed and I can read over my impressive work. Approaching life
with optimism helps me to be fearless and believe in learning through every
opportunity. Most of all, having a positive attitude means being happy, and
spreading that happiness to everyone I meet with a bright smile, a hug, or a
few encouraging words.
Perhaps I have always possessed the qualities that Colonel
advocates, and he has really only brought them to the surface through his
program and its unique challenges. When I feel like something in my life is
not quite right, like my plans are not working out the way they should or my
frustration level is a little high, I think of Colonel and those two
powerful virtues. I take his lessons to heart, for they have helped me to
see life’s bigger picture. I have learned to look at life with optimism,
motivation, and a kind heart. By sticking to the values that have come to
define me, I find that I am always ready and determined to commit to
challenges, to take risks, and to build character with every experience.