Outdoor Adventure,
Pacific Northwest

*The pictures below are links; clicking on them will take you to a larger version of that picture.

Tuesday, June 27th:
All 14 of the USYers on the USY Outdoor Adventure group have arrived safely and are on their way to Camp Solomon Schechter in Olympia, Washington. Those that arrived at the airport earlier today passed some of the time by decorating their siddur and other items the staff had prepared for their trip, playing a few ice-breaker games, and getting to know others in the small group that will spend the next four weeks together. The group will spend their first days at Camp Solomon Schechter getting ready for their big trip--they will take swim tests, learn how to repack their backpack and set up their tents, and have some more activities to get to know each other. Their staff have been preparing for the past six days for their arrival and are so excited that they are finally there!

    

    

    

Wednesday, June 28th:
The group had a grat first day at camp and are all set to go! They spent the day learning the skills they'll need on the trail. Last night they set up their own tents-- it was quite a sight! Today they did a complete gear check (everyone passed!) and repacked the backpacks for the trail. The group learned the "O-A WAY" of washing dishes and broke into committees and job assignments. They've reviewed group policies and safety rules for the program, and took their swim tests. It was quite a busy day! Stephanie the Group Leader led them through a team building exercise where they all discussed their goals for the summer and how they want their group to function. As a culmination to this activity, the group created a "flag" that they will display at each campsite they visit to remind themselves of their shared vision.