Outdoor Recreation Leadership

The ORL program at Feather River College has opened my eyes to so many new adventures. Looking back at where I was a year ago, this program has made me step out of my comfort zone, challenged me physically and mentally, and has introduced me to some of the most amazing people I have ever met. A part of the program is to go on an eleven day river/ backpacking trip. For our trip we are going to the Owyhee river and will be backpacking in the little Owyhee. I have never been on a river trip before and am excited to learn how packing a raft and travling down the river works!
" Risks must be taken because the greatest risk in life is to risk nothing, the person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn feel, change, grow, love or live. Chained by their certainties they are slaves, they have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free"

Day #10

Returning to the group after my solo night was a little weird. I was so much in my own mind, it was hard to interact with others. We had a couple debriefs about the trip and our solo nights. This trip has been such a good experience for me. I cant believe how fast ten days have gone by! The Outdoor program has changed my life so much this past year. Looking back on this year and all the new things I have tried from white water kayaking to sleeping in a snow cave. It has brought my self confidence, my love for the outdoors, and for me to try everything and not give up! Our group has such a special bond, and I truly feel comfortable around everyone. There is a quote that truly speaks to this semester " I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". This program speaks to that. The group of people that this program attracts will truly change your life. From skiing in the backcountry, building snow caves,rafting down the Feather, to an eleven day trip, it wouldnt be worth it if it wasnt for the people that are laughing right along with you!

Day # 9

Today is our solo night. I hiked for two hours and found a nice spot inside the canyon. I have never backpacked alone before, but after being around 19 people for the past nine days it is nice to be alone. Darla asked us to think about three things that would make us a better person, while we are alone. My three things that I feel would make me a better person would be: 1. To not go out of my way for people as much. I feel that I do things for people that dont even treat me very well. And I think I do it for them to like me, but I have realized that doing things for people shouldnt make them like you. The second thing would be to work on the relationship with my brother. We were closer when we were younger and I feel that he is an important influence in my life, I just need to keep in touch with him more, and make sure he is happy where he is at in his life.We also both love the outdoors and would love to go on adventures with him! The third thing would be to be okay with being alone. Living alone this year has made me realize that it can be hard to sit alone. I am such a social person, but I think it is always a good thing to work on being okay with being alone! As soon as the sun went down I found myself falling asleep. The next thing I knew it was morning. When I woke up I cleaned up camp and hiked to the top of the canyon. I sat there for hours writing letters to all my friends back at home, and I wrote a letter to my grandparents thanking them for supporting me with everything I do in my life. They have always been behind me 100% and they especially support my free spirit for travel and adventure. This solo night really helped me reflect on things, and I defintely want to go on more solo trips.

Day #7

4/29/2010

Today we were on the river for 12 miles. We had a change of plans, we missed the camp site with the hot springs so we went all the way to take out. The last part of the river was beautiful. Big high canyon land and exciting rapids.I also rowed the oar rig for a while,which is such a good work out! Something I thought our group handled well today, was finishing the river part a day early. I think one of the most important skills to have, especially as a leader, is to be flexible. I saw this within everyone today! Our take out went smooth, and everyone helped out. We jumped into the vans and drove for about 4 hours, to a camp site with big hot springs! We had our nightly meeting in the hot springs, and Saylor said everyones river name, and the group said positive things about that person.People said I was always positive and had a great laugh and smile. I have defintely heard that before!

Day #6

4/28/2010

Today was the coldest I have been on the river. The wind picked up and it was snowing. At lunch I gave my skills presentation,which was the Dulfer Sitz.It is a type of repell only using a rope. No harnesses or carabeaners. Everyone was cold while I was explaning so I kept it short and informative. I thought it went well, and I received good feed back. Tonight is the full moon and the sky cleared for it!

Day #4

4/26/2010
Today we rafted 8 miles. It was pretty mellow.We arrived to Purits Castle. The castle is a huge sandstone dome. The weather has changed today. The rain is coming in and a lot of the group went on short hikes, and then into the tents to play cards. After dinner we decided that this was going to be our lay over camp site. There is endless hiking and a great camp site. The wind is really picking up, my tent is blowing everywhere, even with three people in it!

Day #3

4/25/2010

Today we rafted down 7 miles. We had three class 3 rapids and R2ing was awesome!Our camp today has endless hiking! A group of us hiked to the top of a plato and then through a rocky canyon. At the top of the canyon was an awesome view of the river. Over looking the view I realized how extremely happy I am in this program! This being my fourth year out of high school,I was confused with what I wanted to do with my future, that is why when I found this program I knew it was where I belonged. I am espeially thankful for our group. I have learned so much from everyone, and being on this trip everyones leadership skills shine.
" When you have exhausted all possibilites remember this: you haven't"