Dingoes: A great deal of change this happened this week with our Dingoes. The beginning of the week we had several students leave for an expedition as well as a family expedition. This changed our group dynamic to a very personable experience. One Dingo had a trail ceremony as well as an attribute token for “brightness”. Another Dingo had his Parent visit and went on a two day overnight solo and while out on his solo we had a ceremony in honor of a friend’s passing and this student received a “letting go” token. The group worked together on busting fire and making quivers for their fire busting gear.
Brumbies: The Brumbies bid farewell to one of their students this week and sent him off with a moving Goodbye Ceremony. One Brumby earned a Maker token and two Brumbies earned their Trail names. Three students were thrilled to welcome their parents into the desert. All students reported that this was one of the best weeks they have had at Outback. Everyone was supportive of each other, both logistically and emotionally. The busting culture of this group has really taken off and everyone busted multiple coals this week.
Gnowees: The Gnowees had an awesome week in the West Desert! We welcomed in two new students to the group who spent a lot of time working hard on their first camp assignments. We also waved goodbye to the beloved handcart we had been using to carry our packs on hikes and reflected on the lessons it taught us. Two Gnowees were honored with trail names this week, as well. One girl had a parent visit and honored her parents with the Brightness and Solid Ground tokens. On Saturday night the group laid under the stars together and watched a magical meteor shower light up the night sky. Overall, it was an amazing and fun week!
Uluru: The Uluru had a really amazing week. The students had a great time peaking Black Crook Mountain. The weather was a little cooler, allowing us to remain on the peak for most of the afternoon. Many of the students had never hiked such a high mountain and sincerely enjoyed the views. We also did a lot of work supporting each other emotionally. The students have been delving into their need to be more accountable as well as learning how to communicate better with each other.
Pindari: The group excelled at taking the time to support and understand one another, while working on areas of staying in the present moment and meeting goals. The group at times struggled with meeting goals of homework and therapy assignments and looked for ways to accomplish these tasks. The group spent time supporting each other on some difficult hikes and spent time understanding before judging others struggles.
PEAK EXPEDITION
This week was our first Peak Expedition! After picking up our expedition team members from their group Wednesday afternoon, we began the week by entering a sweat lodge. This space provided opportunity for students to share vulnerable moments from their lives as well as things they wished to let go and carry with them as they moved forward. We then transitioned into our first travel day and explored lava tubes in central Utah. We all shared a moment of total darkness in a cave together, something many of us had never experienced. The next day took us further south for some rock climbing at Green Valley Gap. We camped amongst Joshua trees that evening and woke up to chocolate chip pancakes and mountain goats! A small rappel in St. George was in store for the crew the following day and later made our way to Goblin Valley State Park where we experienced a clear milky way and incredible stars under a new moon. On our final adventure day in the park, we all rappelled into the Goblin’s Lair and explored a small cave. Throughout the week we shared many meals with each other, reflected on our journeys, and performed several token ceremonies to acknowledge and honor where students had been and where they are heading. Peak week brought about an immense amount of gratitude for the community we shared.
