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Like, Why Do We Even Do This?

Homepage Adventure Like, Why Do We Even Do This?

Like, Why Do We Even Do This?

ExploreAustinAdmin
August 14, 2019
Adventure, Leadership, Mentoring
ACES

By Jessica Sager, 2020 Fierce Fancies Mentor

 

I cried when I reached the top of the mountain.

We had started our hike that morning at 3 am, under the huge expanse of a clear, cold, and starry Colorado sky.

Really, though, we had started 6 years before, a thrown-together group of pre-teens and wannabe (I say that lovingly) mentors, in the HOT summer sun of Texas. On that initial Summer Wilderness Trip – notoriously known as the *hardest* one we ever did, for more stories than I’ll share right now – the longest we hiked as a group was 2 (brutal) miles. Now, it was in the heat of the Texas summer sun, and it was with full packs on, but the fact is – it was 2 miles.

On this particular Thursday morning, we were waking up – dark and early – to complete a 6 mile hike that would take us across creeks in the dark, up snow patches with ice axes and gaiters, over countless rock boulders, and to the top of a mountain, to come back around a valley, and back to camp again. And if we were lucky – all before the afternoon storms were to come in.

(I love nighttime walks, and was *really* excited.)

2020 Fierce Fancies on Summit Morning

If you know me, it probably won’t come as any surprise that I generally like to take the unofficial place as the “caboose” during most of our activities. This is both practical and meaningful.

First – never have I ever been accused of being a fast walker. And, more importantly, I find the conversations with the girls who also find themselves at the end – the ones who struggle, or doubt themselves or question their choice to even be there – to be the kind of rich and real talk that I learn from and love the most.

“But really,” one of the girls – who was also hiking at the back with me – said, “I don’t even know why we hike mountains. Like, why even do this.”

This girl was one of my favorites. I believe you meet people of your “soul tribe” in so many places throughout your life, and this girl was definitely in mine.

 

Unlike me, however, she was *NOT* enjoying the journey this morning. She was terrified of heights and was hurting physically. While she was generally one of the most upbeat and positive in the group, when it came to heights, she was at her edge, literally and figuratively. She had even talked to each mentor separately the days leading up to this hike, mentioning that she didn’t think she would be able to do it. However, once you are on a mountain, there isn’t really a place you can easily just get off of it. No elevators, escalators, or teleporters on this one, sadly. And my teenage friend was not particularly pleased with that.

“I kinda didn’t even really want to come this year, but my mom told me I had to.”

She continued on like this, as we continued to hike and climb, despite all her resistance and near insistence she couldn’t keep going.

And, as we climbed up the trail and over the boulders, we discovered another important truth: You can hike any far and seemingly impossible distance in 10 step increments. Every time your right foot hits the ground, you get to count. One, two, three, four…. When you reach 10, you get to stop. For a moment, at least. And, then it’s time to keep going. The count begins, again. I don’t actually know how many times we counted to 10, but it was a lot. Sometimes, when the path evened out, we’d just walk and stop counting, and when it got harder, we’d start again.

Miraculously, and after countless counts of 10, the top of the mountain came to us. Or, us to it. Either way, we got there – our whole group was together again at the top of the summit.

As we reached the top, another girl who had been just a few paces ahead hugged a mentor and started to cry.

It was incredible, to see these girls have these emotional moments because of the physical feats they undertook and the natural beauty around them. 

Then, all of a sudden, I was crying. We had reached the summit of a mountain together, and the summit of 6 years of growing, laughing, hair braiding, adventuring, hurting, challenging, and learning together. And I knew in just a short while, we’d back down the mountain and heading home, again.

“This will be a memory too soon,” I thought.

Jessica, 2020 Fierce Fanices Explorer on the Summit of Mt.Baldy

After a few more hours of hiking down the mountain, I was happy to find myself on the final stretch of trail with my young straggler friend again.

I pointed at the mountain that now seemed far away and so high up. I traced in the air the path we had taken that morning, once again it looked like incredible feat: up a wall of snow, across the ridge, to a peak far away, and back down again.

“Can you believe you did that?” I asked. “You asked me why we climb mountains. We climb mountains to learn about who we are. And who we can become, because of them.”

Not going to lie – I still don’t think she was buying it.

Later, in our closing circle, a new truth finally was ready. An Appreciation game called “Spotlight” had become an important part of our closing circle every year.

It is moving beyond words to see young women share with full hearts about how proud they are of each other.

During her time in the spotlight, in between receiving heartfelt acknowledgment for all that she did for the group, my previously struggling young friend thanked the mentors and trip leaders for all their support, especially when she resisted.

“The top of the mountain was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen,” she said.

And later still, as our van pulled up to the airport and we were about to begin the last leg of our last trip home, I heard her say to herself and no one, in particular, a new truth that was just waiting to be seen:

“I’d rather climb another mountain, then have it all be over and be going home.”

~

I am so thankful for the way these past 6 years held me, grew me and changed me. All the mountains – both real and relational – taught me who I was, and who I could become.

2020 Fierce Fancies Mentors From left: Jessica Sager, Owen O’Brien, Gabrielle Bland, Shannon Messer
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Explore Austin is recruiting new volunteer Mentors for 2024. Being a Mentor is a 3-6 year ongoing volunteer experience with youth in 6th-12th grades, with a commitment of one Saturday a month during the academic year and one week in the summer.

Mentors have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills such as mountain biking, hiking, canoeing and navigation along with their mentees (although no previous experience is required!) at beautiful locations throughout Austin. Each summer, they are also fully supported in going on a week-long out-of-state backcountry trip to some of the most breathtaking places in the US, from Utah to New Mexico to Arkansas and beyond. Being a Mentor with Explore Austin allows you to make a difference in the lives of Austin youth, join a close-knit network of other Mentors and travel to natural wonders in and out of state. 

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    Our corporate supporters gathered this morning for Our corporate supporters gathered this morning for tacos, coffee and updates from Explore Austin at @rudysbbq 🌮 ☕  As part of the program, we were THRILLED to have Explorer Luis and Mentor Buck @buckbracey24 (photo #1) give remarks. They really drove home what the program is all about: community, teamwork, mentorship and outdoor adventure! ⛰️

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    Explore Austin Trip Leaders are paid, part-time st Explore Austin Trip Leaders are paid, part-time staff who are responsible for providing safe and effective outdoor education for Explorers (youth in 6th-12th grades) and their volunteer Mentors. Programming takes place in the greater Austin area on Saturdays during the school year and on week-long Summer Wilderness Trips in June and July, many of which are out-of-state. We currently have a particular need for guides with experience instructing any of the "three C's": canoeing, caving and climbing! 💦 🛶 🧗‍♂️ ⛰️

Interested? Fill out the Trip Leader Interest Form at our #linkinbio!

To apply, you must be 21+ years old, have a valid Driver's License and have experience instructing any of the following outdoor disciplines: canoeing, rock climbing, navigation, mountain biking, caving or multi-day river/backpacking trips.

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Says Buck, "Yesterday, I got back from Wyoming and Idaho with a nonprofit, Explore Austin. What I like about [this organization] is that it empowers the next generation of leaders...it's where my passion and purpose come together."

🧡 The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a stellar employee of a generous company who demonstrates exceptional leadership and dedication to address community challenges and make an impact through volunteerism while inspiring others to serve. 

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    Yes, you read that right. The early bird gets the Yes, you read that right. The early bird gets the worm...AND discounted registration! Prices go up tomorrow for the ATX Paddle Dash benefiting Explore Austin, so register today at our 🎟️ #linkinbio

🏁 Race 🎉 Festival 🛶 Open Paddle Time courtesy of @rowingdock

The 💨 Fastest Race in Texas💨  takes place Saturday, October 21:
💦 Competitive, Open & Kids Race Divisions
💦 Interactive activities, beverages and food
💦 Open paddle time on Lady Bird Lake

💯% of proceeds benefit Explore Austin's mission of empowering youth through outdoor adventure and mentorship.

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    Our first ⭐Mentor Alumni Meetup⭐ last week at Our first ⭐Mentor Alumni Meetup⭐ last week at @betterhalfbar was a blast! Seeing familiar faces and updating our Mentor alums on the trail ahead for Explore Austin was so much fun -- never mind the delicious snacks and drinks, plus all the catch-up time! 🍹🥂 

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    What a great feeling it is to be back in the swing What a great feeling it is to be back in the swing of programming! Our first 🍂 fall Saturday Challenge over the weekend was a combined day with ALL TEAMS at Pease Park. Enjoy the photo dump! 

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    ⚡MENTOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW LIVE⚡ Interested ⚡MENTOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW LIVE⚡ Interested in becoming a volunteer Mentor with Explore Austin in 2024? 📔 Applications are being accepted through October 8 at our #linkinbio

Explore Austin recruits new volunteer Mentors from the community each year. Being a Mentor is a 3-6 year ongoing volunteer experience with a commitment of one Saturday a month during the academic year and one week in the summer.

Mentors have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills such as mountain biking, hiking, canoeing and navigation along with their mentees (although no previous experience is required!) at beautiful locations throughout Austin. Each summer, they are also fully supported in going on a week-long out-of-state backcountry trip to some of the most breathtaking places in the US, from Utah to New Mexico to Arkansas and beyond. Being a Mentor with Explore Austin allows you to make a difference in the lives of Austin youth, join a close-knit network of other Mentors and travel to natural wonders in and out of state. 

JOIN US! 🥾🌲🧗‍♂️🛶🏜️

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    🏁 Race 🎉 Festival 🛶 Open Paddle Time. It' 🏁 Race 🎉 Festival 🛶 Open Paddle Time. It's the 2023 ATX Paddle Dash at @rowingdock, a kayak + canoe race benefiting Explore Austin!

🎟️ REGISTER at our #linkinbio!

The 💨 Fastest Race in Texas💨  features Competitive, Open & Kids Divisions, plus a festival and open paddle time on Lady Bird Lake. 💯% of proceeds benefit Explore Austin's mission of empowering youth through outdoor adventure and mentorship.

Register to race, or purchase General Admission to watch the races and get festival access and open paddle time!

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    Please join us in welcoming Wendy Papasan to the E Please join us in welcoming Wendy Papasan to the Explore Austin Board of Directors!

A growth-focused visionary and co-founder of several companies in the real estate sector, including Papasan Properties Group, Wendy’s philanthropy and prior board service have focused primarily on women and children.

✈️ Wendy is an avid traveler and adventurer who caught the bug fresh out of college when she spent 18 months solo backpacking her way around the world. In joining the Explore Austin Board, she’s now looking forward to bringing together her love of adventure with her passion for empowering youth to reach their full potential 💪

Read more about Wendy at our #linkinbio!

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    🌲 {READ} 266 youth served. 95 active Mentors. 3 🌲 {READ} 266 youth served. 95 active Mentors. 36,000+ miles across 5 states on 18 Summer Wilderness Trips. Our 2022 Impact Report is here! 📔

We're proud of the mountains we've climbed and are looking forward to the trail ahead. Read the full report online, including stories from one of our Explorers and Explorer alumn/current Board member Rodolfo Galván @galvanitic at our #linkinbio.

#annualreport #impactreport #exploreaustin #nonprofitannualreport #austinnonprofit #outdooradventure #youthempowerment #trailahead #mountainsclimbed #getoutside
    🔊 NEW STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT: We're thrilled that C 🔊 NEW STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT: We're thrilled that Christian Flores has joined the Explore Austin team as Operations Coordinator!

Christian is a passionate advocate for outdoor adventure and community engagement. A graduate of Texas State University’s recreation administration program @txst_recmajors, Christian has a strong academic foundation that he put into practice for six years in the climbing-gym industry while taking on roles in operations management and retail buying. He now brings a blend of organizational knowledge and practical expertise to Explore Austin in his role as Operations Coordinator to manage the program’s warehouse and gear 🥾 🧗‍♂️ 🛶 🚵‍♂️ 🎒

In his free time, Christian loves playing disc golf 🥏 and passionately advocates for the sport.

Read more about Christian @cmflores18 at our #linkinbio.

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    The Explore Austin offices are closed today in obs The Explore Austin offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day! We hope you and yours are enjoying the long weekend with friends and family -- and are perhaps getting into some epic adventures! 🚵‍♂️

If you traveled for the weekend, let us know where in the comments...🎒🥾

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    We had a fun afternoon at our ☀️End of Summer We had a fun afternoon at our ☀️End of Summer Celebration☀️ for our Mentors and Trip Leaders at @atxbouldering!  We enjoyed drinks from @austinbeerworks, treats and — of course — climbing! 🧗‍♀️🧗‍♂️ 

Thank you to everyone who came out, and THANK YOU to ALL of our Mentors and Trip Leaders for making our Summer Wilderness Trips possible 🏕️

Now, excuse us while we take a moment to recognize we’re nearing September 1️⃣! Here comes the next school year of programming 😍

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    Monday, 11, Sep
    New Board Member Spotlight: Wendy Papasan
    Thursday, 6, Jul
    Trip Leader Tuesday: Liya Scott expects the unexpected
    Wednesday, 21, Jun
    2023 Summer Wilderness Trip Locations
    Friday, 26, May
    Trip Leader Tuesday: Henry Adamson is here for the Mission
    Monday, 15, May
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