Youth Participant Quotes:

“I really enjoyed navigating our way to the campsite, hanging out with the horses, swimming, kayaking, and the feeling I had when I conquered the mountain we walked over to get to the lake. The view from the top was awesome! I did a bunch of things that I’ve never done before. For instance, cooking over a fire. Now that took some strategy. I had also never before slept under the stars. I loved the sky being the last thing I saw before falling asleep. And that hike to the lake was intense. What a challenge! It felt so fulfilling to reach the end. This was an experience I won’t forget.”

“The reason why I liked the program is that it teaches young people how to appreciate the things they take for granted like a house, food, and water, because out in the wilderness you have to work a lot harder to get the things you need. The L.A.K.E. program also teaches people how to be more connected with nature, and I think that is a very important thing, especially now, when people are getting used to city life, and don’t seem to care about nature and wildlife.”

“What I went through on the camping trip has to be one of the best things I’ve gone through in my life. I never witnessed so many stars on a clear night with no city lights. I hope I get to see the stars again.”

“Spending time so close to nature like that really helps me better understand how it works and feel a deeper connection with it. During the trip I learned a bunch of things. I learned how far latrines need to be away from creeks, I learned how to cook great vegetarian food over a campfire, and a new way to purify water.”

“We not only ate healthy but we worked together and all did our part, goes to show you that anything is possible when you work, and put your heart on the line. I say this because I didn’t realize or appreciate food as much until I was actually hungry, forcing me to do something about it…. Our hikes were all worth the time because when we arrived at our destination, at either the lake or view sites, we all felt tranquil, like we were one with nature.”