City Kids Wilderness Project, Part 2:
Getting Back on the Horse
Students at City Kids Wilderness Project attend summer camp in Jackson, Wyoming, go kayaking in South Carolina, take bike trips along the C&O Canal, and participate in day trips and service activities all around Washington, DC and the surrounding areas.
Hiking/Photo courtesy of City Kids Wilderness Project
Many of the students who are involved, Eloise said, come from high poverty neighborhoods with a lot of instability.
“It’s an opportunity for them to try things that are really hard and to be able to overcome them. If you don’t get it the first time, or the second time, it’s okay.”
Of course, it’s not always easy to get back on the proverbial horse – or the actual one – after a fall.
Relaxing before paddling
“I’ll tell you one thing I didn’t like,” said 9th grader Isaiah, “falling off a horse.”
“Did you get back on?” inquired City Kids intern, Claire.
“No!” He replied emphatically.
Isaiah did, however, note that he’d enjoyed white water rafting. Soon, he’ll embark on a white water kayaking adventure, maneuvering a boat alone rather than as part of group. The rafting, Eloise explained, helps teach the kids to be part of a team. Kayaking helps them learn to trust themselves.
Piloting a two-person canoe requires both paddlers to communicate with, and depend on, each other.
“One of the first things older youth say is that because of City Kids, there is no challenge they can’t overcome,” she said. “Building resiliency is one of our key goals. There’s a connection between (City Kids activities) and their every day life in DC.” (Continue to Part 3)
About the Author: Holly Leber is the editorial director at the Daily Do Good. She fell off a horse once. It sucked.