The Japanese have a word for just spending time in nature and drinking in the peace and growth all around you: Shinrin-yoku. Apparently it is trending in the US this year, but the concept is one of the basics of adventure or wilderness therapy: get outdoors and let creation regenerate and heal. God designed it that way, and it’s one of the reasons we need to take care of it.
I needed my own forest bath after driving four hours over winding roads through the mist behind semi trucks to take one of our campers to the hospital for an insanely expensive broken wrist. After leaving Josue in the hospital, his older brother surprised me by opening up during the entire drive about life and difficulties in his neighborhood, but more importantly the way he and the boys have changed over the years thanks to the investment by the people at OBADES and our camps. These boys come from the same neighborhood where a teen was burned to death this year in gang rivalry.
Team A running with their loot (camp food) to follow the next clue using their compasses.
We rolled into camp around 9pm and found my assistant Carlos and the boys gathered around a campfire they had managed to start despite the wet wood, having learned the value of determination and persistence in lighting the fire the previous night under worse conditions. Combating the sense of defeat and discouragement that runs rampant in all of the youth we work with is one of our highest priorities, and it was great to see progress taking place in specific victories during the camp. Oliver was the only one to refrain from entering the river, but after some encouragement, took the plunge and a broad smile erupted on his usually somber face. Jadiel abandoned his group on day one in search of comfort and security after traversing difficult terrain, but on day two transformed into the group leader, blazing trails over creeks and through bramble-choked woods.
The next morning I awoke early and refreshed, and enjoyed some time with God looking over the glassy millpond at the forest and misty mountains beyond. You could say I had taken a leap of faith and got burned, but I in no way felt abandoned. We had decided to hold this camp under less than ideal circumstances: the vast majority of campers had not turned in their documentation, and of course, one of the kids ended up with a serious injury. Lesson learned, rigid camp policy formed. And honestly, it led to an outpouring of generosity and support from all of you, and to the impromptu mentoring session.
The millpond at Incachaca. Hard to be stressed here!
My morning reverie was interrupted by a cow, one of several, that invaded our camp and set to munching even the grass under the tent edges. Our group devotional was again interrupted as another cow absconded with a sleeping bag stuff sack, half swallowing it before we could pull it free. It may have been the same cow that succeeded in devouring a 10 Boliviano note and a pair of socks. Having a well-cropped green pasture in which to camp apparently comes with a price, but it was useful in helping teach the campers to keep their gear well-stowed! This was also the first time we employed the 20 Boliviano safety deposit practice with the campers, and it achieved amazing success in making sure all our gear was returned in good condition.
Working together to cross the river
We had some other mishaps; the frog in my tent, the two semi-drunk men who came in the rain in the night asking to share our campfire stole a machete in the process. But mostly there were victories. The leading team in the treasure hunt showed great solidarity with the other team by sharing their chorizo and gas canisters the first night. We had a great turnout of 14 teens that are forming into a solid and consistent group that we can actually track to measure long term effectiveness. The boys formed a human chain to help each other get across the river to the swimming hole they built, and it was a huge blessing to me to be able to rely on Carlos to oversee the camp while I took care of Josue.
The first camp of the season, with Fundacion Emanuel, was a similar success. The major achievement in this camp was creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere where the young men and women could try new things and confront fears and obstacles without being harassed by their peers. This took a verbal and written commitment, numerous chats, devotionals and practices, as well as bribery and threatening. But in the end, they learned how to encourage one another, and developed a unique camaraderie and joyful unity I have rarely seen in our groups.
Celina rappelling for the first time, like a boss
I was also really pleased with how all of them pushed themselves way beyond their limits! Jhair and Josue were way beyond feeling secure as they did the rappel, but both pushed through, with Josue taking a second stab at it after backing down the first time. That to me was impressive; knowing exactly how petrifying an activity is and having the mental fortitude to give it a second go just a few minutes later, and following through. The girls surprised me by going in the water, just knee deep at first, but then they went farther and farther out into the freezing water, going under completely and swimming despite waves created by the cold wind. It served as a useful teaching tool later as we discussed how big problems can seem daunting but are achievable if we break them down into manageable bits.
Love seeing the growth in just a short time with teens from a variety of backgrounds, and it is a blessing to have so many volunteers for helpers this summer! Five guys are lined up literally competing for spots to assist in each camp, and all of them are trustworthy, capable guys we’ve been working with for years. This Sunday we leave with a group of 11 from the BLC orphanage and head to Toro Toro for a few days of adventurous fun. I’m looking forward to seeing my friend Jesus and his wife Olivia again. This week started out hectic but God is always there holding the helm. It’s up to us to trust him and take a deep breath and maybe take a walk in the woods.
P.S. If you would like to help us cover the costs of Josue’s operation, or would like to contribute toward the work we do with Bolivian teens all year, please make a tax deductible donation through CTEN.
Fundación Aventura 