In many ways tomorrow is the most important day of the trip. It takes this long for a group to really get to the heart of working together. Anybody can deal with being wet or tired for a day or two, but by day four you see people's true nature come through.
It's remarkable to see quiet students come forward as leaders, folks who have been complaining for a day or two shift their perspective, or struggling hikers shoulder a heavy load.
Two hikers struggle with fatigue in this picture from SophX 2004.The last time I was in the field I remember my group was pretty close to meltdown on a tough uphill climb late in the course. One student turned to his peers and shouted, "This sucks!" I was about to chide him for his outburst when my wiser co-instructor indicated I should let the moment play out. The student expressed his frustration at the group for their struggles and encouraged them to come together and complete the uphill. He dropped a few 'colorful' words, but his message was clear: we're better than this bickering, let's get it done.
To my delight the group totally came through the moment and went on to finish the day and the course really strong.
If I had to guess there will be some moments of struggle and triumph tomorrow that couldn't happen if the course were wrapping up already.
One more day - one more big day....
5 comments:
I wouldn't shorten it. Four days is a long weekend five is something most have never done and many won't again. Have many students come back feeling it was too long? Take your Q from them...
It depends a little on when you ask the students what they say. Right after the trip they say 5 days was WAY too long.
By the time they return to campus in the fall most have had a chance to reflect and process and tell us it was a good length.
A true test of the Final phase of the framework! In hindsight, the extra day will be appreciated as the one that perhaps finally got someone over the hump --to feel confident, optimistic, and empowered to manage challenges in the future. A great resource of strength.
Yes! That's the plan / hope at least.
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