Exploring New Horizons and Fostering Connections: City College of New York Students Embark on Adirondack Expedition
Venturing into the unknown can be exhilarating, and that's exactly what five students from City College of New York experienced this spring. Leaving the concrete jungle of New York City behind, they embarked on a journey to the heart of the Adirondacks, a place untouched by city life with its forests, mountains, and expansive skies.
For many of the students, it was a first-time encounter with the rustic beauty of life away from New York City. One student captured the essence of their excitement:
"Never ventured into something as adventurous as this before. I was more than ready to immerse myself in an entirely new experience, live on a farm, and work on a project in nature for the betterment of the community."
Their journey was unique, to say the least. For the first time, students relied solely on public transportation to reach their destination, demonstrating their determination and love for public lands.
During their week-long stay, the students got their hands dirty with trail work projects. One of the most memorable experiences was constructing a wooden bridge under the guidance of professional trail crew leaders. As one volunteer expressed:
"Constructing a wooden bridge was a standout experience. The trails crew walked us through the process, step by step, allowing us to witness the structure grow gradually. I envision countless hikers crossing the stream on the bridge we built. It was symbolic, connecting NYC to Upstate NY in every sense."
Beyond the trails, the students forged strong bonds with each other, finding meaning not only in the project but in the camaraderie and teamwork that flourished throughout the week. As one student poignantly put it:
"It was truly meaningful. It's fascinating that we were able to literally tear down a barrier and build a bridge."
By the trip's end, these five students had left a indelible mark - on the land, on the trail, and on each other. Their journey exemplifies the power of stepping out of your comfort zone - a journey that culminated in the building of more than just bridges.
Interested in taking part in such a journey? Learn more about Alternative Breaks here and discover how you can participate with your college or youth group. If you're seeking a combination of travel and meaningful service work for individuals of all ages, AHS's Volunteer Vacations are worth checking out here. Lastly, participate in National Trails Day events organized by AHS, where volunteers unite to celebrate and improve trails nationwide here.
Want to know more about AHS's Volunteer Vacations that merge travel with purposeful service work? Here are some resources:
- Visit the AHS Website and Blog: The American Hiking Society's website and blog are treasure troves of information on volunteer opportunities. They frequently post updates on upcoming projects and experiences, like backpacking in remote areas for conservation efforts[4].
- Social Media: Following AHS on social media platforms like Instagram offers insight into their ongoing projects, such as trail maintenance and conservation work[2][4].
- Contact AHS Directly: If you have specific questions or require detailed information, get in touch with AHS. Their resources or personnel can provide insights into their programs[3].
- Explore National Trails Day Events: While not exclusively focused on volunteer vacations, National Trails Day events offer a glimpse into the types of service projects and volunteer opportunities available with AHS[3].
- Inspired by the students' journey in the Adirondacks, consider signing up for an Alternative Break, offering a blend of travel, education-and-self-development, and volunteer vacations.
- For those seeking a combination of hiking and community service, America's public lands offer an exceptional backdrop for such endeavors, with AHS's Volunteer Vacations providing a unique platform to do so.
- Engaging in trail maintenance projects, such as constructing wooden bridges, offers a meaningful lifestyle change, connecting travel with purposeful service work, as demonstrated by the City College of New York students in the heart of the Adirondacks.
