Stories & Experiences
Incredible
At the end of the week, I realized that I was in fact capable of doing everything I set out to do. The activities and ceremonies we had helped me see myself in a positive light. Since Hero’s, I am more confident, more empathetic, more intuitive and more capable. Now I understand that I am a tiger, a golden Buddha, a warrior, a hero. All of the experiences I’ve had at Hole in the Wall have shaped me into who I am today. That’s absolutely incredible – that I can credit one place for being the source of my happiness and strength, and that I can take it all with me every day.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Life-Changing
I’ve spent the last 24 hours thinking non-stop about my week in the wilderness, and I can honestly say that it changed my life. Before coming to Hero’s I was reserved and emotionally distant. I constantly tried to put on a passive face and not let others in, but Hero’s completely changed that.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Confidence-Building
I thought that I would never be confident with the wilderness first aid, but by the end of the week, I was.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Proud and Surprised
I think my reaction to the rescues shocked me! I was proud and surprised at how well I reacted under pressure.
— Hero's Journey Participant
A Learning Experience
The rescues made me feel a bit nervous at first, but the more we were able to practice what we had learned, the easier I felt it came to me. By the end of the week, I feel that I now know more about rescuing a person in danger than I ever have before. I also feel very confident in my ability to help others.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Blown Away
I was, and still am, blown away by the amount of information I was able to learn and retain about wilderness search and rescue and backpacking, and also how much I learned about myself during those days I spent in the woods. I do not think I could ever properly thank you or repay you all for what you have taught me, and the peace that the experience brought to me.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Complete Support
I had finally let myself be vulnerable, and I wasn’t beaten down or disapproved of like I had always feared I would be if I let others in. Instead, I was completely supported and from that moment on, I became a different person. I feel so much more open and willing to share myself with others than I did a week ago.
— Hero's Journey Participant
What Being a Hero Is All About
That single week has changed my life forever. I have much more patience with other people and I know when to step back and allow someone else to take control. Sometimes that’s what being a great hero or leader is all about.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Understanding Counselors
There was a lot of physical activity involved in Hero’s Journey that I thought would be too hard for me. It was definitely tough, but the counselors understood my condition and that sometimes I needed a break and to go at my own pace, and that really helped me throughout the week, whether it was running to a patient in need or hiking up to the remote campsites.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Changed for the Better
I’ve learned so much about life and myself that I didn’t know I had to share with the world. I do believe I have been changed for the better.
— Hero's Journey Participant
Stretch Zone
I liked learning new things and getting out of my stretch zone with cooking and learning how to make foods I’ve never made.
— Champion's Journey Participant
Connect with Others
As a Camper, I was still learning about Camp and connecting with the Camp as a whole, but as a Champion this year, I think I connected much more with the people I was with instead. I was able to truly connect with every single person I was with, along with learning more about myself. I learned team building and communication skills, project building skills, and skills about the programs at Camp. It’s hard to explain but being at Champion's Journey this year made me feel strong and connected with the Camp community - like I was truly a Champion to others and to myself.
— Champion's Journey Participant
Try New Things
During my Journey Year, I tried lots of new things, especially at Adventure. I’m now able to tie knots and know how to facilitate a low ropes course. If I didn’t step out of my comfort zone I wouldn’t have done any of that. The counselors here at Hole in the Wall are the ones who push you to do so much (challenge by choice) and with them doing that you have such an amazing experience here at Camp. But Champion’s Journey is one of the best things that has happened to me.
— Champion's Journey Participant