Hero's Journey® 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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
Confidence-Building
I thought that I would never be confident with the wilderness first aid, but by the end of the week, I was.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
Proud and Surprised
I think my reaction to the rescues shocked me! I was proud and surprised at how well I reacted under pressure.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper
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.
— A Hero's Journey Camper