Imagine not being able to shower for fourteen days. When I signed up for Summer Search, a high school program, I had to select a summer experience. My summer was already jam packed but I had time for one trip, which was a two week kayaking trip with Thompson Island Outward Bound. I’ve lived in three major cities: Boston, Brooklyn and Philadelphia. I was always surrounded by large skylines and . I never experienced the nature around me. Unknowingly that experience would change my outlook on life. I believe every inner city kid should experience going camping or hiking.

           Ten high school students came from different schools, cultures and backgrounds to experience something out of their daily norm. I was open minded and I did so many activities that were new to me. I kayaked to eight Boston harbor islands. I mostly ate canned chicken. I did my business in the bushes. I “showered” with baby wipes. I never imagined being able to live like that. 

            On day two it hit me that I was in the middle of Boston Harbor with no phone with people I don’t know.  Allowing myself to unplug taught me different ways to decompress. As I would sleep in a tent on hard ground I would constantly journal about my day. Everyone knew me to be the writer of the group. I learned that writing was an outlet for all my emotions. Anytime I had the time I would sit on the shore to write with myself and my thoughts.

             As an independent person I learned it was okay to lean on others. Camping helped me develop real relationships without the distractions. Even as an introvert I got to build these great connections that I still have even after a year. This trip taught me gratitude, patience and teamwork. I learned many lessons that I only gained because of this experience. And I wish that every kid could enjoy an experience like this.