The honors program at my school offered a weekend-long
backpacking trip in which we could learn the principles of Leave No Trace
camping and become certified LNT trainers.
I showed up
an hour and a half early to buy tickets because I wanted to be certain I would
get a spot. I was ready for an opportunity to get back to nature and become
acquainted with my new local environment. Also, I had never been on a
backpacking trip or legitimate camping trip— all of the camping I have ever
done was in campers, and the only times I’ve slept in a tent were at sleepovers
and festivals.
So, this
past weekend, with eight other honors students, three student trainers, and
two adult supervisors, we left all technology behind except cameras and plunged
into the beautiful natural world of New York (yes, for those of you who don’t
know, there is more to New York State than New York City).
The college
loaned us tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and a backpack. My eyes popped
when I saw how big the backpack was. It was larger than my upper body, and as I
was packing it I became concerned about how heavy it was. But, once I put it on
and fastened all the proper straps, I was impressed with how manageable the
weight was, but I still knew that the trip would be no walk in the park.
