They traveled from Sandy to the Green River State Park. Then they ventured into Sego Canyon to check out ancient Indian petroglyphs and an old mining ghost town. And finally, they floated down the Colorado River. And they all made it back home in one piece and without any serious injuries.
Recently, I was part of a youth trip that provided plenty of opportunities and several locations for all kinds of trouble - maybe even worse. First, we had to navigate several hundred miles with 40 teenagers. Ok, that part was more about the adults surviving. But let's face it - travelling with teens can be an ordeal.
Our group stayed at the Green River State Park - Group Area One in case your curious or ever down there - which is next to Green River. By the way, it was running high and swift. But we didn't lose anybody - didn't even have an incident. We then went up into the Sego Canyon. When we stopped the teens scattered in all directions. Some ended up in places most adults were not willing to climb (see pictures). We were left helpless to just watch and yell a few times. They say, they couldn't hear us. We are inclined to believe differntly, but no one went up to check the acoustics. And on a side note - if you ever travel up the canyon and listen carefully - you might still hear the echo of "Get down from there." Listen and let me know.
All of that was just the set up. The main event of our trip was the river rafting. 40 Teens, ten adults and six boats. All the ingedients for at least some for of trouble. A few folks got tossed out - everyone got wet, Nicole proved stronger than some of the boys and everyone made it back safe and sunburned. Side note: Bring a bucket if you really want to win the water war. Just ask the raft with all the 16, 17 and 18 year olds.
Of course, there was also a lot of eating. Seven meals - the people in charge did an incredible job and the kids were great. No sink, no disposal, no complaints (at least none worht mentioning).
So, what's my point. Well, I was amazed at how well behaved and problem free our group of teens were. The trip was about fun and church related and it turned out to be incredible. The teens were responsible, helpful and, for me, a pleasure to be around. I was impressed and I just wanted to tell them.
PS: We did have one casualty - the Hanson's trailor. I guess there actually is a weight limit - go figure.
http://climb-utah.com/Moab/sego.htm
