Winter Wonderland in WV

Arriving and setting up camp in the dark (and 24-degree temps).

Would you want only a couple pieces of thin nylon, some polyster stuffing, and a layer of clothing separating you from a dark, snowy 24-degree night? Well, six students from Waynesburg University did two weekends ago in West Virginia! Honestly, I wasn't so excited about it. Going into the trip I was exhausted from the fall's work, fighting sickness, and only wanted to be in my own warm bed. But I'm so glad I ran the trip because great things came out of it.

Waking up to a winter wonderland.

First, Emily Dooley who had participated in LDW this past summer, organized the trip for the Waynesburg Outdoor Experience club. She saw a need in the group to experience wilderness living and the community that comes from such an experience. She also wanted the students to encounter God in a closer and new way like she had this past summer in the wilderness. Although it was her first time planning and leading a trip, I walked her through the steps, and she did a great job! She now not only knows how much work it takes to pull off a trip, but is equipped to design and implement trips in the future for the outdoor club or other groups.

The Emilys

Ready to start hiking. Notice the orange. It was hunting season.

Secondly, Brandon, another LDW student, co-led the trip with Emily to finish his WEA Outdoor Leader Certificate. He also did a great job, and demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that enabled me to certify him. It was great seeing the skills & knowledge Emily & Brandon had gained on LDW put to work with other students.

Brandon & Emily Dooley discuss plans for the day.

Finally, the participants on the trip were wonderful. Each of them jumped into the experience, even in the midst of new, harsh conditions. While some people may think we were crazy for being out there, we discovered together that it was a privilege. A privilege to experience the beauty of a fresh snowfall, a privilege to know we have warm homes to return to, a privilege to step away from the normal routine of life, and a privilege to listen to God's voice through Scripture, prayer, silence, creation and the people around us.

The group at Table Rock overlook.