One week till launch! I cannot believe this is really going to happen. It seems so surreal to me. As you can imagine, I am racking my brain as to what clothes to bring, how to pack, and what last minute gadgets I need to pick-up. This is a crazy state of mind to be in, however, I can’t express how excited I am to be a part of this great mission.
As I work toward preparing for launch next week, I can’t help but to reflect on what I learned during my 4 summers on staff with Cheley Colorado Camps. It all started when this born and raised Florida girl was asked to “backpack Long’s Peak”…whatever that meant. I had no idea what a “14er” was or that Long’s Peak was the highest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. I thought “backpacking Long’s” meant, drive your car close to the summit, get out, climb up a few stairs, take a few pictures and boom! Victory! What more could there be? I asked for the day off to accept the invitation and go on this ‘little journey’. Brooke Cheley-Klebe (who, by the way, is one of the most incredible, influential, life-changing women I have had the privilege to work for and get to know and love for 4.5 years) looked me in the eyes and said, “you’ve got this!” *and she knew all that “backpacking Long’s Peak” meant.
Needless to say, backpacking Long’s demanded more than I could have ever imagined. I never would have set out for that peak if I had known all that was required of my poor body, mentally and physically. You don’t really drive anywhere near the summit. There was not a nice little staircase to climb up, and my backpack was much larger than the Jansport I was planning on taking. It was scary, there were falling rocks, there were cliffs, it was 7 miles up and 7 miles back down, there were people turning away because they were getting altitude sickness…but just like Brooke predicted, I made it to the top! It was euphoric. It was a feeling of accomplishment that I had never felt before. It was a boost of confidence that I desperately needed. I went out and bought a charm with Long’s Peak on it to remind myself of that great day in July.
I had no idea what I was getting into my first summer on staff with Cheley Colorado Camps, but little did I know that this haven in Estes Park, CO would forever change my life. Who knew that this camp would help muster up the courage to do what I am doing today? I feel like it is only right for me to say “thank you” to the Cheley family for providing the environment where I have grown in so many ways. Year after year of returning to camp, I walk away after the summer a little bit better person, more educated on how to survive the outdoors, with about 5 new best friends, and lots of amazing pictures and memories.
I know that the “Pre-Cheley Colorado Camps Nicole” would not be near as equipped mentally or physically for this upcoming adventure. I am going to miss camp like crazy in 2012, but I am certain that I am doing what camp has equipped me to do:
To take risks and leave my comfort zone.
To act spontaneously in the right.
To be kind to the earth and all those who inhabit it.
To pack light and follow the cairns!
So, here I go. 11 months, 11 countries, 1 backpack. Who woulda thought!?
From the bottom of my heart,
Kurt and Brooke- you and your extended families mean the world to me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the “landscape” in your lives. Thank you for trusting me with your children! I love your family so very much.
Poppo, Mommo, Kevin, Tracy, and Karen Klebe, your prayers and financial support mean so much to me. Thank you for your generosity and for your friendship, and great memories at Lake George!
Don, Carol, Jeff and Erika Cheley, thank you for all you do to make camp work! I am a better person because of it.
Nanna, thank you for always helping me think outside of the box and for all the laughs!
