Post from a New Guide.

The words of Pat about his first trip with Blackwater:

Hey everybody! I just got back from leading a trip for Blackwater Outdoor, and it was a blast! The area that the trips take place in is beautiful! The river is unlike any I’ve seen before, with basically all-rock bottoms. There are many fun spots on the river like a cool cave, some fun rapids, and tons of great views. The mountains in the backpacking section are challenging, which makes getting to the summit, lunch spot or camp all the more rewarding. There are many opportunities for views the likes of which the students had never seen before; being so high up. You can see mountains far off in the distance, and many different things in the valleys way down below. Although sleeping outside was trying at times for the students, they quickly got used to it, and came to enjoy it.

Finally, rock climbing was a great turning point in the trip. All students were challenged both mentally and physically in this section, for many reasons. Overcoming these challenges was such a huge step towards recovery for them. It was great for me to see them go from hating being on the trip at first to enjoying it, and then appreciating their lives at home all the better. The students that I saw at family weekend were not the same students that I first met on day one. Although they surely still had long roads ahead, they are now far better equipped for their journeys.

-Pat

Happy New Year Everyone! We are starting the year here at BOE with a trip that is headed out to the field on Sunday! Hoping for another wonderful year of adventure, growth, recovery, climbing and lots more!

November Trip!

This past week at BOE was exciting because our last trip of the year started its journey! Three students and two staff departed the parking lot on Sunday morning for a 22 day adventure! With hopes of sun, some warmth or maybe even a little bit of snow.

The group wrapped up canoeing on a rainy day and are now on their way into the mountains of Virginia. Catching the remnants of fall and hoping winter waits until they are done the group is doing their best to stay warm, experience the woods and have some good hikes. We are still working hard here as are the families of those in the woods. Everyone involved in the BOE trip works hard just in different areas and different ways. All leading up to another wonderful Family Weekend in a couple of weeks…

We hope they are having wonderful fires, fun, and hopefully some growth and change too!

Letter of Recommendation

Dear Dr. Bright and the staff of Blackwater Outdoor Experience:

I can hardly believe that it has been 9 months since our lives were changed, and more importantly, our son’s life was changed, through Blackwater Outdoor Experience. Cody left for his 22 day Blackwater Experience in the dead of winter and in the dead of his addictions, but he returned to us with life and light in his eyes; a miracle as far as we are concerned.

We thought we understood the depths of our son’s addiction, and we thought we had been helping him overcome to the best of our abilities, but an intervention was necessary and that is where you came into the picture.  When Cody shared with us that he had researched Blackwater and that there was an opening for him just a week away, we made a few quick calls from your recommendation list and our next step became crystal clear; we had to get Cody to your office without delay.  From the moment he met you and your incredible staff, a wave of relief came over all of us.  We knew that hard work was ahead for all of us, and we knew that a lot of introspection and healing would need to take place, but we had no idea just how incredible the return on our investment would be until 22 days later, and now 9 months later.

Parents’ weekend came and aside from the great counseling sessions Blackwater had provided us as parents, we did not know what to expect when we drove up to the retreat site and saw our son come racing out the cabin door to meet us. His entire appearance and countenance had changed.  The boy who had for the past two years stood hunched over was now standing before us 3 inches taller, and immeasurably more confident.  His first words to us were apologetic and humble, but what we marveled over was how positive, clear-minded and future focused he had become.

Dr. Bright, you and your staff have faithfully continued the conversation with us and with Cody for the past 9 months, and we have seen that the work Blackwater began has grown from strength to strength in our son.  He has been working on an organic farm in Seattle for months, drug free and embracing life and leadership development at every chance he gets.  He calls often and is consistently positive and focused on his ambitions.  And as for our family, we have been healed through the professional counsel we received from Blackwater.

Dr. Bright, we are indebted to you and to your staff, and we cannot more highly and enthusiastically recommend Blackwater Outdoor Experience.

Gratefully yours,

(Cody’s Father)

BOE Testimonial

November 13 – December 4 are the dates for our upcoming trip. Check out the website and give us a call for more information! Below is a statement from a student who participated in a trip earlier this year.

 

To whom it may concern,
This leter is hard for me to write, because I find it difficult to put into words everything I gout out of my time with the Blackwater Outdoor Experience. Upon the beginning of our trip, I was confused as to where my life was headed, and short on hope. I learned many lessons I will hopefully never be able to forget. I would say the biggest lessons I learned were one, to have confidence in myself, and two to keep hope for not only myself, but for the world in general.
The counselor and rail guide were two people that I grew to respect immensely. Through my constantly growing respect for the eladers, I was able to confide some of my most intimate troubles and secrets. I will admit before beginning the trip I had concerns as to what it would be like to be separated from civilization with five total strangers. Fortunately, it not only led to me gaining not only give of the best friends I’ve ever had, but five amazing confidants. Being separated from the distractions of day to day life is a true gift because it enables one to appreciate the simple beauty of life and all it has to offer.  I would highly advice any of my own friends to take this trip, because I think anyone could benefit from the experience, no matter what their persoanl circumstances are. In my final thoughts I would like to share a personal favorite quote, “Remember, it takes heat and pressure to turn carbon into diamonds. The pressure of challenges is what shapes and forms us.” – Melody Beattie. Good luck.

Sincerely,
Former Student

Blackwater’s Latest Therapeutic Wilderness Expedition a Success

The staff at Blackwater Outdoor Experiences just recently completed another successful wilderness therapeutic expedition. Four students and two staff embarked on a 22 day trip through the spectacular George Washington National Park in Virginia. This trip provided each participant the opportunity to develop self-confidence, responsibility, trust and accountability through a variety of outdoor activities as well as individual and group therapy sessions.

August was a spectacular month to be in the wilderness! The weather provided a great mixture of sun, warmth, refreshing rain and mist, which provided each day with a new set of obstacles and opportunities.

The trip began with a week of canoeing that gave the group time to swim, relax and enjoy the tranquility of traveling down a river. The group then embarked on several adventures, which included enjoying the thrill of a rope swing, exploring a small cave and observing a variety of wildlife such as otters, a bald eagle, small and large fish, giant snapping turtles, many blue herons and other animals!

Backpacking was hot and a big challenge, but the group was able to cool of by nearby creeks for a few days to refresh both the mind and body.

The rock climbing portion of the trip provided both enjoyment and excitement as each participant was faced with challenges they’ve never experienced. The entire group truly enjoyed this activity as it provided each person with opportunity to both have fun as well as learn something new about themselves. This activity also provided spectacular views and generated anticipation towards the expected fall colors that will be observed on the next trip.

Overall, the group had a great time with lots of laughs and lived vicariously through movie quotes to keep us moving through the hard times. Additionally, this three week wilderness experience provided a therapeutic benefit to each individual who was struggling with his/her own set of unique issues. The last “summer” trip was a great success and the Blackwater staff looks forward to cooler months, colorful foliage, and continued success in helping at risk adolescents and young adult address the issues or challenges they face by utilizing the benefits that wilderness based therapy offers.