- Tim Breen, Ph.D., Head of School
As you all know, we are nearing the end of our orientation. I love that we devote significant time to building community at the beginning of the year. By asking students to co-create our community, we build a strong foundation for the year.
One middle school group returned from camping today, and another is heading out this evening. Our high school groups are on day six of their eight-day adventures. Time together in nature, away from the distractions of everyday life can be a tonic for our times.
I had the pleasure of joining one of the high school groups for their first night out. I love many things about traveling with our groups, but two stand out. First, I love seeing how our instructors work with the group to bring out the best in each member, and how they push and support them to grow. Second, I am always incredibly impressed with the courage shown by all, but perhaps especially by those who have never backpacked before. Really amazing.
We went in at Fourth of July Trailhead and camped in the area around Fourth of July Mines -- truly a stunning setting. The next day I went with the group up to the divide (see attached pic!) before saying goodbye as they traveled on. Earlier that morning I was up before the others, enjoying some coffee and reading a book of poetry as the sun was rising. I was struck by how one of the poems seemed to fit the moment, so as I said goodbye to the group at the divide, I shared it with them:
The Journey
David Whyte
Above the mountains
the geese turn into
the light again
Painting their
black silhouettes
on an open sky.
Sometimes everything
has to be
inscribed across
the heavens
so you can find
the one line
already written
inside you.
Sometimes it takes
a great sky
to find that
first, bright
and indescribable
wedge of freedom
in your own heart.
Sometimes with
the bones of the black
sticks left when the fire
has gone out
someone has written
something new
in the ashes of your life.
You are not leaving.
Even as the light fades quickly now,
you are arriving.
