“The amount of information I got was life changing. Extremely helpful. Sometimes I feel scared of getting out of the military while also feeling scared of staying in. Just talking to all of the other participants was so helpful.”
– 2021 program participant
The camp was made up of eight athletes, two mentors and seven presenters, not to mention the many fantastic volunteers, donors, and outfitters. We felt that the week was a great success, especially since several participants expressed interest in coming back for family R&R, internships, or giving back through support of the NWWC programs.
The week began mountain biking at Shady Rest park, where program participants shared that being on trails was exciting and rewarding. Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) held an informative demonstration Monday afternoon, followed by a yoga session with Laura Stark.
DSES Operations Director Cara Leonard (center) leading military participants in a bike ride at Shady Rest Park. Photo: Peter Markle.
Camp participants at McGee Campground during a yoga session. Photo: Maggie Palchak.
With high winds sweeping into the Eastern Sierra on Tuesday, June 8, we decided to redirect our paddle-boarding day to a fun hike and scenic pontoon boat ride on Convict Lake. On Tuesday afternoon, participants geared up for Wednesday’s fishing day on Crowley Lake by doing fishing demos at Shady Rest Park with Eastern Sierra Fly-Fishing Guides. They then used those skills to practice on McGee’s Trout Ponds that evening. Participants felt that the fly fishing experience was very enjoyable and even stress reducing.
Camp participants fish on Crowley Lake. Photo: DSES.
Participants, DSES staff, and volunteers during an afternoon hike at Convict Lake. Photo: Marc Molano.
Camp participant, Julius, with a fish on his line at McGee Creek’s Trout Pond. Photo: Marc Molano.
Wednesday June 9th consisted of a ton fishing! Camp participants fished at Crowley Lake to prepare for the fish bake in the evening.
On Thursday, June 10th, everyone headed to June Lake for a half-day of rock climbing under the expert guidance of Sierra Mountain Guides. We learned that participants were impacted by this activity in a positive way, sharing that being uncomfortable can be helpful for growth, and trust helps gain confidence back.
“While watching participants overcome fear, learn to trust the gear, belay persons, and guides, I perceived an almost palpable feeling of empowerment and accomplishments of the participants. While all of the events offered value, rock climbing was a great capstone event.”-DSES Advisory Council member and OHA Mentor John Snelson
Participant, Josh, climbs up a rock near June Lake. Photo: Marc Molano.
Thursday night’s Hootenanny kicked off with Fiddlin’ Pete and great food. Participants, staff, and volunteers had the opportunity to eat, relax, and listen to music. What a wonderful way to end the week.
Fiddlin’ Pete and band performing at Thursday night’s Hootenanny. Photo: Amanda Carlson.
THANK YOU! We want to give a huge shoutout the many volunteers, outfitters, and donors who contributed to the success of the program: