July 18: Course Start

Day 1
In a rare experiment, all 4 instructors went to the airport to greet the students and be with them en route to the river. Once all the students had arrived, we started framing the course right there at the airport. On the bus we had them write their expectations, fears, and goals in the group journal.

From the airport, we traveled for about 5 hours to the camp at put in. Once there, we assigned dunnage partners, learned how to pack dunnage (the large dry bags we use to transport our clothes and sleeping gear), and stored our extra luggage. When that was finished, we divided into smaller groups of 6 or 7 students and met in these groups for the first time as "patrols". These patrols are the teams that the students remain in for the rest of the trip - they work together to paddle, cook, clean and set up camp. It was a lot to accomplish in one evening. We had excellent logistical support there to help with tarps, dinner and just generally keeping our gear scene together.

As for the experiment - I liked it. On the upside, we got to know the students from the beginning, and all at once. The added bonus is that it was fun. On the downside, it made for a late dinner! But, sometimes lasagne tastes a little better after a long day's work.