Blue Ridge Expeditions, Session 3 is off to a great start! After lunch on opening day, the group had a respect circle just like at base camp where they talk about respecting themselves, each other and all living things. Then had an orientation of the Reasonover camp, discussed session goals, roles and decided on task groups. That evening they had their talking stick ceremony.

On Wednesday the expeditioners talked about low-impact camping methods, first aid and after lunch went on an exciting exploratory hike around Reasonover choosing various leaders during the hike.

Thursday they visited Lake Julia to canoe and fly-fish with another exploratory hike after lunch. That evening they enjoyed a “wild food” dinner. Later that evening they discussed options for their upcoming backpacking trip.

Early breakfast for the group this morning, more planning for their trip and then camping in Pisgah National Forest. Tomorrow they will go rock climbing!

Oh, to be a BRX Expeditioner! I just uploaded the second group of photos and it looks like they are having such a good time!

Thursday they went on their climbing trip which went very well. Friday they started on their backpacking trip into Pisgah National Forest. The evening program was life story. During the weekend they continued their trip and then on Monday traveled to the canoe area for their two-day canoe trip. Monday’s evening program was build your own story.

Tuesday the expeditioners rock climbed at the Rock Depot in Pisgah with the Appalachian Mountain Institute and had a great time! Dinner that night was a wild foods dinner which was a new kind of experience for everyone.

On Wednesday they started on their three day backpacking trip through Pisgah. While on the trip they learned map and compass skills, did rose/bud/thorn and some stargazing.

Today they started on their two-day canoe trip on the upper section of the French Broad River.

Our Blue Ridge Expeditions kicked off to a great start this past Friday! Once all the campers arrived safely at the base camp, everyone enjoyed seeing new and familiar faces as they participated in orientation ice breakers as well as the respect circle, which involves the expeditioners being asked to make a commitment to respecting their selves as well as each other throughout their two week journey together.

Saturday was then filled with activities such as skills development, low impact camping instructions, exploratory hikes, and the importance of leaving no trace while on the trails. The fun-filled day at Reasonover then came to a close after a hearty dinner and story telling around the campfire.

After breakfast on Sunday, the expeditioners enjoyed a morning of canoeing and fly-fishing on Lake Julia followed by an exploratory hike on the preserve after lunch. They then prepared a “wild food” dinner where they collected and cooked certain tasty edibles from the forest surrounding Reasonover. After dinner, the staff gave the expeditioners several options and then the opportunity to discuss and choose where they wanted to hike on their upcoming backpacking trip!

Today’s schedule consists of planning, packing and getting ready for their first backpacking trip while setting up camp in Pisgah National Forest for the night! We are so looking forward to hearing more exciting news from the Blue Ridge Expedition trip and more updates will be coming your way!

(Remember to check your CampIn Touch page for photos. Some will be uploaded later today.)