By: Colin, Peter and Patrick McGinn
Photos By: Amber Hausman
Peter, Patrick, Jill and Colin showing their La Vida spirit!
Jill (Townsend) McGinn (‘94) completed her first 12-day La Vida trip just before the start of her freshman year at Gordon—28 years ago. This past July, her husband, Patrick, and their two sons, Colin (16) and Peter (14), ventured out on their own unique La Vida adventures. Patrick and Peter participated in the 8-day Father/Son canoeing trip, while Colin participated in the 10-day Adirondack Leadership Program (ALP) hiking trip. These are some of their experiences.
COLIN
I nervously checked and rechecked the packing list. My bag was stuffed with everything I could possibly need—water bottles, bug spray, moleskin. It was the day before I left on my La Vida trip in the Adirondacks. Nervous anticipation was overshadowed by my excitement. Just before I stashed my journal in the bag, I flipped through the empty pages thinking that they would soon be filled with my experiences. Early the next morning, I began the six-hour ride to base camp.
Colin and his ALP group at the rock climb.
PATRICK
I feel fortunate that Peter and I were able to experience this trip together. We departed from base camp with the other fathers and their sons for our time in the woods and on the water.
The primary reasons I participated in this trip included the opportunity to spend time together with Peter, the ability to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks and my confidence in La Vida’s leaders to provide us with a safe and enriching experience. I wanted to have an outdoor adventure with Peter, which would not only be fun, but would also be a change from the constant distractions of day-to-day life. La Vida was a perfect fit! Their focus on faith, being in the moment and challenging one’s comfort zone raised this from a simple “camping trip” to an experience which changes lives—all while being safe and encouraging.
Patrick and Peter canoeing along the Raquette River.
COLIN
While my dad and brother were on their trip, I participated in the 10-day ALP trip. Two Sherpas and five other teenagers backpacked through the Adirondack Mountains, carrying all our gear and camping each night. For the past five years, I have participated in La Vida’s week-long Adventure Camp. The fantastic experiences I had there, as well as the La Vida staff, inspired me to join this trip. Also, I wanted to continue to develop my leadership skills in an environment that promoted leadership growth and Christian values. Furthermore, this hiking trip allowed me to closely bond with my groupmates and create lasting friendships, all while reveling in nature’s beauty without the burden of everyday distractions.
Colin rapelling at Owl’s Head.
PETER
The La Vida Father/Son canoeing trip was a lot of fun, with many highlights and memories that we will remember forever. One highlight was the rock-climbing experience at Owl’s Head. Owl’s Head has three ascents: Corner, Monkey, and Chimney. My dad and I both attempted Monkey. I was nervous as my Sherpa tied me in, but I started up anyway. It was a long way up a flat mountain wall and during the climb I got stuck a few times. Once, I was holding on with only two fingers in a small crack and I was looking for my next move. My teammates helped by pointing out a spot—a small crack higher up—a crack I could not even see from my position! Needing to move on, I yelled “commitment move” to my belayer (sounding more confident than I was) and I went for it. Trusting he would hold me if I fell, I pushed off. Scratching the rock face, searching with my fingers for the crack, I started to slide down—and then I felt it. I held on with just my fingers at first and then my foot found a spot, and I made it. With my heart pounding, I paused to take a breath. I was now closer to the top which also meant I was higher up the rock face, so I tried not to look down!
The Father/Son group at Owl’s Head.
After a few more moves like this, I eventually made it to the top. Standing atop the mountain was thrilling. The climb was one of the most challenging things I’ve done, and I felt proud that I pushed through it in spite of my fear. Plus, the view showed how great God’s creation is. I was able to look out at countless miles of beautiful mountain ranges.
Trusting the belayer at the top of the course to hold me, despite not being able to see him, is symbolic. It is similar to trusting God to help me through difficult times. Also, the time canoeing through the lakes with my dad was fun and exciting!
Peter at the La Vida base camp high ropes course.
COLIN
The ALP trip truly began when I met my group, who I grew very close to during our experience. In addition to rock climbing, we also challenged ourselves on the high and low ropes courses, which were not only fun, but promoted trust, encouragement and team unity. After a few days at base camp, we set out onto the trails of the Adirondacks, and had to learn essential skills including hanging the bear bag and purifying water. After eating around the fire, we took turns sharing our life stories, which helped our group to connect with one another and form strong bonds. After backpacking for several days and having summited several peaks, we participated in two traditions to close out our hiking experience. The first was to apply all that we had learned to see if our group could navigate to our destination without the assistance of our Sherpas. The second was to experience a 24-hour solo, a time of private reflection. Overall, one of my biggest takeaways was the concept of being a servant-leader, or someone who sacrifices for others.
Colin climbing Chimney.
As I returned to base camp at the end of my trip, I had two things on my mind: seeing my Dad and Peter and eating a hamburger. Thankfully, all the trips gather for a celebration to mark the conclusion, and we were able to enjoy a fantastic cookout feast! We also watched skits, sang songs and listened to stories as campers shared how God impacted them. The next morning, we all participated in the final run. It was symbolic of taking what I had learned on the trip back to my everyday life. This included seeking after God when times are tough (for me that was at mile 7) and rejoicing with Him in good times (which I did at the end—I finished first!). After returning the gear and saying goodbye to my group, I began the six-hour ride home.
ALL
These truly life-changing experiences are not only meant for freshman college students. We leave you with this challenge: make your own Commitment Move and choose to journey on a La Vida Adirondack trip of your own.
The Father/Son group canoeing.
If you are interested in in learning more about a La Vida Adirondack Expedition, please visit the below links or contact [email protected].
La Vida Adirondack Expeditions for Groups
Parent/Child Adirondack Expeditions