Heroic Journey Wilderness Adventure #1
Heroic Journey Field Report
Field Report #1 - Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Hello Team Judi’s House,
We are on our second day of Heroic Journey and I want to share some photos with you. I was able to sneak away from the group and log-on at base camp.
Last night was incredible. Once the teens arrived and got off the bus, we did some icebreaker activities, gave them a Heroic Journey pep talk, and then we did check-in – Judi's House style. For most of the teens, it was the first time they shared their loss verbally. Some cried and all of them reported that they were an 8 or better on a 1 to 10 scale.
Later that night, we ate our lasagna dinner and cake in the rain. The kids loved it. "Mmm lasagna and rain water,” one kid said. 
Today we are doing a ropes course, tomorrow is rock climbing, Friday and Saturday is peak ascent. Sunday is "final challenge" and celebration.
We have an incredible crew of kids, instructors, and companions. Mark, Leila, and Kiril, look like little kids and Mark won't stop smiling.
Field Report #2 - Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Hello Judi’s House Team,
Wow! (The) Second day was incredible. The large group split up into 3 patrols and did ground initiatives and all took turns on the ropes course. I spent nine hours hanging from the trees, coaching kids, and taking photos. Mark, Leila, Kiril, the OB (Outward Bound) staff, and I cheered the teens on as they faced their fears and moved through them.
Later in the evening we all gathered below Mou
nt Massive, close to Rock Creek, and participated in the "Water Ceremony." During the ceremony we shared messages to our loved ones and then poured them into the raging waters of Rock Creek which leads to the Arkansas River and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico where are messages will be delivered. Many tears were shed. After the activity some of the kids shared how important the activity was to them and that if it wasn't for Heroic Journey they would have never had a place to share their feelings.
Many of the kids shared that it was the first time they felt safe enough to cry since the death of their loved one.
What a great thing Judi's House has done!
Today, Mark and Kiril's groups are rock climbing and Leila's group is hiking towards the base of La Plata mountain (over 14,000 feet) and will attempt a summit tomorrow.
I've got to go and help load the rock climbing gear, but will report again soon!
Field Report #3 – Friday, July 4, 2008
Hello Judi's House Team, 
Another big day at 12,000 feet. Yesterday, we split into smaller groups for the rock climbing and peak ascent section of the course. I spent yesterday with Kiril's group. What a great bunch of kids. Our adventure began as we bushwhacked about a mile in to find our climb site. We set-up and the kids spent hours climbing, belaying, and rappelling. We went from tears to smiles many times throughout the day. All of the kids supporting each other and cheering on their new friends. A couple of hours before sunset I waved goodbye to the "Crisscrosses", their self-given name, as they marched towards the base of Mount Galena in preparation for their peak ascent.
Later, I checked in with Mark's group and delivered inhalers to two of the kids that forgot them at home. They were all smiles and they took turns sharing their climb day experience.
Climbing is great because it can be non-competitive and success is relative and defined by the climber. For some, it's the fact that they put on a harness and climbed up 10 feet off the ground. For others, it could be that they climbed a "5.10" (challenging). It's a supportive activity that builds trust, communication, reveals courage, and releases anxiety. Happy 4th of July!
Field Report #4 - Monday, July 7, 2008
Good morning Team Judi's House,
Wow! What an exciting last few days of course. Since I last wrote, the teens have ascended 14,000 ft peaks, weathered rain and hail, endured an overnight solo (sleeping by themselves away from the group), and all completed a challenging three mile run through the mountains.
Every challenge and success we related to our grief experience. Each teen dedicated their peak climb to their loved one and/or someone that supports them. They made bracelets on solo, with each bead representing a quality that helps them get through the tough times. Later, at the end of our run we all crossed the finish line together.
"Together we are stronger."
At times, the teens were split into 3 groups, but on 4 
occasions we came together as one big group. Last night, in big group, we asked two questions: 1. What has been your biggest challenge since your loved one died? 2. Please share a past memory with your loved one. Again, we went from tears to laughter. One of the teens said, "I wish we could do this all night."
Thank you to Mark, Leila, and Kiril for giving a week of their busy lives to be here. They faced long hours, bugs, cold, rain, and more because they believe in what we are doing. Thank you to Melyssa for joining us for the last several days for contributing her expertise and taking photos. Thank you Judi's House Board and all Heroic Journey supporters for taking a risk and supporting Heroic Journey. It has truly been appreciated by all!
I would like to leave you with some quotes from the kid’s thank you letters ...
"It has been tough without my father. Having been given this opportunity to be out here gave me the love to my heart" ~Isaac 15 years old. (Father died)
"Crying everyday isn't fun, but it’s become a part of my life. Through this course I have felt my sister's strength in everything I've done here. Whenever I'm in doubt, I listen for her voice which tells me that she loves me and to keep strong! Going on Heroic Journey has helped me listen to her voice." ~Becca 18 years old. (Sister died)
"I've held my pain of losing my uncle for 3 years. Coming here I was scared I would get the same response from teens that I get from everyone else ... "He was ONLY your uncle, get over it!" ... which broke me inside. On Heroic Journey I have had the most amazing time of my life, meeting people who understand me and listen. It really helped me open up and let go of some of the pain and emotion I've held inside for so long". ~Amy 16 years old. (Uncle died)
"Heroic Journey has shown me through others that the feelings I was feeling while grieving were normal. I have gone through trying to talk to people about what was going on, but very little of them would or could understand!" ~Lauren 18 years old. (Father died)
"This week I have grown to love strangers and tell more
about myself than I ever have. It makes me feel so much more at ease with accepting the horrific deaths I have been through. I never would have had the opportunity to meet these people who have for the past 7 days become my good friends, family, and life!" ~Mallory 15 years old. (Two brothers died in separate car accidents)
Thank you friends!