Nature as a TeacherBy Bernie Rupe Sometimes teens don't like to listen to adults. We represent the authority figures they are trying to get away from. Teaching them can therefore be difficult. It is a good thing we have nature to help us out. My BCM trip this year proved that nature's lessons are the strongest of all. Let me share two examples. One night, we had the pleasure to camp at crystal clear, deep blue Garnet Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Have Mt. Ritter and Banner near-by added to the magic of the place. Throwing rocks seemed to be a favorite activity of the teen boys on our trip. Tonight, they used an island in the lake as a target. Dom, De' and others took turns. De's football training showed through and he was hitting the island with almost regularity. De' decided to see if he could get one of the other teens to carry some of his gear the following day. Without a lot of effort, he goaded Dom into a bet. First person to hit the island with a rock would get to give his sleeping bag and share of the tent to the other. Several of us groaned - we saw how good De' was and didn't think Dom would have a chance. Despite warnings, Dom was egged into the bet. His ego got the best of him. On the first round, both De' and Dom missed. De's second throw was a hit. It was a perfect shot, landing just inland. Dom had to hit the island or carry the gear. His rock went flying high into the air. We all watched in anticipation as it fell short. Dom had lost the bet. We predicted it was going to be a long 6 miles tomorrow. Knowing that nature was about to teach a lesson, no one volunteered to help Dom. He was going to have to live with the results of his bet. And, boy, did he learn! There was almost a continuous stream of "I'm never going to gamble again" and "I can't believe I made that bet." We could only smile to ourselves as Dom dragged along near the rear of the group. In the end, he did make it in fine shape. I wonder if he's gambled since he got back. Bet not. Will was another beneficiary of nature's lessons. Our biggest day of the trip was a climb up to 11,000' Donohue Pass. The climb would be near 1,500' altitude gain and would challenge all of us. Despite being counseled on the importance of fueling up for the hike, Will decided to skip breakfast and only have a cup of cocoa. The group was busy packing and no one seemed to notice. As the hike went on, Will got slower and slower. Encouragement from the group ensued and his pace picked up a bit. But, then, he'd get tired and have to stop. Geoff, and adult leader, had to literally pull him up several times to get him going again. Finally, the pass was reached. Two miles and 1,500' on just a cup of cocoa! When the group found out what he had (not) eaten that morning, he got a thorough ribbing. Will wouldn't admit it, but I'm willing to bet he learned a lesson that day. Nature has a way of dealing out hard, even-handed lessons to those who venture into the wilderness. As long as we keep the teens safe, it can be best lesson of all.
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