Embracing Spring Break out In Nature with the YLO
We had postponed our 2023 fall youth camping retreat due to the cold weather. So we headed to Choke Canyon Texas State Park Spring of 2023 (March 10th-13th) with 7 youths, 3 organizers, 1 child, and a U-haul trailer filled with bikes and camping supplies. The sun-kissed days of spring brought forth a sense of adventure and camaraderie. Especially for our group of spirited youth embarking on a memorable camping retreat. We were nestled in the heart of Texas, about an hour and a half away from San Antonio.
As the youth arrived, they were all very eager and brimming with excitement to head to camp. We left late afternoon. So when we got to Choke Canyon it was very dark and dim. Our first task as campers was to set up our tents and get situated. We had practiced before so it was a breezy chore. We went to sleep pretty early, we had an early adventure.
For the first day: Archery awaited, a skill that demands focus and precision. Under the guidance of the Texas park rangers, our youth adventurers learned to wield the bow and arrow. Honing their concentration and embracing the thrill of hitting the mark (fake turkey and targets). Cheers erupted as many found their targets. Weaving in an achievement and newfound skills. It was amazing seeing youth learn and put it to play. After that activity, the Texas State Park ranger welcomed us to the learning center. In this center there were a lot of animal bones, we saw how big an alligator can grow. We got to feel different types of furs from, rabbits, deer, and alligator skins. The Texas park ranger was very informative on park safety, water conservation, and park rules. We then headed to the sports complex and played a game of soccer, tennis, and basketball. We got really tired and went back to camp to rest and eat some delicious food. We walked to the Choke Canyon reservoir and enjoyed the view and did some bird watching. Many youth brought their bikes and went for rides on the trails.
Second day: The shimmering waters of Choke Canyon Reservoir beckoned, unveiling the art of fishing. The Texas park ranger patiently taught us the art of casting fishing lines into the lake. We waited patiently for a fish to nibble but no luck. The fish were out in hiding from us. The serenity moment, surrounded by the rippling waters and caress of gentle breezes. Just imagine a couple of youth by a lake, tranquility amid the youthful energy. We figured out fishing was going to take us a long while. We left for the sports complex and played a bit more tennis and soccer. It was pretty hot so we left and had lunch. Back at camp, we played games like chess, What Do You Meme, and uno. Some youth enjoyed reading and sketching. Regardless of where we are at the youth always find cool things to do together. The act of playing is so healing for our inner child. In the early afternoon, we went on a hiking trail, which offered an intimate rendezvous with the wilderness. We discovered hidden nooks adorned with fallen trees, spiderwebs, and chile piquin. Breathing in the crisp, invigorating air. With each step that the youth took they not only connected to nature but to each other.
Both evenings the youth group gathered around crackling campfires, sharing scary tales and laughter under the star-studded canvas of the night sky. Marshmallows toasted to golden perfection and stories swapped became cherished memories woven into the fabric of their camping adventures.
We went back home on day four. The weather was amazing but on the last day we got a cold front and none of us had cold weather clothes, it worked out perfectly. We had some tough situations with cell phone usage, but we managed to get past that hurdle. We hope that in the next camping retreats we organize, the youth will be prepared to disconnect and enjoy being in these ancestral lands to learn, unite, and adventure together.
Special thanks to Selene Garcia our youth organizer who maintained communication with the youth, Diana Lopez our executive director who cooked delicious meals for us, and Bonnie Hernandez our youth coordinator who put it together.
