NE Youth 2010 Mission Trip: Friday, Day 6

Our last wakeup was much earlier than usual and more abrupt. Fr. Tom and his air horn got everyone moving quickly. We needed it. The morning routine had to be accelerated if we were to pack up, clean up, and get on the road in time to catch the bus to the tubing drop off point. As usual, everything gets done and we are on schedule as we head out of Valentine. As we point ourselves in the direction of the river, we say good bye to a few folks who could not go with us. We have been through so much this week, it was sad that we could not all enjoy the river.

We arrive at Rocky Ford Camp with plenty of time to stretch our legs, check out the river landing, and load up on the bus. In years past, we have been the only party on the bus. Not this year, it is packed with people and a few dogs. Heading out to the drop off point, we are bounced around as the wheels on the bus go round and round over a road that is not very flat. When the bus finally comes to a stop, we quickly get off and begin the mad scramble to grab a tube and a partner for the trip down the river. There was a small panic when we found that our cooler (with lunch) was bigger than the cooler tubes provided. A second cooler tube and some creative lashing and we are on our way.

The first leg of the journey is relatively quiet with people jumping in and out of the water. It is a hot day and the cool water temperature feels really good. Interestingly, the smaller groups soon become bigger groups as more and more kids hook their tubes together. When we arrive at Smith Falls, we pull our tubes out of the water and gathered for lunch. Thankfully, the cooler arrived safe and sound and the food remained dry (there's nothing worse than soggy bread). After lunch, everyone heads up the trail to the Falls. Some take the trail, and others trek up along the creek that runs from the falls to the river. We take the traditional group picture at the foot of the falls and then make our way back to the tubes.

Once on the river, there seems to be a great deal of energy to burn off. Speaking of burning, despite recommendations from the adult team, many begin this leg of the trip without reapplying sunscreen. At the end of the ride we found that not only did we have the youth we started with, we also had a few lobsters. The sun didn't stop the kids, or adults, from having fun. Tube surfing was the rave. Some did very well while others had a moment of glory before making a big splash as they slid off the tubes into the water. About one half way to the pick up point, the energy level began to wain and the mood mellowed.

A short bus ride back to the camp was immediately followed by showers to wash off the river and to freshen up and then one more picture together before gathering for one last prayer before loading up into the vans and heading home. Next came the good byes and hugs and even a few tears. As we rolled out on the highway, the talk was about how much fun we had and how we looked forward to doing this again next year. Before long, the vans were quiet as those who could took a well deserved nap. Back at home base, the vehicles were unloaded, there were more good byes, and finally it was off to our own beds.

Next year's trip to Rosebud will be July 10-15. Our plan is to arrive in Valentine earlier in the afternoon so that we can go up to Mission, SD to watch the closing ceremony of the Antelope Pow Wow. We hope that even more of the youth of our diocese, and their friends, are able to take part in what has been, and what will be again, a life changing experience.