Hey, Summer Campers!
Meet Mark. He’s the President of Everything Summer Camp. I sat down to talk with him about what he would do if he was given the chance to return to the summer camp experience right now in his adulthood—what activity would he be most excited about.
Without hesitating, he told me mountaineering would be his top choice. Back in 2019, Mark’s interest in climbing was first sparked when he traveled Wisconsin to Arizona. There he hiked through the rugged White Tank Mountains, conquering a challenging 4,500 feet climb.
Later that year, Mark headed to Denver for the Outdoor Retailer Show, a bustling convention for scouting new camp gear.
Eager to challenge himself further, he arrived in Denver a couple days in advance before the show, looking to make it to the top of the tenth-highest summit of the Rocky Mountains. he set his sights on Gray's Peak, a beginner-friendly mountain towering just over 14,000 feet.
Mark encountered an unexpected hurdle—an avalanche had scattered debris across the road to the trailhead, forcing him to park further down and navigate through the debris field in the dark with his trusty headlamp.
Although he began his ascent solo, Mark soon teamed up with another climber he met along the way. Together, they provided moral support, encouraging each other through the daunting journey. Each step became a victory as they pushed through fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and cramps caused by the high altitude.
Going hand-in-hand with Mountain Climbing, Mark would be interested in trying his hand at Rappelling someday. Additionally, he would like to test out his Outdoor Survival Skills like building a shelter, starting a fire, filtering water, etc.—skills that would test his resilience and enhance his outdoor experiences.
For Mark, the thrill of climbing mountains isn't just about reaching new heights; it's about pushing his limits, forming connections with fellow adventurers, and embracing the challenges of the great outdoors. If he could relive the summer camp spirit today, Mark's passion for mountaineering would undoubtedly take center stage, inspiring others to embark on their own exhilarating journeys in nature.
Till next time, Camp Folks! Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!
- John