Delaware water gap

We beat the sun in the morning as we arose at 5:30am to be in the Bronx on time. The early rise did not bother many as we recognized the importance of getting out of the city and connecting with nature.

A bus filled with 50 outdoor enthusiasts eagerly got to know each other as we rode to the Delaware Water Gap.  Students, teachers, ICO volunteers and 10 volunteers from Goldman Sachs' Community TeamWorks project, became one family as we worked together on team building exercises. We became bears, frogs, and mosquitoes and cheered each other on. We were all leaders.

The light rain did not faze anyone as the race to the water began with a sprint. Teams of 6-8 awkwardly carried the 8 blue rafts. Only some paddles went flying. And only one bee attack. 

Each boat played in the water, learning how to move forward, backwards, and of course spinning 360’s. The 6 mile paddle went fast as we splashed and sprayed each other, sneaking up on each other like snakes in the water. One group of paddlers sang:

Pick up your raft 

Let's race to shore. 

Put on your vest

And grab an ore. 

Watch us pass

As we row downstream. 

And you'll get splashed

by the Zigzag Team

Even though the rain stopped, there was not a dry soul. When some students were asked what their favorite part about being in the water was, they said “it makes me feel free, like I’m flying.”

We ended the trip with a beautiful swim surrounded by green mountain tops and soaring birds. Our voices echoed as we crossed under the final bridge but we did not scare away the baby bear that some spotted by the river bank.

With full hearts and chattering teeth, it was hard to say goodbye to such a peaceful place. But with new knowledge and experiences, we look forward to the next opportunity. The world has so much to offer and us city folk will always find a way to answer nature’s never ending calls.