Drug Demand Reduction Takes A Hike!
Story & photos by SFC Jeff Conti
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The Guardsmen of Washington's Drug Demand Reduction team sponsored a 40-mile hike for kids from the Hood Canal School, this summer. The backpackers trekked through the beautiful Olympic mountain range on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, from the 22nd through the 26th of June, 1998.
The Guardsmen chaperoned the kids as they hiked trails, forded rivers and made their way across high, bright alpine snowfields.
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The group pitched their own shelters, cooked their own food and encouraged each other during some very strenuous times. Some of the youth caught fish, others just spent time enjoying being out of doors, in the wilderness, and off the streets. One of the girls washed her hair in the pure, cold mountain river. She described the experience as "... exhilarating". No doubt!
Most of the kids were challenged beyond their expectations and all were successful. The experience proved to them that they are not indestructible and that adults do "have a clue".
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They also learned about the support they could and did from the group. The experiences these teens gained during the trip will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
To find out more about this and other National Guard youth programs call the Drug Demand Reduction Program office at (253) 512-8008, or visit their website!
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