Campground Cochiti Lake

In Colorado Springs!

The group is in Colorado Springs and on schedule to be at SMA at 4pm!

Bus en route

Bags are loaded, students are on board and the buses are heading back to SMA. They should arrive around 4pm.

Final Morning

Everything is packed up and everyone is ready to go. The group is just waiting for the buses and they will be on their way back to Denver. Last night the group had  a great final candle circle with insightful and inspiring closures. 

Getting ready for final afternoon of service

We all returned relaxed and happy from the beach. Next is our final afternoon of service.

SMA students have received appreciative comments at every activity. They have so much to tell you and so much good work behind them.

Sand turtles, synchronized swimming and...

Our artists have created sand animals and our swimmers have created very unusual synchronized moves. The volleyball game is heating up and is much more popular than the soccer game.

At the beach

The beach area is perfect for us. We have it to ourselves. There are picnic tables, a volleyball net and a bathroom. And hurrah. We have a signal.

All is well

We're having such an awesome time that it's difficult to find time to post. Posting means climbing a substantial hill and leaving the group. More posts will come later. We're headed to the beach area and promise to take good care of everyone.

Tent Rocks

Tent Rocks is spectacular. We had a warm, well let's say hot hike, returned for grilled cheese sandwiches and headed out for service or a leadership styles session. Today, a few ant bites, a cacti poke or two and some mild dehydration were our biggest challenges. Every has been treated and is feeling better. We're having dinner, then rotating with local artisans. The mild nights make for good sleeping.

Delightful night

We were in our tents and asleep by 10 last night and up at 6:30 this morning. We're prepping for the field work at tent rocks now. Temps have been perfect and we've had no more wind storms. Students and teachers are feeling good. Other than a few mild head or stomach aches, everyone is well. We send love to our families and friends. This place is amazing.

Red chile with beans and salad

We enjoyed a beautiful dining area at the senior center in the pueblo. The meal was nothing short of delicious. We had fresh baked bread and traditional star-shaped cookies. After an anchor time reflection, we are now in bed. Big day tomorrow.

Preparing for our traditional pueblo meal

The rangers here at the dam and campground addressed us like no other rangers ever have - inspiringly and passionately. They spoke of the history in the context of the future, about our connection with the earth, about our governments mistakes with the native Americans and how they have learned from the native Americans to bring good from bad. They echoed our SMA mission.

That was followed by service projects and leadership training.

Yummy breakfast and free time

We breakfasted on hot chocolate,muffins, yogurt, granola and sausages. We are playing and enjoying a stunning morning. Soon, we will do some rotations and take time at the camp visitors center. Everyone is well. More later.

Cintinued

We spent time with Cochiti people learning about drum making, jewelry making and bread making. A third of the group spent time in the pueblo proper playing games. Great night. With that I bid you good night.

Wind, jewelry, drums, bread, games

Just before dinner, the wind kicked up and tested our tent-making skills. Two tents were flattened and one flew away. The tents that passed are full of sand. That's camping. Everyone worked together. Calmer now. We're preparing for flashlights out now.

Tents are up

A safe arrival was followed by tent pandemonium. Now students are in activity groups - the first rotation. Mark, the head ranger will becoming by around 4:15 to provide background on the dam, local history and flora and fauna. Thanks for sending so many delicious snacks.

Sitting at the entrance

Waiting for the busses here at the entrance. I'll post lots of photos mid week when I am in Santa Fe for supplies. The environment and ambiance is awesome here. The students are in for a wonderful adventure. The landscape is stunning.

Waiting for the kids! Having trouble sending pics. Will try to make it up with frequent posts. Service is sketchy here.

Food, supplies, Corey, Kathy and Martha have arrived at Cochiti.

Getting Ready

On Monday, September 17, St. Mary's Academy's eighth-grade class will travel
to Cochiti Lake in New Mexico west of Santa Fe to campfor four nights at the
Cochiti Lake Campground. Accompanied by nine St. Mary’sAcademy
chaperones and two World Leadership School instructors, the group will:

§ Study the culture and history of the CochitiPueblo and surrounding area.

§ Engage in two service projects, one for the rangers at thelake and the other at 

   Cochiti Elementary School.

§ Explore leadership styles and how to lead from strengths andcompensate
  for weaknesses.

§ Study the desert ecology at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks NationalMonument.

§ Engage in team-building, journaling and reflective exercises.

§ Learn from local artisans and leaders.

Currently, we are planning, preparing and anticipating this amazing adventure!