Hiking and Backpacking Class Training

The story behind the photo
In the summer of 2017 I taught a Hiking and Backpacking course at a local University. In preparation for the student's upcoming overnight backpacking trip, students were required to wear their 30- pound backpacks on the training hike through Forest Park, up and down the hilly trails. Following the hike student's shared their experiences of the hike. They appreciated the aspect of building community, social camaraderie, and feeling spiritually recharged after a long day of work. Hiking on the trail together as the sun set through the trees was beautiful, providing so much more than just a physical hike.