March 5th, 2010
By Hawkeye Jay
As we near the end of 2009, I reflect on the many challenges this year has presented to so many of us. It is important to know that through all of it, growth and transformation happens to all of us. I give thanks for all the experiences that have created me and you to be just the way we are. We wisely use them to propel us toward our purpose.
“Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself.” – Chief Seattle
We are a human family – brothers and sisters sharing the same air on the same planet. In fact, quantum physics is revealing how this interconnectedness is a physical reality at the subatomic level. Oneness is encoded in our cells, our hearts, and our souls.
It has also been proven that when we are in service and giving of ourselves through acts of kindness our immune systems automatically improve and we are healthier and happier.
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are a part of the Mountain Wisdom family or tribe.
We share the vision of our youth being confident and making positive choices that contribute to themselves, their families and their communities.
The status quo is not good enough; changing it gives us the opportunity to make a big difference and settling for anything less is not effective or fun. With a persistent vision we will together allow change to happen.
I am asking you for a favor. Help others to connect with us. Tell others about our organization and send them to our website (http://www.mountainwisdominc.org). As Mountain Wisdom touches more people, these connections will lead to all of our success. NOW is the time and this is the place. Peace and Love on Earth, Hawkeye Jay
Tags: Hawkeye Jay, Mountain Wisdom
Posted in Message from the Director | 1 Comment »
March 4th, 2010
(Rites of Passage Experience: Girls to Women)
By Susan McGowan
What a full and eventful year that has passed. Creating and successfully implementing the camp for girls was a lot of work, and many wonderful gifts of learning were received. We had 11 girls attend the camp. They were challenged and supported to face fears and trust themselves. They learned about healing, opening their unique creativity and experienced sacred rituals to connect them to the source of all life. Each girl learned about herself, her strengths and weaknesses and most importantly, that she is a beautiful gift.
Now we are preparing for the next camp. We are changing locations and the structure of the camp to fit our new environment. We look forward to seeing who is drawn to work with us in creating the next ROPE. If you are interested, please contact me: Susan McGowan (678) 386-3447 or Jay (Hawkeye) Zipperman and let us know. There is a place for everyone’s gifts in bringing these girls into their Rites Of Passage Experience.
Tags: Rites of Passage for Women
Posted in Rites Of Passage | 1 Comment »
March 3rd, 2010
By Gilbert Treadwell (Rockman)
Part of the NOWAC program includes a 3 day 2 night backpack. This year we hiked on the Chattooga River Trail north from Highway 76 near Clayton to Sandy Ford. The hikers were Chad Long, Mathew Patterson, Adon Draluck, Doran Draluck, Malik Dufor and Mikal Dufor. Staff was Daniel Peters, Don Dollar and Gilbert Treadwell. Tuesday was clear and beautiful, although quite warm. After breakfast at main camp, we gathered gear and hikers. We piled into two vehicles and made our way to the Chattooga River trailhead just over the South Carolina line. We crossed back over the bridge and headed north into the woods. Along the way we looked for teaching opportunities. Tree species identification through leaves or bark; bird identification through a visual sighting or a call; and rock identification with the stories they tell. We hiked about six miles to camp one.
Off came the packs and we all jumped into the river. After the refreshing dip, camp was set up and meals created. Since NOWAC-ers are graduates of BROP, we expect them to do more for themselves and their teammates. The hikers worked in pairs to set up their 2 person tents (generously loaned by REI). The hikers were supplied with water filters to obtain clean water from a nearby creek, which they used to cook their dinners. We looked for opportunities to instill Leave No Trace ethics such as using existing trails and campsites, hiking single file, proper human waste procedure, using established fire rings and pack it in pack it out. We spent the evening time around the campfire to conclude a great day one. Wednesday was clear, beautiful and warm. After breaking camp we headed north about another 6 miles, to Dicks Creek Falls. We set up camp and then trekked over to admire the falls for a refreshing swim. This hike is great for several reasons: the access, woods, just the right amount, not too much difficulty and especially for the chance to get in the water. After dinner, and making a fire, Chad led the campers in a great discussion on respect for women.
Thursday we hiked to the pickup point to await Schwartzie for our ride back to camp. Several of the hikers were first time hikers. Although we checked their gear on Tuesday before leaving base camp, we missed gear that they didn’t need, like a 2 lb. bottle of body wash. The lesson was learned is, everything you put in your pack, you carry on your back from start to finish. Two pounds is a lot of unnecessary weight to carry on a backpacking trip. On the way back we rewarded the hikers with some ice cream to acknowledge a job well done.
Tags: bird identification, Chattooga River Trail, hiking, Leave No Trace, Sandy Ford, Tree species identification
Posted in NOWAC | 3 Comments »
March 1st, 2010
By Joel Holtzman
Here we are again! Many faiths observe significant passages of time via the sun or moon. These times hold a very spiritual place for many people around the world. Many of these spiritual times revolve around the pivotal passages of the sun or moon: the spring/fall equinox and the summer/winter solstices and the crescent moon.
This is a special time of year for all. We reflect about our families, jobs, and selves as we celebrate the passage of the past year. We anticipate the future and what it might hold. None of this is new. History is replete with societies that practice ceremonies and traditions that convey them into the New Year. These societies honor the year past and make commitments to the future.
Mountain Wisdom is very thankful for all the generous support we have received over the years. 2010 camps are just around the corner and we want your help again. I would like to ask you to make a commitment to Mountain Wisdom Inc. Your commitment does not have to be financial. Your commitment does not have to be open- ended. Your commitment does not have to involve a lot of your time.
Your commitment involves your heart. Do you know a young woman or man that is yearning for an experience that expands their minds? Do you know a donor that is looking for a program that pushes young women and men to be their best? Do you know an adult that wants to make a difference in the world around them?
If your answer is yes or no we want your help! Help us find money. Help us find young women and men. Help us find volunteers. Tell them about us! Hand them a newsletter or direct them to our web site. Give them our telephone number. We will do the rest!
Posted in Mountain Wisdom | 1 Comment »
February 26th, 2010
I am proud to announce the formation of a new program here at Mountain Wisdom, the Rites Of Passage Experience: Girls To Women (ROPE). This is very exciting; we will now be serving girls and boys to have an even broader influence on our youth. Of course the BROP and NOWAC programs will continuthe 2009 Mountain Wisdom camps. more
Posted in Girls To Women, NOWAC, Rites Of Passage | 1 Comment »
