Outings - Vermont
ICO Trip Report: Zumix and ROCA to Farm and Wilderness Camp in Plymouth, Vermont June 1-3, 2001
On June 1st ICO led a weekend trip to the Farm and Wilderness Camp in Vermont with Zumix of East Boston and ROCA of Chelsea. Six certified leaders and one volunteer organized the trip for the 20 youth (14 girls, 6 boys). The youth ranged in age from 9 to 19 years of age. For 8 of these kids it was their first trip with ICO.
Saturday's primary activity was a team-building program provided by the Farm and Wilderness Camp staff. The kids broke into 3 groups mixing ROCA and ZUMIX together. They did a variety of games and activities focused on building teams, understanding team strengths and weaknesses, and team problem solving. One of the games involved (4) 3' by 3' boards that were magic graham crackers used to get the team of 10 across the imaginary river of marshmallow goo. Another challenge for the team was to get each member over an eight-foot wall. Some of the youth really shined as leaders in this activity, taking the initiative to suggest how to tackle the challenge and communicating with their teammates.
We took a break for lunch, and then toured F&W's organic farm. The F&W's farm animals, including goats, sheep, cows, chickens, pigs, and roosters, were a highlight for the kids who were shocked at the size of the pigs and amazed at the two-week old lambs. Next some of the youth hopped in canoes with the leaders and took a leisurely ride around the lake. We had rain for most of the weekend, but the sky cleared up enough for us to enjoy the water.
After a great pasta and salad dinner on Saturday, we gathered in the main lodge to eat smores and put on a talent show. Nick, the Zumix agency leader, quoted Shakespeare, many of the Zumix kids sang, played the piano, and told jokes. Craig and Robbie also told jokes. It was a very fun night. Sunday morning, a few hard core kids awoke early to squeeze in yet another spin in the canoes. The fog was just lifting off the lake and the stillness of the morning was beautiful. A single loon joined us on the lake for its morning feeding. One of the kids said that she wished she could paint a picture so she could take the beauty home with her. Later, the group came together to feast on an incredible eggs and pancake breakfast directed by Greg, then we packed up and were on the road by 11:00am.
This trip was unique because it combined 2 agencies, ZUMIX and ROCA. The setting also made it special, because the cabins were rustic with lots of activities at the site. The kids and leaders both kept a positive attitude throughout the entire weekend, despite the rains that would not let up, and the sun that was hiding.
