OAC Day 3 - Grotto Canyon

Day 2 is hike day or our OAC group! We’re all headed off to Grotto Canyon to see the waterfall hidden within. Today’s main task was outdoor activity and communication.

The first stop of the trip was to have a talk and review communication skills that we covered in the days prior. Everyone also got an introduction to typical hiking etiquette and best practices. Reviewing the map, allowing other hikers to pass, water breaks, and pacing are all important things to keep in mind when on the trail, and our campers were experts.

Along the hike, campers’ communication skills were put to the test with a challenge. Everyone was tasked with pairing up into teams, and blindfolding one of the members. This put everyone’s verbal communication skills to the test, as one team member was required to guide the other along the path with instructions and re-assurance.

Once our hikers reached the end of the trail, they were rewarded with stunning views of Grotto Canyon and the refreshing mist of the waterfall. Here, everyone practiced the rules of ‘leave no trace’, the idea that everything should be left as it is, and everything you bring in shall be packed out. Once all our learning was complete, our OAC group got to take in the reward at the end of the journey and have fun!