 |
| The 2015 Alaska Cross Cultural Exploration Crew. |
Last August I was blessed to be invited to be one of the
mentors for 12 inner city youth and 6 military veterans on a once and a lifetime opportunity to explore
the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. This trip organized by Soul River Inc., a
non-profit based out of Portland, Oregon works tirelessly to get inner city or
troubled youth and military veterans out into the therapeutic open spaces of Mother
Nature. With the concept of Iron
Sharpening Iron, we work with the hardened solider who has come home from
conflict and take their leadership skills to mentor the hardened youth who are
growing through trial and tribulation in their own lives and bring them
together to mentor each other as they are immersed into the great outdoors. Bringing
them together help form a bond and understanding of who they are, what they
have become and how they can use the enlightenment of the outdoors to find peace
and an outlet to their troubles.
With the help of sponsors that included Loop USA, Simms,
Rainey Flies, Orvis, Daiichi, US fish and Wildlife and many others, we were
able to make this happen.
In 2016, Soul River will once again embark on another great expedition to Alaska and for a lucky few the Arctic Circle. For those of you who would like to donate you can read more here.
Today we would like to bring to you a glimpse into what this deployment meant to the participants of this journey into themselves and the outdoors. This group, including myself am forever changed and bonded from this experience into the Alaskan Wilderness.
Thank you and please support Soul River Inc.
