On Friday June 13th, Bob's closest friends, family, co-workers (past & present), and teens he has worked with at AE gathered at the Whiteface Golf Club & Resort to share a lovely meal, and to honor Bob. Many told stories, some funny, some confessions, and many heartfelt. Bob gave a "speech" as well, which was very moving to all, and put into perspective what all his (and everyone else who has been a part of AE in any capacity) hard work over the years did for him, and for others. It was great to see him happy, and healthy!!
April 28th through the 30th was a great time to be at the Adirondack Experience because of the fact that the Adolescent Outreach girls from Potsdam were here. The girls seemed to have an awesome time when they were here and I know the staff did as well. We went through activities such as rappeling, traverse, low ropes and high ropes elements. Most of the girls tried every activity and that's really what it's all about. The girls even had two interns that they were breaking in and from what I saw, they did a pretty good job. In this post there is a video of the girls "forcing" leslie (intern #1) to go first across the poison peanut butter on a low ropes element. As you can see they wanted to make sure she didn't fall so they gave her a goood push! The others are just some pictures from the high ropes course and the Tyrolean Traverse. These girls were so much fun to work with and it's a shame we only got them for 3 days. Everyone here at AE says hello and sends their best!!! Stay in touch everyone :)
Well according to Christina I need to introduce myself so here goes nothin! Rather than say my name is Aaron and list of bunch or boring facts i'll just tell you a lil bit about my first week here. My first week here has been awesome. A group of young boys are certainly an energetic bunch and have kept me on my toes this first week. I have had the opportunity to participate with them all week long in climbing the rock wall, the unbelievable Tyrolean Traverse, ice climbing, and x-country skiing. Being a huge fan of the outdoors, this is really an awesome opportunity for me and i'm going to take full advantage of it. I am aware that I have some pretty big shoes to fill though, I have not had the opportunity to meet Bob yet but I hear he's a hunter and an avid outdoorsman just like myself so i'm looking forward to meeting the man who's position I am now lucky enough to fill. The staff has been so supportive here and hopefully the weeks to come only get better and better!! Also, i'm hoping that I don't lose my job as quickly as I got it for "accidentally" hitting the boss right in the eye with a "hockey puck" during gym time. Sorry John!!! Well there's my first week in a nutshell, any questions?? Just ask :)
THIS IS ME :)(I know I know, no new blogs as of late. I'll try to become consistent again!)
Our days since January have been busy yet fulfilling. We had a WONDERFUL group of girls from St. Lawrence county, a visually impaired boys reunion, a group of kids from the Adolescent Outreach program, as well as some staff training, all in the month of February. We began March with ANOTHER WONDERFUL group of girls, followed by a couple of reunions, and then began a 10-day cycle with a group of boys that are currently here.
It's wonderful to have the opportunity to begin new relationships with such wonderful teens, and great that we have the chance to keep in touch via the Internet, toll-free phone #, as well as monthly and bi-monthly reunions!
P.S.
Welcome our newest staff member Aaron... I am going to try to get him to introduce himself to you here, so check back!
