To many young adults, spring break is a time to head to the nearest party spot and let loose. For nine Living Well Transitions clients - and a service dog! - Spring Break 2011 was an opportunity to serve and explore one of the treasures of America's National Parks - Bandelier National Monument.
During the four day trip, three Living Well staff and nine clients camped two nights in Bandelier National Monument in northern New Mexico, offered a half day of service totaling 48 volunteer hours, hiked Frijoles Canyon to explore Pueblo Indian ruins, went to Taos, and spent an evening unwinding at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs and Spa. In all the activity, far and away the most impactful was the work they put in to help beautify and restore trails and ruins at one of our National Parks."When I told the park superintendent about the great work the Living Well volunteers were doing," says Len Scheel, volunteer coordinator at Bandelier, "he was so impressed that he gave them each a special park medal. To my knowledge no other volunteer group has had these presented them before. I would welcome these volunteers back with open arms! They willingly accepted each chore and did a great job."
Each Living Well Transitions overnight trip incorporates service, wilderness, and leisure components. "In our trip to New Mexico, clients mentioned the volunteering at Bandelier to be the most memorable and rewarding aspect of their experience," says Matt Wehrly, life skills counselor, and co-leader of the trip with Zach Weinzetl and Kirsten Carlson.
"Everybody really showed up and had fun; got the satisfaction of clearly seeing how much better shape the park was in as a result of their few hours of work. It really helps them feel like this truly is their park."
Living Well Transitionsprovides individualized and assertive community treatment, in an independent, real-world living environment for young adults.