Wilderness Challenge
In order to qualify for the job training program, participants needed to have spent time in jail at least twice. They also had to make a commitment to changing the direction of their lives. Part of that commitment was participating in the Wilderness Challenge program.
Wilderness Challenge
Participants lived in one of the tougher New York City neighborhoods, South Bronx.
Wilderness Challenge
Part of the preliminary training consisted of rafting on the East River through Hell's Gate over to Key Island.
Wilderness Chalenge
Key Island is located in the middle of Hell's Gate considered some of the most treacherous waterways in the country due to the varied currents.
Wilderness Challenge
The Wilderness Challenge component of the program included a week long trip on the Upper Hudson River in NY. The rafts were unlike anything we had ever used previously. The guide stood up in the back of the raft with a rudder/paddle
Wilderness Challenge
One of the instructor/guides was long time friend and colleague Odds Bodkin. Odds is one of the foremost storytellers known internationally. Check out his site!
Wilderness Challenge
Scouting out campsites.
Wilderness Challenge
Taking a break along the river. The river was a bit cold which necessitated wet suits.
Wilderness Challenge
We also did some rock climbing and rappelling right next to this waterfall.