Targets

Farside Cartoon by Gary Larsen

At Logan River Academy we have our Foundations program and our ESSENCE program. Our ESSENCE program is for boys on the Autism Spectrum or with related issues.

One issue we are constantly working on is self-awareness. One principle that I have witnessed over the years is the truth behind the following saying: We teach people how to treat us.

We often put targets on ourselves without even knowing it. By the way we interact with others, we are consistently showing others how we want to be treated. Do we freely gossip about others? Do we have loose boundaries and over-disclose about personal issues? Do we impulsively blurt things out in class? Do we get too close to others when we talk? Do we have bad breath, body odor, or greasy hair?

All of these questions could make a statement about who we are and how we want to be treated. Part of our focus with our students is to help them learn to teach others to treat them positively and with respect. Much of what we get from others is within our control. It’s a very empowering concept to realize that much of what we get out of relationships is within our power.

In this awesome Farside cartoon this poor deer had no control over his birthmark. Fortunately, most of us have some control regarding what targets we place on ourselves! 

Adventure Learning Trip Report - Goblin Valley Camping Trip

Our latest excursion took us to the remote, south-central Utah area known as the San Rafael Swell, or maybe more commonly referenced, Goblin Valley. Our goal was to link up two slot canyons right through the heart of the “swell;” Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon. While not technical in terms of rappels, ascensions, or other rope work, both of these canyons offered very narrow passages, climbing, descending, stemming (hands and feet on opposite walls to move forward) and plenty of water. 

The entire hike was just over eight miles, with over six of those miles in the two canyons themselves. This area of southern Utah is home to the iconic redrock sandstone that displays the powerful forces of wind and water erosion constantly. Several passages through the canyons required us to scrape through with both shoulders touching walls. Also, while we were eventually forced to get in the cold, thigh deep water to keep making progress, we did cover several hundred feet of slot canyon where we suspended ourselves over the pools of water and stemmed forward. 

The first mile or so of Little Wild Horse was relatively busy with other people, but once we got into the heart of the canyon we had much of the hike to ourselves. After we completed the hike, with everyone in high spirits I might add, we visited Goblin Valley State Park to gaze over the dozens of hoodoos that litter the valley. 

Despite the downpour during dinner on our first night, we had excellent weather and a great group that really contributed to the enjoyment of this trip.