TIME CAPSULE LETTER
Written by Amy and the GLA Alaska Team
Dear students,
I can’t believe it’s been so long since our Juneau trip ended! I still remember the icy cold feeling of jumping into Auke Lake and putting our feet in the glacier waters as we gazed off at the beautiful blue and white Mendenhall Glacier on our first day of the program. I often think back to the days we shared together and miss the beautiful mountain views, the greens of the rainforest, and the sounds of Yee Haw from all of you. I loved getting to adventure with all of you for those 14 days in July and learning more about Alaska and the native cultures here. You’re probably back in school but we wanted you to know that we are still thinking of you and the impact we made this summer together.
Even in those 4 short days of service work, you truly did make an impact on the trails and community of Juneau. The Equestrian, Christopher, and Perseverance trails are all being widely used by community members and tourists alike. Though they may not know it, they are much safer and can enjoy their hikes much more with the work that you have done making sure the trails are maintained and safe for all users.
Another thing I think about often is how much fun we had together in Juneau and how special the community was that we created. You all were so easy to be around and made sure everyone was included. You had such positive attitudes and made our time so much easier by being encouraging and respectful. Do you remember our final group reflection activity where we came up with our group’s one meaningful goal? We pledged to take care of ourselves, take care of the people around us, and take care of our surroundings. We would love to know how that is going! Have you noticed yourself make any changes with how you take care of yourself? How you connect and take care of those around you? And how you’ve spent time in nature and made sure to protect those special places in your neighborhood? I hope you haven’t forgotten the importance of this and have continued to live this out as you’ve moved on with your lives back home.
I’m so thankful to have met each and every one of you and hope that you’ve stayed connected in the months since. Let us know how you are doing when you have some time!
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Here are a few things you can expect:
- We typically receive 2-3 blog posts per week here at GLA Headquarters from our program staff and students, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post daily – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates sent on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors, including but not limited to internet accessibility, photos may not always be available to post onto the blog. Sometimes onsite program staff are only able to send text back to Headquarters, where our team updates the blog.
Cell Phone Policy: The GLA cell phone policy is currently in place this summer to help foster meaningful connections between students. This means your studentās phone will be collected every day and returned to them after activities are completed to have with them through the night. Actual tech times and regularity will vary greatly by program location and time zones. During designated ātech timeā, your student may use their phones as they wish. Please note that your student may not always choose to use this time to get a hold of their parents. If you are not hearing directly from your student each day, you can assume that no news is good news! We strongly recommend you follow the blog to follow your studentsā experience without talking to them every day. If you are a parent and would like to get in touch with your student directly, you can call us at +1-619-758-3031 and we can set up a formal time for you to connect with your student.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18
Hello from Alaska!
We are so excited to welcome everyone to Juneau for the next two weeks. All 13 students arrived safe and sound to a beautiful, sunny and clear sky day. The day was filled with several airport pickups; walks by Auke lake, the University of Alaska: Southeast campus, and to the marina, where we saw lots of Bald Eagles flying overhead. We got to explore home base as well where we played Mexican Train, soccer, foosball, super nintendo, and chatted with each other. Dinner was delicious, Alaskan fish and chips. We’re looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow!
Here are a few pics of the groups as they arrived to home base. Not pictured is Gabriella and David who arrived a bit late.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19
Written by Kira I.
Today was such a wonderful day. We got to do so many different things. The day started with breakfast and then an orientation that went over serious things while still staying very interactive. After the orientation we had a scrumptious lunch and head out to the Mendenhall glacier. First we watched a video about glacier and the change it had overtime.
After walking around the visitor center we went for hike to Nugget Falls trail where we saw a breathtaking waterfall and cooled off our feet in the glacier water. Since it was a very warm day we decided to take a dip in the ocean while looking at a beautiful landscape. When we got to our homebase everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner while connecting the peers. To frame the day we head out to our mentor groups to talk about the values we have. This was truly a great first day and everyone bonded strongly!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 20
Written by Sebastian Y.
After starting the day off with breakfast, we went to take the tram. With no bus issues, we made it and got to see amazing views from the observation deck of Juneau and the surrounding mountains. We hiked to the top of the mountain, where some people threw snowballs and others made snow angels. We hiked back to the tram, which we took back to town. We explored, eating fish tacos or crepes for lunch, and then window shopping.
After a few hours there, we went to a Fred Meyer’s, where we bought lots of snacks. We then headed home, and played charades with everybody showing off their acting skills. After an amazing dinner of Chicken Adobo and dancing, we had a lively Town-Hall debate over drilling, which was probably more civilized than an actual debate. Lastly, we again played charades… then we fell asleep.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 21
Today was our much anticipated first day of service! We started the morning meeting our service partner for our time in Juneau, a nonprofit company called Trail Mix. We will work with them during our time here in Juneau to develop and maintain the Juneau Trail System. First, the Trail Mix team did a great job explaining how to use all of the tools needed for the jobs on the Equestrian Trail. Our work consisted of using a variety of tools to reset culverts, dig water drainage ditches and do a technique called foresting. After a long, but rewarding day of maintenance we headed back to home base for some nap time. Ultimately, we all still wanted to enjoy the sunshine and the lake, so we did some swimming!
After a hearty dinner of homemade lasagna, we embarked on a leadership activity down by the lake. We thought it would be an easy one but boy were we wrong! We played a game called āDonāt Break the Iceā that was so much fun! It really tested our teamwork, communication and leadership skills. But in the end, we came up with a solution and mastered it! It was a great way to end the evening and I think we got much closer as a group because of it. With bellies full and feeling accomplished, it was time for a good nights sleep.
– Andrew Ireland, Mentor
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 22
Written by Aiden Fitzgerald – Leader of the Day
Today we woke up to another early start at 7:45 for this mornings chow circle. All announcements were made and then we all chowed on some delicious pancakes. There was a lot of time between breakfast and our first activity of the day, which we departed for at 10:15. The first activity of the day was native Alaskan games.
The organization Native Youth Olympics hosted us at a local high school where we learned how to play multiple different games and got the chance to compete against each other. They also taught us the significance of the games to their culture and survival. Then we ate lunch on the bus ride to one of our hardest hikes. We set to perseverance trail around 1 and started the long journey. We saw many beautiful sights and relaxed surrounded by nature.
Around 6:15 we went to a beach where pastor Tim grilled reindeer hot dogs and taught us marshmallow baseball. We spent the leftover marshmallows on a cozy fire where everyone enjoyed mostly burnt marshmallows. We then took a walk to a beautiful spot on the beach where we all sat on rocks and told stories and played games.
When everyone was all storied out we set back to the barbecue spot where we concluded the day with shoutouts and a fun little game. The bus ride back was very energetic and fun and concluded the night with a good vibe.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
Written by David M.
Today we visited botanical glacier gardens and had a cultural based activity near home base. At the glacier we climbed the mountain using a tour tram and looked at all the plants. After we stopped to look at baby salmon and go eat lunch back at home. Then we had a cultural based activity consisting of making a cream from devils club, a native plant, and canoeing along the lake near home.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
Written by E Evans – Leader of the Day
Hi! Today was a unique day as we spent most of it on a boat. We saw humpback whales, eagles, seals, and the tracy arm fjord. It was a beautiful and long sail and it gave everyone the chance to stand on the top of the boat and enjoy the view as well as sleep and talk. For lunch we had a sandwich and ships as well as hot chocolate. The top of the deck became very windy and that made for some great photos. Also, we got to hold a part of an iceberg! It was heavy and we all got some photos with it, some of us licked it.
In the evening, we had some hall time and free time where we split up. Some people went to listen to live guitar music and some went to sit in the hall and talk. After, then we had dinner which was brisket. Then we did an evening activity which allowed us to connect together even more and on a deeper level. It opened up good conversation about life and happiness and many appreciated the activity. A lot of people went to them sit out in the hall and then it was lights out. Overall a great day!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
Written by Gabby K. – Leader of the Day
This morning we all woke up and headed to chow circle where we discussed our plans for the day. After getting ready we all headed to the bus where we had a 40 minute bus ride where we listened to a mixture of fun songs and chatted.
After arriving at the Point Bridget trail head we began our first half of the 7 mile hike. We arrived at our destination and were given an hour to collect our thoughts. During this time a few people napped while others journaled their thoughts. We watched fish jump through the water and a seal play in the water.
After resting we made our way back to the bus and began our journey back to base camp. We took turns showering before beginning our evening activity where we used our communication skills and improved them before having our evening chow circle and soon after ate dinner. Finally we were given a few hours of free time before finally turning in for the night.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26
Written by Stella Ziegenhagen
Today we went sea kayaking in the morning after a good breakfast. We went with guides and kayaked 4 miles. After that we went and got changed into new clothes and got nice and warm. We got food at a really good Pho place in downtown Juneau. Even though we were all tired, we went to Sealaska. We learned more about the Native Alaskan culture. We got to learn about their extensive contributions to Alaskaās societies. When we got back to base camp we were able to rest before dinner. After we had dinner we did a group activity made up of multiple games. Today was a day full of fun and lots of laughs.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Written by Stella
Today we did hard work. We woke up early this morning to do service with Trail Mix. We all split up into groups and worked on trails. We all worked for 5 hours, when we came back to base camp we were greeted with showers. And a well deserved break, until dinner. We had a baked salmon with rice and vegetables. Instead of doing a group activity we watched a movie together. Every decided to watch The Dark Knight. Everyone enjoyed the action packed movie. Then it was lights out after a day full of team work and many loads of laundry.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28
Written by Natalie R.
Today we started with service day 3. We worked on separate parts of the trail, widening the trail and making it more accessible. We had a nice lunch from Mar y Sol, with an arrangement of burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Shortly after lunch, we went back to the trail and it started raining so we layered up and kept working.
After service we went back to home base and showered and rested up for our intense game of hide and seek. After running around the church having fun, we had a nice dinner of beef stew. Directly after dinner we had a team building competition of baking cookies. They judged them based off of presentation, appearance, taste, creativity, and overall. The winning cookie was the miners delight, and was certainly a delight š
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29
Written by Natalie R.
Today we started with service day 4 and worked on Perseverance Trail. We hiked two miles to our spot and carried and dug up rocks to put on the side of the river. After we finished, we hiked back down and returned to home base for showers. After everyone got cleaned up, we went to the chapel to do the capstone activity where we talked about everything that has happened so far on the trip and reflected on it.
After the activity, we played a wonderful game of Werewolf and then ate dinner. Dinner was burgers. After dinner, we separated into two groups, boys and girls. Each of the groups had their separate night where we watched movies and talked. We ate popcorn and connected even further.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
Written by Zoe Anderson
Today was so majestic. We started our day with getting the privilege to sleep in an extra hour. It was certainly well needed. Then, we all headed to a tiny local cafe and got some yummy waffles and brekkie burritos.
Afterwards, we drove to our mine tour. On the way we saw elegant deer and angry bald eagles. Once we got to the mine, we met our very friendly tour guide. We learned so much about mining and got to see him use a little train thing that scooped water. We also learned he has 23 kidsā¦ and that he barely remembers their namesā¦ Wow!
Later in the day, we embraced our inner tourist and went shopping in downtown Juneau. To top it all off, we ate delicious food at Hangar at the Wharf.
Finally, we settled down to a nice bonfire (campfire) on the beach and said our farewells in a beautiful, sad way. We also had an amazing roast battle in which I won.
