Finding Rainbows in the Rain

Every fall, Glen Brook welcomes a cohort of young adults to spend a semester experiencing life the way we do here at Glen Brook–intentionally and intimately. Their time together has been filled with growth, laughter, and joyful perseverance as they recently navigated their canoeing adventure on Flagstaff Lake in Maine. 

The week prior to heading out on their trip, the seven Gappers worked tirelessly to hand-carve their own wooden canoe paddles. The wood transformed slowly, but steadily, into lighter, smoother, and more refined paddles. They shaved wood off the blades, rounded out the shafts, and designed the handle to individually fit the grip of their hands. By the end of the week, each Gapper had constructed a paddle that was unique, usable, and entirely theirs. 

We arrived at Flagstaff Lake prepared for a three night journey, moving camp every night to experience different parts of the lake. Knowing there may be some strong winds in our future, as well as a few days of rain to break the drought, we armed ourselves with an adaptable, flexible mindset. The first day was idyllic, smooth, and fun. We set up camp on Hurricane Island and enjoyed dinner and dessert as the sun set behind the trees. Some of the Gappers even swam in the chilly water as the loons serenaded them with their beautiful songs. 

Our second day of paddling was cut short as the wind picked up in the afternoon and we decided to turn back to a closer campsite. Anticipating higher winds the next day, we knew we needed to give ourselves plenty of time to return to the shore. On our last full day, we woke up to a steady drizzle and breeze that grew more intense as the morning went on. The Gappers tested their strength against whitecaps, struggled to stay warm and dry on the open water, and worked hard to remain flexible and adaptable, even as changes were constantly being made to our itinerary. 

We reached our campsite and there was not a dry Gapper or trip leader left as we set up camp in preparation for our final night. Yet, that did not stop the Gappers from finding joy in the unexpected. Whether it was the puddles of rain falling off of our tarp like a water park attraction, or the wonderful taste of burritos after a long, tiring day, the Gappers demonstrated what it means to find wonder and beauty when it is not readily present. We hit the road early the next morning as the clouds were clearing and the sun was shining, filled with a certain sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for the adventure we had been on together. 

That evening, back in the Hill House dining room, with plates full of pizza and salad, we debriefed the trip as a group. Everyone gave it two thumbs up, with the power of hindsight restoring our rose-colored glasses. “I could do without the impromptu portaging in the rain, though,” one Gapper said. As I think back to watching them work together to carry boats, dry bags, paddles, and group gear, I feel grateful for everything playing out exactly as it did. 

-Liv Thomas, Gap Program and Trips Leader