Kyla Basher Creative

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/185262305″>Cascadia Expeditions : 10.2.2016_Samaritan</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/craicphotography”>Kyla Basher</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

Working with an adventure company has many perks. One of which can be described more in pictures than in words. But it is appropriate to offer a few more words for this particular group. Just last week we (the staff) were a little less than eager to head up Mary’s Peak at 8am, in the rain and at a balmy 58 degrees (F). Granted we were a bit nervous to see the turnout of this group as well as to wether or not our program would provide the memorable experience we aimed for.

After setting up rain tarps, starting a fire, preparing warm beverages, and reviewing our activities and initiatives it was time to welcome the crowd. Around 9 am our team arrived in about half the numbers we originally expected, but the magical thing about team building is the flexibility to adjust and adapt and still have amazing outcomes.

Now, not all groups come happy and smiling despite the weather. This one however was a professional crew, so even if they weren’t too excited they managed to smile and nod politely while we welcomed them in. Throughout the next three hours this team enjoyed games, a blind trust walk, a few initiatives that required some extra planning and warming up around the fire. We even found room for some mandala creation with natural materials as metaphors to the emotional stressors of the work these folks perform.

Despite performing varying roles, all individuals were a part of the Oncology team with Samaritan hospital. This is heavy work and these folks understand how fragile and important a strong work-life balance is. (Hence they play-date in the rain!). Ending our morning with a discussion and reflection on compassion fatigue we were very pleased to hear how grateful each of these folks were to have showed up for the day. Seeing peoples perspectives change from “ugh this weather is going to make this uncomfortable” to “it’s not so bad, i’m actually really enjoying being out here”…really makes my heart soar.

Cheers to more snapshots in the months ahead.

-Kyla