Fall at Manito-wish!

Can it already be October? Fall has been extremely busy for the Leadership Program, we have had over 10 organizations come through camp since the end of August. These programs included several school groups: Prairie School, Inland Seas School of Expeditionary Learning, University Lake School, Rudolf Steiner Waldorf School of Ann Arbor, University School of Milwaukee, ARTech, and Ripon College. Groups came from all over Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, and ranged in size from 10 students up to 289 students! Most programs offered a trail experience for their students, whether it be a four-day canoe trip, or an afternoon spent at a campsite on Boulder Lake completing a cake baking initiative. Many of our participants had never been in a canoe before and are now anxious to return for longer trips.

ARTech students using the giant Bow Drill

Manito-wish staff worked closely with students to help build a foundation for a strong community within their schools. As a staff we have had the privilege of working with some amazing participants who have come from very diverse backgrounds, often learning as much from them as they learned from us. We are excited to build long-term relationships with two first-time schools, Inland Seas and Rudolf Steiner.

ARTech students on the Catwalk

When not on trail, Fall Leadership Program participants could be found all over camp, running around the South Ball Diamond, chasing each other with noodles, walking blind-folded through the woods, building marshmallow and spaghetti structures, dropping eggs from great heights, exploring the High and Low Challenge Course, stoking Sacred Fires, and playing endless games of Harry, Larry, and Mo.

A big thanks to all the Manito-wish staff who committed part or all of their fall to delivering programs. There is nothing like staying at camp and having summer turn to fall, seeing the leaves change amongst the pines, and building fires to keep yourself warm at night.

Wishing you all the best,

Mo