***“I would describe it as exciting. Honestly you feel pretty free when you are doing this trip. I felt a lot of joy. “***

9 days in the wilderness- so many adventures were had!

On this epic mountain adventure, these amazing teens embarked on a journey that was about much more than hiking. While they learned about backpacking; they were discovering their inner strength, gaining confidence, and trusting themselves more with every step.

Days were packed with exhilarating hikes to gorgeous lakes, heartfelt chats about values, and evenings around the campfire cementing friendships with peers. The mosquitoes might have been annoying but it didn’t dampen their spirits.

When it was time to say goodbye, the teens celebrated how much they’d grown - not just as newly minted outdoor enthusiasts but as individuals who’d learned to face tough stuff, believe in themselves, and rely on each other.

“What held me back in the first few days from talking and participating was self doubt. Just constantly doubting myself. The more I was around the group it made me feel better about myself. It shifted from self doubt to, “***You got this!***”

Tom Hartenstein
nurse

As a pediatric oncology nurse for 17 years, this was my first experience with SYATS in 2023 and it was so amazing in multiple ways, I will be back! Watching these kids learn new skills, explore nature and gain back confidence warmed my soul.

*What surprised you about SYATS?*
“You [the adults] trusted my decisions. Normally adults are like, ‘You’re a teenager. You don’t know anything- listen to me and take advice from us adults.’ So usually, I am always like, ‘Can you recheck this, can you make sure I am doing this right.’
*Here you guys are like, ‘What do you think? I trust you’. So I it impacted my confidence. I was like, they trust me, I must be ok.”*

*“I actually felt really good out here. My house is pretty loud, so the quietness is really good. I am not sure I am ready to go back. I feel more comfortable here than I do in my own home.”*

Volunteer Experience

Tim Ozerkov: SYATS Safety officer

The excitement builds long before any of our boots see the dust of the central Oregon Cascades. Every conference call, every conditions report, and every participant screening hints at the highlight that our outing will be. The rigorous and methodical planning allows us to confidently enter the trailhead and give it our all to the participants and fellow volunteers.
First and foremost I would like to congratulate and commend all of our volunteers for their extraordinary efforts. Taking a group of immunocompromised teens on a 7-day hike through the backcountry is quite an accomplishment! I am humbled by your willingness to invest your most valuable asset, time, into the lives of our participants. Looking through some of the moments captured on camera, the expressions of all the emotions felt, I can certainly say your efforts are far from vain. The memories etched into our participants' minds will carry through with them for many years to come.
To the participants, my missing you is a testament to the bond that was hewn out with every step of our 30-something-mile hike. You have faced an immense amount of adversity prior to meeting us all and faced and overcame all of the challenges that come with building up to and summiting our objectives in the Three Sisters Wilderness. You are capable, you are worthy, and you are loved. There were many lessons and skills that SYATS has exposed you to, all of which can be implemented in the summits that await you in your lives and the wilderness. We applaud you for your willingness to participate. You are the highlight of the summer of 2023 for me and so many of the other SYATS volunteers.
With this year's trip behind us, we squeeze out what we can from the last bit of summer and begin to plan for the difference we want to make in next year's participants. There have already been several conference calls, more planning, and adjusting. The excitement is already building for the highlight of 2024 summer, our 3rd SYATS outing. We can't wait to meet you and walk alongside you on next summer's summit.
Tim Ozerkov

*“I feel like mentally, just the way I look at things now has changed. The way I look at myself.* ***I would say it [SYATS] is a really big help if you are feeling stuck or alone.*** *I’m going back home stress free. I am not worried anymore about everything”*

Research update

Daniel Cavanaugh: Researcher & Facilitator

Initial qualitative research evaluation demonstrates that SYATS provided the teens with many opportunities to develop and strengthen resilience. Some examples include fostering supportive relationships with peer participants and adult mentors, connections with nature, and developing new skills to overcome physical challenges. Participants also described having an incredible time and have expressed a desire to continue to spend time in the outdoors with their peers. When asked what the worst or most challenging part of the trip was, many of the teens gave the exact same reply, "nothing." They described enjoying the whole experience from the hiking, to the smores, to the lake time,, to their summit experience. Quantitative research outcomes are still being analyzed and will provide us with a report on any changes in youth resilience and well-being. Initial research analysis will be completed over the next month and will be shared at a Knight Cancer Institute conference in Eugene Oregon in the Fall.

See You at The Summit continues to show the medical community the value of our therapeutic wilderness approach to help teenagers experiencing cancer reclaim their lives and their personal sense of power. And each year we come back better and stronger.

See you next year!