Columbia Seniors Survive Paradise

Columbia Adventist Academy (CAA) seniors headed to a spot of private land known as "Pathfinder Paradise" near Colton, Ore., in October for their senior adventure. What they found were spiders, snakes, outhouses, no showers…you name it. When it began to rain as they set up camp, it seemed a far cry from paradise.

The next few days, however, were spent in priceless bonding time. The seniors faced many challenges as a class while trying to accomplish team-building activities. "The challenges on senior adventure showed us the problems we need to fix within our class—problems we didn't even know existed," observed Grant Hummel.

Evenings were a favorite time for most of the seniors as they shared spiritual time as a class, sang and reflected on the day's events. At this time people could open up and share what was on their hearts.

A few of the seniors reflected on their adventure. "Who wouldn't enjoy four days of rain, dewy tents, smelly friends and spiders?" said Dana Kenison laughingly.

It was a trip that will be remembered for the rest of their lives—"the ultimate showerless, wilderness experience, plus prayer," said Brett Maynor.

Featured in: December 2003