Hello! Welcome to the Questers’ blog. I will be keeping up this blog with current updates, photos and more! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Ilene. I am extremely happy to be the Quester Coordinator this year, after three summers of being the Mac-O-Bac Mama (Trip Coordinator for SAM Camp). On Opening Day, I met face-to-face with those brave campers who call themselves Questers! For some of them, this is a culmination trip, after spending many summers at SAM, looking up to Questers who journeyed before them. For others, this is a completely new endeavor. And to all, it is a journey of self-discovery, learning how to function within a close-knit community, pushing physical limits, immersion in the natural world, and having a blast with friends!
After two-and-a-half days at SAM camp, we’ve had constant name games, team-building activities, singing on the hill, circling up and holding hands before every meal. We’ve been cutting blocks of cheese, measuring oats, chocolate chips, pasta, hummus powder, peanut butter, spices, and many other food items into various containers. We’ve also been lighting stoves, checking tents, preparing backpacks, canoe gear and resupply bags, testing canoes on Lake Ninevah, and giving endless hugs to the SAM campers and staff. The Questers are finally out on the trail (or on the lake)!
Both groups are getting along wonderfully, working well together and enjoying getting to know new and old friends. I had the opportunity to take part in many of the activities that the Questers participated in during their brief stay at SAM Camp.
One activity was the creation of canvas patches, which are pinned to their 
backpacks, so that they are constantly reminded of their own and each other’s goals, which are artfully represented on each patch. The patches came out beautifully, some showing trees or birds, to symbolize connection with the natural world, while others have more abstract representations of personal intentions that they want to work on during their journey.
I continue to be impressed with the maturity, intentionality, compassion, and thoughtfulness that each individual Quester brings to the group. I feel confident saying that there will be a lot of personal growth on these trips. I also sense a feeling of warmth from each group, and know that they will take care of each other out there. Many of them spoke about how this group is their family away from home.
One intentional activity that took place involving the Questers and SAM campers produced some wonderful sentiments and feelings. The Questers were asked “what advice do you have to give to SAM campers?” This is what they had to offer:
Amelia: While you’re hiking, don’t forget to look up at the trees and the birds, because they’re awesome and beautiful.
Cow: Take a lot of pictures, because these are memories that you will always have and that will always be there.
Aida: Honor everyone in your group. Everyone is awesome in their own way.
Stephen: Don’t be scared to talk to someone you don’t know so well.
Sammy: It’s all about when you get there, and it’s gonna be great.
Eli: Take in every view. It’s the visual representation of what you just accomplished.
Luna: Live in the moment.
Sara: Savor everything. It goes by so fast. It helps you grow.
Rowan: Have a lot of patience with your group. Learn from each other. Everyone has a different skill set.
Oliver (Long Trail Co-Leader): Everything the Questers just said goes for the leaders as well.
Here is what SAM campers had to offer to the Questers, before embarking on their journey:
Tova: There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Try to enjoy the tunnel.
Spruce: I’m in awe of you guys. It’s so honorable what you are doing.
Eli: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Kelly (Cabin Staff): Settle in to the movement and rhythm of the trip. Think of this movement as more of a lifestyle.
Rory: Think of all the great things you do on the trip.
Isaac (Cabin Staff): You are a force to be reckoned with. You’re gonna kick butt on the trail.
Jeff (SAM and Questers Director): I congratulate you for being here and doing what you are doing.
June 30th
I have just returned to SAM camp from the Eighth Lake State Campground in Inlet, New York (Adirondacks), where I dropped off a group of seven excited Questers, along with their two trip leaders, Emily and Woody. The wet weather was no deterrent to their high spirits. I will be seeing this group at the end of their canoe section, on July 6th, and I am so excited for this moment. Until then, I have lots of food packing to do for their hiking section resupply. They will be so happy to be reunited with their clean clothes, mail, leftovers and other delicious goodies from SAM.
The Long Trailers commenced their epic hike at 12:45 p.m.on June 29th, a beautiful sunny day, with big grins and a spirited “and we’re off!” When I see them again for their first resupply on July 3rd, they will have hiked about 30 miles, and will have five days of stories to share, as well as five days’ worth of sweaty hiking clothes for me to wash! I am so excited to get to spend a few days with them, hiking farther north.
Thank you for reading and check this blog again soon for more updates and photos! Happy trails!