A dozen teenagers returned to Petersburg on July 22 after a weeklong kayak trip learning how to paddle, fly-fish and lead as a team.
The group kayaked and camped along the southern coast of Mitkof Island, exploring from Woodpecker Cove to Point Alexander. They were led by certified instructors from Petersburg Medical Center and the outdoor education group Onward & Upward as their guides, teaching outdoor safety skills.
“Adventure wilderness expeditions changed who I am as a person, honestly probably saved my life in a lot of ways,” trip instructor Joshua Williams said. “So it’s really fun to be a part of that and be able to pass that on to the next generation.”
One of the trip’s key goals was pushing the participants, all aged 13–15, outside of their comfort zone.
“It’s a very pivotal age, too, for learning proper communication with one another, conflict resolution [and] leadership,” Williams said.
They dove into foundational kayak skills, as well as fly fishing at the request of the kids this year. A returning student taught everyone how to tie a fly, which was new for 13-year-old Summer Wells.
“I got really good at it, I think, and I got it pretty far for my first time,” she said.
Another focus was on building self-sufficiency. Katie Holmlund coordinates Petersburg Medical Center’s youth programs and was an instructor on the kayak trip. She was impressed with how much the group progressed throughout the week. For the last few miles of kayaking, the teens led it all themselves, checking in with each other all the while.
“Having young people do that is a tremendous, tremendous gift,” Holmlund said.
When they got back from the excursion, the kids packed away their gear and reunited with family and friends at a beachside celebration. Holmlund said returning to town was emotional for everyone.
“All 12 participants said they want to do this again, and their low of the week was going home,” she said. “I think that’s a sign of a successful trip.”
Holmlund expressed gratitude for the Petersburg community for making the trip possible. Many of the participants were able to go because of scholarships supported by funding from the Alaska Community Foundation, Working Against Violence for Everyone (WAVE) and Petersburg Mental Health Services, she said.
She also noted how some residents personally donated kayaks last-minute when the program learned that theirs wouldn’t arrive in time for the trip.
“It would not have happened without … Petersburg stepping up yet again and making sure that these opportunities can happen for kids,” Holmlund said.
