Camp I Am Me took a small group of adult burn survivors to the Lake Tahoe area for a week this past May to continue their healing journey in nature, and to learn how to reclaim their voice.
Special thanks to Tracy Wilsom/Conservation Director and all at American Wild Horse Conservation, for working closely with us to build a program that encompassed our vision. Participants learned about the many challenges America’s wild horses face and how to be a voice for them. We appreciate all the educational sessions, the guest speakers, the connections you made for us throughout the week, and for bringing us out to see wild horses not once, but twice! We are so grateful for your time and for everything you shared with us. What incredible memories!
And thank you too, to Battalion Chief Brandon Brady and Battalion Chief Mark Norwood and the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District for such an awesome tour of Station 23!! You are all amazing for making time for our group. We appreciate you! Stay safe.
Day One– Travel to Lake Tahoe! It was a long day, but everyone arrived safely. We arrived at our lodging in South Lake Tahoe at 6,200 feet above sea level. Everyone unpacked and settled before a group dinner and a night getting to know each other.
Day Two – Tracy Wilson, Conservation Director from American Wild Horse Conservation stopped by and gave us the run down on what we could expect in the week ahead regarding wild horses. After telling us that in 2019 there was still three feet of snow on the ground in the area at this time … It snowed!
Day Three – We headed out to the South Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s community center to participate in an AWHC-led day of learning about wild horses and the challenges they face today. We had lots of questions, and they had all the answers. Stopped by Tahoe Douglas Fire Prevention District – Station 23 and got the full tour. We were shown the Bomb Squad and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, including their expert bomb sniffing dog, Tracker. We were guided through the Wild Lands Fire Unit equipment truck and packs and headed to the lake to step onto their Water Rescue Team boat.
Day Four– Headed down the mountains to the Virginia Range to meet up with members of AWHC. They took us into the high desert terrain to visit the famous Pine Nut wild horses who don’t bolt when they see humans. And… we saw our first wild baby!
Day Five– Returned to the VFD’s meeting spot to learn how to advocate for wild horses. Also learned about apex predators, specifically mountain lions and their importance. In the evening we headed to Emerald Bay for a gorgeous four hour hike where we descended in elevation down the mountain to discover Vikingsholm, a magnificent ‘castle’ in the woods, continued to a waterfall, and then returned up the mountain to take in the alpine glow above the lake at sunset.
Day Six – Off roading in a different range to see wilder horses less acclimated to people. We got the surprise of a lifetime as a small band came galloping up behind us and literally crossed within a few feet of where we were standing. Afterwards, we headed north climbing to nearly 9,000 feet through a mountain pass to get to our group kayak spot on Lake Tahoe. On our last night we gathered around the campfire at our lodge and spoke about what we had brought with us to this place and what we were taking with us after the experience. Lots of wisdom, clarity, momentum and peace.
Day Seven – Cleaned the house, packed bags, dropped off extra food to the fire department, and headed to the airport for our travel home. Everyone agreed this was an incredible experience. Hopefully, having the chance to process the things we carry, unhurried, unforced, and within the wide open, wildly beautiful surroundings, what we learned about reclaiming our voice, will remain with us and sustain us for a while.