Teen Treks Leader Training

Some leaders came with packed panniers and a bicycle in the backseat of their car, while another trekked through the airport with five-days worth of travel gear in a backpack, one simply hopped onto a bicycle, panniers loaded and ready. All came together for the start of this year's leadership training at Teen Trek's home site in Buffalo, New York.

It didn't take long for the adventure to begin. Day 1 included bike mechanics training in the park, crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada, a scenic route along the Friendship Trail, an epic journey through rain and sunshine ending with beautiful beach camp spot on Lake Erie. The leaders started working together right away, cooking meals, setting up tents, and getting to know each other while soaking up the cool breeze and starry night.

Silly games, campfires, bike rides, hands on training, cold lake and river swims, group meal creations and plenty of laughter brought the leadership crew closer together over the next few days. Day 3, we camped along the Niagara River, and excitedly woke up for a day of biking around Niagara Falls. Seeing the natural wonder by bike was a great way to see the Falls from many different perspectives. At the end of the day, we crossed back into the United States and camped on a remote and enchanting peninsula, the mist from the Falls was in our view, as a large crescent moon appeared above it.

We wrapped up the weekend back in Buffalo as we talked more extensively about the trips we will be leading this summer. The leadership training was a good taste of the type of activities and itinerary we all have with the teens on our trips. With everything we learned and experienced over the 5-day training venture, the significant take-aways were the bike safety skills and tools acquired, helpful ways to foster positive group dynamics, and inspiring ways to stir an adventurous environment throughout the biking journey.

Now, we are ready and excited to meet our trekkers and take this journey together! Who knows the beauty and adventure we will discover together.

- Trip Leader Katie