Day 135: Count down to Quest 2012

Only two days left till the 2012 Quest four day expedition begins!  Today we held a work party and the students helped to pack the supply bags for 16 cook groups with stoves, utensils, pots, trail mix ingredients and staples.  Next we loaded all the supply bags, tarps, extra packs and tents, medical supplies, repair kits, trash cans supplemental food and activity equipment onto a utility cart and hauled it out to the entry where we would load the truck.

Al was right on time.  He has been volunteering his time for at least ten years.  Even though his youngest son was a camper and student leader many years ago,  Al keeps coming back to help.  The same is true for Pete who operates the water truck.  Both men have been incredibly supportive and loyal.

Quest is truly a community effort and wouldn't be possible without the assistance of hundreds of community members.  Thirty-five private landowners grant permission for us to cross their property.  During the year of preparation, we interact with forest rangers, DEC officers, the police and sheriff's departments, fire departments, school boards, principals, secretaries, store managers and clerks, adult volunteers, parents and of course, hundreds of middle school and high school students.

This year, the expedition is made up of 34 Fredonia 8th graders, five Brocton 8th graders, 21 student leaders from Fredonia and two from Brocton, 13 adult volunteers who hike and a team of 8 adults who operate and staff the support vehicles.  This is our smallest group of 8th graders ever, but last year was the largest group with 71.  We are hoping that next year for the 25th anniversary many more students will participate.