IASS 2011: Selected Expedition Feedback

My best experience was to walk through the forest, along the fields and by the river. Everything was a great experience to me because it all was so different and beautiful.

I loved the river the most because it was something so serene that I had never experienced before. Also, the constant sightings of animals were amazing and unforgettable.

I loved the experience and learned a lot of lessons. I thank God for this experience and will never forget it.

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Throughout our exploration one of the main highlights was staying together as a team. No matter how slow or how much complaining about how steep the incline was or if we were at our checkpoint yet.

As a group, we encouraged each other throughout the journey. Whether it was singing, laughing, making jokes and telling stories to get to our destination or to make somebody fell better – we did it!

During this exploration we came out with many friendships as well as memories that will never be forgotten.

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The best part of this experience for me was developing more leadership qualities and remaining positive and strong while things got rough and tough. Also, developing patience for things that, before this trip, would usually make me go off.

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The most important experience was on day two within the forest, when we first got lost. I thought it was the end of the DofE Gold, I wanted to cry. I thought about how disappointed my parents would be.

But when we got back on the right route – it was the best feeling ever. SUCH A HUGE RELIEF. I then wanted to cry because I was so happy.

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The most important thing to me is …

… when I go back home I would appreciate the food my mother puts on the table night. I would appreciate my bed and never complain about that it is to small or to big. I would appreciate my shower I have at home as well as the toilet. I would now even walk to the store down the bottom of the hill for my mother and I would ride my bike. I would really appreciate everything!

That was the best experience in my live. I even learned how to read a map. Now I don’t need GPS when I go away.

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The best experience was seeing my team members grow:

1. They began the journey unsure and not confident.

2. They ended the journey having learned new skills and lessons that will hopefully be useful in their lives.