Pittsburgh MCG - Kay (Mentor/Artist) - Day 1

Yellowstone, Yellowstone, Yellowstone!!!!!! It’s the first day and I am in awe! We have been having a blast and the day isn’t even over yet. We are experiencing the raw beauty in nature and building relationships that will last for a life time. We are in a place where there are no street lights, no billboards and no sky lines to distract us not only from the beauty of Yellowstone, but also from the beauty within each other. We all share our connection to MCG, but many of our kids have never interacted with one another on this level. Our team building exercise was awesome! We each had to get blindfolded as we put our trust in one another’s hands as we guided our teammates to complete obstacles making sure we all accomplished one common goal. We are creating a family and we are just getting started.

Pittsburgh MCG - Keith (Mentor/Artist) - Day 1

Today was one of those days that when you think back about the morning it seems so long ago you think it must have been yesterday. It was pouring rain in Pittsburgh on the way to the airport before 5am, now here in Montana 15 hours later it’s warm and beautiful. The view from our cabin is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to the next five days here, with these people – already it seems that we’re getting to know each other better as we meet challenges – from getting through security and the airport to team building games.

Cincinnati CATC - Wisdom - Day 4

I had a really great time today, probably the best days I had thus far. I got to the top of Bunsen Peak, and I felt really accomplished when I did. At first I was going to fall in the process, and I was going to be put in a bad situation. (Oh GOD the heights) Once we got to the top I didn’t want to leave, it was so gorgeous. And we all took our turns carrying our egg up and down the mountain, that’s true team work right there. I’m really proud of all of us, especially myself, because I thought I would freak out once I got to a certain height, or when we were walking through a rocky or narrow path. But no I did it, and when I would start to get nervous, I could take deep breaths, calm myself down, and put one foot in front of the other like Michelle told me. I would like to thank her for preparing us for the big climb, when we walked up that steep hill next to the Grand Prismatic, it really helped a lot. I will never forget that experience.

Cincinnati CATC - Nancy - Day 4

Today we hiked up Bunsen Peak and it was awesome!! We all made it okay to the top J The view was breath-taking and I took a lot of pictures J It was hard to get up there but the way down was so much easier and I’m surprised at how quick we hiked up. This was a great experience and I enjoyed my last day here, it’s a day I will always remember!!

Cincinnati CATC - Khaliyah - Day 4

We hiked up Bunsen’s Peak today!! It was awesome; I really didn’t think I was going to be the first one to reach the top and the first one to reach the bottom. I was a really great experience for me because I didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to climb a mountain and when I did reach the top I felt accomplished.

Cincinnati CATC - Shiva (Brockway Ambassador) - Day 4

We hiked up Bunsen Peak. It wasn’t as hard or imposing as I thought. Everyone made it! I’m so proud of them! The girls made Devon and me cards. Mine is so adorable! I actually cried… Over all, it’s been a very great day, and this is a new family that has accepted me in the short 5 days we’ve been together. I will definitely keep in touch with them all!

Cincinnati CATC - Keishawn - Day 4

So today is technically our last full day here at Yellowstone and I think I’m really going to miss it. With all the new people I met and all the good times we had, I think that this was one of the best moments of my life. Hopefully we can do something similar. All 10 of us.