STORIES OF IMPACT | Katy Andres
A Volunteer Shares the Transformative Power of the Outdoors with CatRock Students
Date: TBD - 7820
CatRock volunteer Katy A. believes strongly in sharing the transformative power of the outdoors. In fact, she has led CatRock students on over 20 outdoor trips in the past three years, everything from skiing at Vermont’s Jay Peak, to canoeing the Delaware Water Gap, and backpacking in Montana. An extreme outdoor sports athlete and a certified wilderness first responder, Katy only fell in love with the outdoors a few years after college when she moved to New York City.
“Just like our students, I didn’t grow up enjoying the outdoors, so I understand the hesitation that some may experience on their first adventure with us,” explains Katy. “But I am so committed to sharing the benefits of CatRock’s outdoor experiences with our kids.”
CatRock outdoor adventures are not only designed to foster a love for nature, they provide underserved Bronx youth with one-of-a-kind opportunities for personal growth and development.
Katy recalls one young man’s personal journey during the CatRock Service Trip to Montana’s Selway-Bitterroot Nation Wilderness. This rigorous adventure includes hiking with 30-pound backpacks, clearing mountain trails, and sleeping in tents far off the grid. One student had never been away from his family and became extremely anxious when the group lost their cell phone reception in the mountains. He also had a challenging time coping with the bugs and mosquitoes. Yet, as the week progressed, this teen rose to the occasion and won everyone over with his positive spirit and work ethic as he completed major hikes and demanding trail work. He literally fell in love with the mountains.
On another trip, Katy remembers watching a young woman’s triumphant reaction after paddling 20 miles on her first overnight canoe trip down the Delaware River. Unable to swim, the teen had been concerned about her ability to make the long journey. Once she completed the major river adventure, her confidence and sense of pride skyrocketed.
“…But I am so committed to sharing the benefits of CatRock’s outdoor experiences with our kids.”
During an Urban Backpacking Adventure, a weekend of community service projects across New York City, Katy recalls one teen who was determined to learn to ride a bike. After attempting to ride and falling off the bike multiple times, this young man got the hang of it. Since he was heading off to college in the Midwest on a full ride, Katy connected with her network and they made sure there was a bike waiting for him at school that fall.
Through CatRock outdoor trips and adventures, the students become more confident and empowered as they accomplish things they had never thought possible.
“CatRock can be life changing for our kids,” says Katy. “There is nothing more rewarding and inspiring than watching the transformation these students go through as they master new skills and emerge as leaders in their own communities. That’s why I keep coming back.”