STORIES OF IMPACT | Pauline O.
CatRock Shapes Leaders Through Unique Outdoor Adventures
Date: TBD - 72120 #1
You never know when or where a young person may be ready to step into a leadership role.
Sometimes the most unlikely individual surprises you with a sudden and unexpected take-charge attitude.
CatRock volunteer Paulina O. will never forget when a student named Gabriela emerged as a natural leader one year during the annual trip to Jay Peak.
Every April, CatRock Ventures takes students to Vermont’s Jay Peak for a week of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, and opportunities to learn about conservation and sustainability. In addition to all the outdoor activities, the teens are responsible for cooking their own meals, keeping their cabins clean, and doing laundry.
For many CatRock students, the Jay Peak trip may be the first time they leave their families, travel beyond the Bronx, or attempt winter snow sports.
“You can try to teach leadership, but becoming a leader is something you decide to do yourself,” explains Paulina.
Paulina and another volunteer were in charge of one cabin with five young women including Gabriela. As the week progressed, Gabriela, who was usually reserved, blossomed as a leader among her peers. “All the girls were great about taking care of the cabin, but Gabriela was so gung-ho about everything,” recalls Paulina. “She took charge of every challenge and activity with a big smile and lots of encouragement.”
The Jay Peak trip ends with a major hike up the mountain that the students plan. The uphill climb can be challenging. Changing weather conditions and different hiking abilities must be factored in as everyone strives for the summit. Yet once again, Gabriela showed herself to be a natural leader, cheering everyone on to get to the top with an energetic “You can do it.”
What enables a young woman to make such a transformation in just one week? “You can try to teach leadership, but becoming a leader is something you decide to do yourself,” explains Paulina. “It’s about taking responsibility and taking action.”
CatRock shapes leaders through an enriching curriculum of outdoor activities and environmental learning experiences. Over time, students like Gabriela forge a commitment to the outdoors, see themselves as stewards of the environment, and emerge as leaders in their own communities.
“We provide our students with the opportunities to take on active leadership roles in real life circumstances among their peers,” concludes Paulina. “CatRock plays an invaluable role in the lives of these teens.”