Expedition Six by Aiden F.

Expedition Six was a sojourn truly worthy of remembrance. Through the good weather and the bad, the struggles and the triumphs, the very short hikes and the very long ones, Expedition Six provided seemingly everything.

Day One began like usual with a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and bacon, although this time we had to endure a one-hour bus ride to reach our hike-out spot. Getting off the bus, we fell into formation, and, before we knew it, the expedition had begun. We hiked through the mist and into the clouds, a day of shelter building awaiting us. After an uncharacteristically brief trek (I’m not complaining!) each of the four groups was directed to a campsite, and shelter building was underway. Using only the materials afforded us by the surrounding forest, branches, leaves, and other natural matter, each group constructed a survival shelter fitting its creative appetites. Some were cavernous, some were smaller, and some even had multiple rooms. After a few rallies, the day ended with the news that we would stay put for day two, rather than hiking to a new location, in order to further improve our newly-built residences.

On Day Two we were out of our tents by 7:00 a.m. sharp, and morning rally confirmed the day’s purpose: shelter makeovers! Each group was challenged not only to improve its shelters, but also to go above and beyond what our pre-conceived notion of a shelter was. By the time the prize for “best shelter” was revealed, no one was holding back, because this was now officially a contest. By the end of the day, what had previously been shelters were now estates, some even drawing comparisons to the living quarters of “Robinson Crusoe,” and “The Swiss Family Robinson.” Day Two ended with the interesting news that, regardless of where we had decided to sleep the night before, (tent vs. shelter) tonight all of us would be spending the entire night in our own creations. 

Day Three began with a pang of grief, and, for some, dismay as directions were given to totally dismantle and dismember our homes in the woods. Shoveling down breakfast next to the disfigured remains of our last two days’ efforts was more than difficult. A four-mile hike preceded our arrival at “Meadow Camp,” where a gloriously powerful sun welcomed us. With the air temperature hovering around 65 or 70 degrees (at least that’s what it felt like) I wrote in my journal, “Sun baking our camp slope…hanging around in a t-shirt, and still breaking a sweat.” At 3:00 p.m. Mr. Mike led a compass class, which was a review for some, but brand new for me and necessary for the forthcoming compass hike. Despite the amazing weather throughout the day, when the sun receded behind the mountains at about 5:30 p.m., the temperature dropped about 25 degrees, prompting Jacob to recall a similar situation at Saunders Camp during his first stint at FMA. The weather had been just as serene there, but overnight it mysteriously evolved into an unforgiving snowstorm. We all fell asleep that night hoping and praying that Jacob’s seemingly insignificant recollection would not jinx our current weather. 

I think I can confidently speak for everyone when I say we responded with disbelieving shock when we woke up the next morning, and snow was falling. Following morning rally at 8:30 a.m., we engaged in a stretcher building exercise. We were split into two groups, and each group was given the task of constructing a viable stretcher. Building an impromptu stretcher is an important skill to have when hiking through remote mountains as we were. Again, as with the shelters we built on the first two days, we could only us the materials at hand, such as poles and cross pieces made of small trees and padding made of pine boughs. Using our belts, scarves, safety vests, and even shoelaces to fasten everything together, in under an hour both teams constructed functioning stretchers that endured a rigorous stress test. By 12:30, the worst of the snowfall had passed, leaving a few inches on the ground as we readied for the next exercise of the day: a compass hike administered by Mr. Mike and Mr. Dan. Each individual, with his compass as his only tool, set out on his own at fifteen-minute intervals to complete “the maze.” Starting at the same point, each student began by setting his compass azimuth to 310 degrees, which, if followed correctly would lead him to the next “clue” or compass heading. Following all of the clues, we found that our final destination, of course, was our own camp. With an acute chill nipping at our toes, sub-zero rated sleeping bags welcomed us after a full day of action.

Day Five began with the prospect of the longest hike yet, an almost eight-mile journey through the bitter cold and snow. For the first couple of miles, before the freeze of the previous night lifted, the scene was simply breathtaking; on every towering tree, on every shooting branch and twig was a complete and perfect casing of ice. Because of our altitude, the trees had been smothered in a cloud of humidity, which, when combined with the freezing temperatures, caused the entire forest to glisten in what can only be described as a “winter wonderland.” Arrival at camp seemed to take forever, but the emergence of the sun from its terrible home behind the clouds sparked our spirits, and within the next twenty minutes we had arrived. Pulling into camp at around 1:35 p.m., we were already behind our scheduled “class time,” so Mr. Mike let us all take a breather and set up our new campsites. Dry wood was plentiful and, with the close proximity of the water source, this camp became my favorite. At evening rally we concluded the day by sharing our observations, and in the process, we also mysteriously cured Ralph of a sudden breakout of hiccups. 

The final day of expedition began, like always, with extremely cold temperatures, but unlike the other days, it also carried the promise of relaxation. With the news that move-out would not be until 1:00 p.m., we took the time to get nice fires going, and sat and calmly soak up the beautiful day, while spending quality time with our tent partners. By 12:30 p.m. we had all packed up our camps and were lined up at the rally point ready to go. As the final leg of our journey back home to the FMA lodge began, there were exactly two things on our minds: Showers and Parmesan Chicken. There is truly no such thing as too much praise for FMA’s famous Parmesan Chicken. Much of the time hiking was spent along paved roads, finally leading up to the pasture on the outskirts of the FMA property. One by one, we tiptoed across our bridge-in-progress in the woods behind the lodge, and Expedition Six came to end, carrying the promise of more to come.

Idea of the Month: Possibility Thinking by Liam L.

For the past couple of weeks our morning meeting has been dedicated to possibility thinking. We have been going over the eight steps to replacing an attitude of impossibility with one of possibility. Although each and every step has its own significance, for me two of them have really stood out. Step number one tells me “I must remove my disadvantage complex.” A disadvantage complex is the belief that I am at a disadvantage due to a set of circumstances outside of my control. This step is pertinent to me because I must focus on the ways that I can do things, and not on the ways I can’t. Overcoming my disadvantage complexes will help me to achieve the goals I have set for myself and will make me stronger. 

The second most pertinent step for me is step number two: “Develop the habit of recognizing and responding to the smallest trickle of positivism that might leak into my mind.” This step is just as valuable as the first one because without positivity I have a negative attitude that is only going to take away from the experience at hand. Finding positivity in my surroundings will help me be more confident and determined in the face of any challenge placed in front of me. 

Using these steps to my advantage will benefit me in the future. Possibility thinking is the mindset I will need to use to help me solve the problems I might face in the world. The best way for me to start using these ideas is to apply them to the smaller issues I am encountering in my life – once I master those I will move on to the bigger, more difficult challenges and overcome them, too.

Bridge Building by Carlisle W.

Recently we decided to build a bridge connecting the six-acre FMA property to the rest of the campus. The bridge we are building is constructed entirely of trees, which we have felled near the bridge site. We cut two of the trees into girders to form the main support for the bridge. Then we dug a hole for the girders to fit into, clearing out all the rocks in the way. All the logs used in the construction had to be peeled down to bare wood prior to using them to ensure they do not rot. I was one of the lucky ones stripping the trees, which was hard but rewarding work. I also harvested boulders from the rock quarry site, transporting them to the bridge and breaking them into smaller pieces used to support the girders. At this point, the girders are in place, and this article will be continued in the next edition.

Chess at FMA by Ralph R. and Jordan B.

Ralph:

Chess is a game of intuition, knowledge, sportsmanship, and cunning. Although surprisingly I did not invent chess, it is a game in which I find myself dominating. However, there is one student here whose chess story is even more inspiring than mine: Jordan Brewster, 15, who against all odds continues to play.

We were all astonished when Jordan proved he could do math, but Jordan’s love of chess has revealed an even deeper, more enlightened young man, and that is moving to all of us. While Jordan never wins, he never fails to demonstrate his love for the game when, every Sunday, he shows up to support my playing. Through watching my mastery of the game, Jordan’s whole attitude has changed, and, because of this, I have discovered the true meaning of hope; a lesson I will never forget.

Jordan:

Chess, the game of intelligence and patience, is played almost daily here at FMA. Ralph Russ and I are the champion players, although sometimes we feel sorry for the other students and allow them to win. I am grateful for Ralph, though, because he sometimes provides a challenge. He has an unusual style, is very unpredictable, and often throws me off guard by making moves that make absolutely no sense. As we test our skills against each another, we both have the opportunity to improve. 

Many times others gather around us and observe, in the hope that they too will gain the skill we possess, but our techniques are so complicated, that the logic of our moves is something only we can see.

Chess helps relieve the stress of homework and lack of sleep, and it helps me to bond with the other students and learn more about them.

So, chess anyone?

Dancer on the Pier. Art and Poetry by Jacob C.

You’re still a dancer on the pier, 

With music that doesn’t play,

Solemn in your silence,

Movement without delay.

Euphoria grips the mind,

Hollowing yet loud.

Something about the quiet,

Kept from moving out.

And circles swim before your eyes,

On waves of purple rain,

Tripping on eyelashes formed in black,

Said to swallow fame.

Now don’t ask silly questions, 

And I’ll answer without lies,

Black sheep still in the cockpit,

Awaiting time for flight.

You’re still a dancer on the pier, 

With music that doesn’t play,

Solemn in your silence, 

Movements like slow decay.

Book Review: The Silver Chair by Joshua B.

C.S. Lewis' magical fable, The Silver Chair, takes readers on an adventure where marsh-wiggles take life seriously, gnomes eat precious stones, and two English school children are transported to Narnia to find and rescue its lost prince, Rilian. It follows the trek of Jill, Eustace, and their marsh-wiggle guide, Puddleglum as they encountered talking beasts, man-eating giants, and many other perils on their journey to restore Narnia's heir. Although they had been given specific guidelines to follow by Aslan, their misadventures began when they allowed themselves to be distracted by the many temptations they encountered. Whether they find Prince Rilian and rescue him or die in their attempt will ultimately depend on following the signs they had been given. 

     The deeper meaning conveyed throughout The Silver Chair is that if one is on an important mission or sacred quest it is vitally important to stay on track and not allow distraction to lead him or her astray. It was shown in the story as the heroes repeatedly failed to stay on course and thoroughly complicated their mission, nearly losing their lives in the process. After several days of walking through the wild and dangerous “lands of the north,” the travelers met a beautiful woman and heavily armored knight and were encouraged to stop for rest with the "gentle giants" at the castle of Harfang. Although their guide, Puddleglum, was suspicious, the children were completely led astray and nearly paid dearly for their mistake. 

     Just one of the wonderful offerings in C.S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, The Silver Chair is an entertaining novel that leaves the reader contemplating its timeless message for a long time to come.

Movie Review: A Beautiful Mind by Mitch D.

 

As the Cold War was heating up, the Defense Department recruited a brilliant young mathematician named John Nash to crack communist codes found in newspapers and magazines. Nash, who is capable of deciphering codes in his mind, is adept in his covert position, depositing decoded articles in a mailbox used by his Defense Department handler. The trouble is that John Nash, brilliant as he is, is also schizophrenic, and his decoding work is a figment of his own imagination.

The telling of Nash’s story in A Beautiful Mind is both dramatic and confusing. I was completely convinced that everything that was taking place was real until Nash’s condition was revealed. Given the intricacies of showing what was happing in Nash’s mind, as well as what was actually happening in the real world, the movie could have been almost unwatchable, but the combined skill of the writer and director pulled it all together. This intriguing film demonstrated that, in spite of the mental illness that caused him to be a danger to himself and his family, Nash was able to control his delusions and ultimately become a Nobel Prize winning mathematician and economist.

Expedition Five by Joshua B.

The first day of this expedition was Monday, January 16th due to a one-day delay. We got up, ate breakfast, and did our chores as usual. At 8:00 a.m. we got on the bus and drove to Damascus, Virginia where we started hiking up the Appalachian Trail. At 12:00 p.m. we arrived at our camp, and Mitch and I set up our tent, started our fire, and gathered firewood. We had a review class on first-aid, cooked our dinner, and then went to bed.

     The next day we went another four miles on the AT, most of the time was spent hiking up a steep two-mile traverse to our next camp near Saunders Shelter. Mitch and I set up our camp and started a fire, but unfortunately the rain put our fire out while we were relaxing in the tent. We didn’t cook dinner that night.

     Mitch and I got off to a slow start the next morning and were somewhat late to rally. After rally, we headed down the AT for three miles to where it joined up with the Virginia Creeper Trail. We hiked north on The Creeper trail for another mile and made camp under a tall trestle bridge where the railroad used to run. I felt like a hobo, and the wood wasn’t very good, but there was a river running near our camp.

     The next morning Mitch and I were late again due to fire issues. We stayed on the Virginia Creeper Trail for another four miles that day. This time our camp was up above one of the giant trestle bridges. We were on the right-of-way, but fairly near some private homes, so this was a “quiet camp.”

     Mitch and I were the first ones at rally the next morning, and that day we hiked seven miles, leaving behind the Virginia Creeper Trail, and hiking up to and over the Tri-State area, out of Virginia and back into Tennessee. That night we camped at “No-Mo-Bus-Camp,” named because the old school bus that used to be there, for some reason, has now disappeared. We had a good fire that night, but a storm blew in just after dark.

     It was pouring rain the next morning, and we never got our fire started. Thankfully it was the day we hiked back to FMA where we all enjoyed some good food and hot showers.

Going Home and Coming Back by Liam L.

Leaving for winter break was one thing, but coming back was quite another. I left home for FMA on Monday, and, almost immediately, I was overwhelmed by my conflicting feelings. It felt as though I had just arrived home and now I was being pulled away again. I didn’t know which way to go; I knew I had to come back to FMA, but the pain of leaving seemed like too much. I tried to push myself and do what I knew was right, but all the great memories of being at home made it difficult. 

     I finally released my tight hold on staying at home and left for the airport, where I arrived with a heavy heart. I knew I had to leave my parents, sisters, and friends once again. I walked up the ramp and said goodbye, and then walked on through security and to my gate with an apathetic attitude. 

     As the plane took off, I watched through the window as Colorado drifted away under the oncoming clouds. I began to reflect on my family, and my values, and I realized that the best thing for me was to return to FMA and do my best for the rest of the year while overcoming my fears and all the other challenges along the way.

     I had to run to my next flight, and before I knew it, I was landing in Tri-Cities. The wind was blowing hard, and gusts of snow hit me as I stepped off the little plane. I saw Carlisle, Jordan, Jacob, and Mr. Kevin looking for me, and the smiles on their faces when they saw me lifted my spirits. At that point I could not wait to get back to the school and eat the warm spaghetti waiting for us. 

     My attitude had already shifted, and I wanted to make this next term ten times better than the last. This journey was a necessary reflection on my attitude toward “the big three,” and it gave me the motivation to drive forward and face the obstacles ahead.

Harvesting the Hog by Carlisle W.

During the week before break, a group of us assisted in the slaughtering of one of FMA’s hogs. It started out rough, because after it was killed, we had to crawl into the mud and haul it out. Once we had it hung up, we helped remove the head and intestines. Then we worked to skin it, being careful to leave the flavorful fat behind.

     Over the course of the next few days, working on Mr. Mike’s crew, we cut off roasts and other valuable cuts of meat, and then four of us ground the rest into sausage. For the sausage to be tender, it had to be ground twice to ensure that all the tendons were removed. 

     At the end of each day, we got to sample our work. Believe me, on a cold December day, nothing can beat fresh sausage hot out of the pan. 

The Importance of Floor Crew by Ralph R.

It was as I was using the floor as a mirror while combing my hair that I realized the true significance of floor crew’s job. Mitch, Joshua, Aiden, and I, the current floor crew, comprise the most crucial and advanced team at FMA. We clean the floors, refill and wash the lamps, and clean the chalkboard and classroom tables.

     Without floor crew, FMA would not have light, cleanliness, or any sign of sanitation. We would all be very sick. Unsanitary conditions would lead to epidemics of a wide variety of illnesses, such as emphysema, lung cancer, brain cancer, and skin cancer. The more I think about it, the more I realize how remarkable it is that our vital work seems to be so completed underrated.

     We are, in fact, accountable for all the hard work done at FMA. It is the floor crew that provides the safe learning environment where students can excel without the risk of illness. All of this is done from a spirit of generosity on our parts, because all we want is a better tomorrow where no floors are dirty.

     (What was I thinking when I wrote about Farm Crew?)

Idea of the Month: Forgiveness by Jacob C.

There are some things that come easily to people, and some things that don’t. But there is a reason that I keep getting out of bed in the morning, and that reason is simple. I’m worth it. Here is another part of that, and I’ll tie it all together: forgiveness.

     It’s funny, really, that these two ideas are what I’m choosing to write about, because while I may not have thought about them much before, I have found that they are what I need most.

     It’s not that I’m particularly awful, ugly, or unintelligent. Sure, I’ve made mistakes, and maybe I’m not a genius, but there is this thing about me which others find difficult to accept, and I’m working to understand and accept it for myself.

     I’m not asking for forgiveness from anyone else; I’m learning to forgive myself.

     Every day I work very very hard to tell myself I am worthy. It’s hard for me to do this sometimes because of mistakes I’ve made in the past, and that’s where forgiveness comes in. The truth is, I am the only one I know for sure I’m going to spend the rest of my life with, so it would be a good thing to love and cherish my inner self, my accomplishments, and my talents. 

     This doesn’t mean I’m “letting myself off the hook,” but merely that there are some things I cannot change, and it would be better for me to move on. I am learning to forgive myself because I am learning to truly understand that I’m worth it. 

     What about you? What did you do today?

Book Review: The Way of the Shadows by Mitch D.

I recently read The Way of the Shadows by Brent Weeks, and was instantly mesmerized. This fantasy novel follows an eleven-year-old “Guild Rat,” named Azoth as he grows up and becomes what is known as a “Wetboy,” or assassin. Throughout the story there are periodic shifts in perspective, and different narrators to cover a wide variety of heroes and villains. 

     Although I have never read any of Brent Weeks’ other books, in my effort to expand my novel reading, I have found a new favorite author. His vivid descriptions, including the strange culture of the Sethi, the way Azoth’s mentor, Durzo Blint, concocts a poison to confuse party goers, the wide range of strange weapons, and even magic, work together to enhance the reader’s experience.

     This is the first book of a trilogy, and I will definitely read the rest of it, and read some of his other books as well.

Movie Review: Wag the Dog by Jordan B.

The movie Wag the Dog is a very funny comedy about what happens when the President of the United States is caught having an affair two weeks before Election Day. His advisors call in “Mr. Fix It,” who works to rescue the President’s reputation by starting a “war,” then winning it, and bringing home a “captured war hero,” who is nothing more than a messed-up convict with a serious drug problem. 

      The humor makes this movie work, because, even during the most ridiculous moments, the characters roll with whatever happens. They keep making the lies bigger, even filming part of the “war,” to be shown during a television broadcast, on a soundstage, and recording a brand-new song that they claim is an old blues recording from the 1920’s. All of these actions are designed to divert attention from what is really happening, and to ensure that the President is re-elected.

     While this movie is a parody, it made me wonder if I can really be sure some of this doesn’t happen in real life.

Expedition Three by Liam L.

Expedition three started out with warm temperatures and clear skies. After a four-mile hike, at 12:50 p.m., we arrived at our first camp, Upper Birch Branch, which was tucked into a dense rhododendron thicket. 

     My tent partner, Jordan, and I woke up on day two at 6:20 a.m. to scattered clouds, and I was grateful that the rain had not yet hit us. Later that day, in warm sunny weather, we set off on a seven-mile hike, which took us up to Abingdon Gap. We crossed the AT and headed downhill to where our campsites spread out below us. We would stay there for the next three days.

     On day three it began to rain, but Jordan and I still enjoyed making doughnuts that satisfied us in the field. That day at rally we learned about the Beaufort scale and wind chill. 

     On day four we awoke to the unpleasant gift of a soaked tent, which was getting even wetter from the steady downpour of rain, but the good news was we had coals left over to start our fire. The rain stopped in time for our 1:00 p.m. class and the three-leg compass hike below the AT. Later that day it started pouring again, and evening classes were canceled; that night, once again, we enjoyed a dinner of lentils and rice. 

     The fifth day started at 7:30 a.m. when we awoke to an unexpected carpet of snow making that morning’s fire awfully hard to start. We left Abingdon Gap at 11:00 a.m. and hiked to our next camp. Passing the midway mark to Damascus lifted all of our spirits on that cold day. That evening it cleared up, and we were able to dry out all our gear.

     On day six, Jordan and I woke up at 7:10 a.m., excited to go home. That morning’s fire burst into warm flames that sent the freezing cold weather out of my mind. We discussed how we couldn’t wait for the Parmesan chicken awaiting us back at the school. At 9:30 a.m., we had a first-aid class and learned how to make splints. We also met a southbound AT hiker named Eddie, who had 460 miles to go to complete the AT. At 11:30 a.m. we hiked out and arrived in Damascus at 1:20 p.m., where we were treated to cold sodas provided by Mr. Mike. At 2:47 p.m. the wonderful yellow school bus picked us up and took us back to FMA. This expedition taught me a lot about camping in cold weather.

You Wish You Could by Carlisle W.

You think it’s all fun and games, but only parts of it actually are. You want to throw a 40-pound backpack on your back, because it sounds nice; well, it’s not. I bet you enjoy going without a shower for long periods of time too, right? How about lentils and rice to eat morning, noon, and night? Or maybe a frozen pair of boots waiting for you in the morning? 

Although now it sounds bad, it has its positives as well. How about a hot drink while sitting around a warm fire? Catching crawdads in a clear mountain stream, or learning how to save lives in the middle of nowhere?

It’s really not that bad at all, and I wish you were right here with me.

The Last Leaf by Jacob C.

With a flurry of motion, the leaf plummeted toward earth. 

It fell soundlessly with a quiet disregard for what it was to become. 

When it reached the moist duff, it labored for its last breath. 

“I held on as long as I could, and now I shall melt away to nothing.” 

As its vibrant colors faded away, it was lulled into becoming new soil.

The Donut by Jordan B.

During work chores last Friday, Mr. Mike, Carlisle, and I created a compost pile donut. From the very start, I could tell it would be the most amazing donut ever to have been seen by human eyes. It is four feet high, big enough to sit in, and made of tasty ingredients like cow, pig, horse, and chicken manure with the crispy addition of leaves, dirt, ash, and hay.

     When we were finished building our glorious donut, it was spectacular, and the ash on top shone like powdered sugar. I knew I had to get inside it, but this was a mistake because the second I stepped over the side and crouched down in the middle, the fresh air vanished and was replaced by the overwhelming odor of animal waste. It got even worse when my back tapped against the side, causing about a pound of manure to fall right over my head and down the back of my shirt all the way to my shoes.

     After freaking out, and having my picture taken, I left to go shower. That day proved what you have seen in robot movies and have heard about all genius inventions. That is, that your most magnificent creations will betray you and will usually win. I leave you with this lesson: Even powerful, beautiful, wonderful, awesome compost piles can hurt you. Never underestimate a donut.

Floor Crew by Jordan L.

The floor crew completes many jobs, but first let me introduce the members of the crew: Liam, Edo, Carlisle, Jordan L. (That’s me.), and, last but not least, Mr. Dan. 

     Every morning, after breakfast, the floor crew eliminates harmful bacteria and dust that can cause a variety of illnesses. There are nine different components to this “wonderful” job. First, we split into two groups. Mr. Dan and Edo are one group, and Liam, Carlisle, and I are the second group. Mr. Kevin is his own group, and he cleans the bathroom. Group one takes the dining area, and group two takes the classroom. The first thing we do is sweep the floors, then we get down on our hands and knees and clean them with rags and steaming hot water. Once these tasks are complete, we take the chairs off the tables and wipe the tables down with clean rags.

     While the rest of us are doing all this, our lamp guy, Carlisle, takes the lamps that are low on kerosene outside into the cold weather, and refills them. Once he is finished with that, we carefully put two lamps on each of the desks in the classroom. 

      When Ms. Margaret, who is on the kitchen dish crew with Jacob and Joshua, has finished washing the lamp chimneys, we dry them and put them back on the lamps. One of us wipes down the chalkboard, and, last but not least, someone sweeps the floor mats.

     We are very fast, so all of this only takes about twenty minutes. When it’s all said and done, I think floor crew is the best crew and the fastest at germ killing overall!