I first went to Headwaters with my 5th grade Waldorf class. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I was almost knocked over by all the dogs. They were so exuberant and joyful, and immediately I was on the ground, petting them and all the awkwardness was forgotten.
Now, about 3 years later, I smile at the memories of my “headwaters family” and of the summer’s adventures. Again, in the 6th grade this time, I traveled the 5 hours up there with my class. When the week was over and we were leaving, I told Tim that I would be back for a few of the summer classes.
Back home, I asked my mom about it and soon I was back at the land, this time on my own for 6 weeks. My first class was the Marble Mountains class and it was a totally new experience for me. I had never gone backpacking before.
That summer was one of the most fun summers that I can remember. The time I spent there really prepared me for the year to come. 7th grade was a dark year for me; I was depressed for most of the year. I felt really alone. When times got real tough for me and I felt like I couldn’t face another day, I would look back on the summer and remember the entire new things I had done. I would look forward to the upcoming summer and the promise that I could go back for about the same amount of time.
The summer after 7th grade, Tim helped me go deeper and my time spent there again helped me prepare for the fall and the return to school. 8th grade was academically challenging for me. The entire year I was looking forward to the 8th grade trip. Our trip was a 9 day retreat in Kauai, Hawaii with Tim and Julie. That May we boarded the plane and flew to Kauai. We spent our last class trip together on the picturesque island. That trip heralded the start of summer and another 6 weeks at Headwaters.
The summer between 8th grade and freshman year I spent at the land was amazing in every way. I love the land and all of its hidden secrets, I find new places every time I go back. I consider the people there my family and Tim as the father I never had.
