I hike for the thrill. When I crest the top of a mountain peak; when I catch a glimpse of the scenery between gaps in the tree canopy; when the spray of a waterfall cools my face; when I hear the rush of a nearby river; when I get far enough from city life that the constant hum of traffic dissipates — that is what I hike for.
The beginning of summer is the perfect time to reconnect with the Great Outdoors. Such a perfect time in fact that June is dubbed Great Outdoors Month. Whether your summer be packed to the brim or as empty as a cloudless blue sky, now is the time for adventure.
This Great Outdoors Month, consider spending intentional time in nature. Whether daily, weekly, or even just once this month, go outside and focus on your surroundings. Hike, walk, camp, frolick, or whatever you see fit. But at some point, stop and breathe. Soak in the summer sun (or rain) and notice how it makes you feel.
As the Order of the Arrow, we pride ourselves on protecting the Great Outdoors. We promote camping, we maintain campsites, and we ought to acknowledge that. After all, it is not “we who love the indoors” – in the Ordeal Ceremony, Meteu describes our order as “we who love the woods and camping”. We share a love of the Great Outdoors. This month is a calling to remember that.
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of leadership or the rush of packing up. The next time you camp, hike, or whatever, don’t let yourself get whisked away – instead, embrace the adventure.
Remember also that nature is often a prime location for self-reflection. Notice the haunts of nature, the moonlit water, the bright meadows, the shadows on the forest floor, the branches sighing in the breeze, the roar of rivers, and the thunder in the mountains. Notice them as Meteu did in the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony, and listen for our whispered Admonition.
Remember the Admonition, remember to find love in the woods and camping, and ask yourself the question: what do you hike for?