The Pioneer Group from Camp Duncan for Girls set out to navigate the Suwannee River in 19 days. The six teenage girls and two Chiefs paddled four canoes with supplies and food more than 200 miles down river on their successful trip. As part of their journey, the girls journaled about their trip.

The Beginning

On the first day of our trip, we drove to Fargo, Georgia. We woke up at 3:45 am and left Camp Duncan at about 5:30am. The trip takes eight hours and during that time, we ate breakfast, slept, listened to music, did academics, and listened to a tree podcast. We stopped at a rest stop in Florida for lunch. It was a beautiful spot, with really pretty birds.

So far on the trip, we've seen nineteen alligators. We've seen a lot of them on land. The rest are usually swimming in the water. I love seeing alligators, they're really cool reptiles. — Makayla

We are the Pioneers!

We are studying dendrology, which is the scientific study of trees. While paddling down the Suwannee, we see palm trees, live oaks, cypress, and pine trees. The cypress trees are my favorite because of the cypress knees.

We are paddling around 225 miles and that itself teaches us a lot, like teamwork. You can't canoe all those miles by yourself. It helps us communicate and work well together. That's only the first week and we have already had an adventure. I've learned a lot just being on the Suwannee. The ways we grow just from paddling really encourages me to keep going! "We are the Pioneers and we do hard things!" — Ranen

Trees and Reptiles

A yucca differs from a palmetto by its leaves. Yuccas have long, narrow leaves with a pointy end and Palmettos have huge fan-like leaves. I have seen only one Aloe Yucca. In summer, the Aloe Yucca's flowers bloom and in the fall it produces fruit.

So far, we have enjoyed all the trees and reptiles around here. There's still lots more to look forward to. When we see something we've never seen before or maybe just to make sure, we look it up in an Audubon and it's pretty helpful. We're learning a lot and there's more to learn as we make our way down to the Gulf. See ya later, alligator! — Kylie

Stronger as a Group

I'm glad we had positive attitudes when we had rain that was heavy, and found a campsite. Having good spirits helped us most get the things done that needed to get done. Working as a group got us through it way better than it could've been. Even when we weren't sure we were going to find a campsite, we prayed to God to let us find one. Having a group you can get through anything even when you think you can't. — Keagan

Big Shoals

We heard waves in the distance, so we paddled to the left side so we could portage Big Shoals. It was late in the day and we had to find a place to camp for the night because it was too late to portage. We could portage our gear the next day. The next day, we carried our cargo and canoe over land to avoid Big Shoals, an unsafe place of whitewater in the river. — Makenzie

Sunday Chapel

Every Sunday we have Chapel, so we found a good spot, set up a tarp to keep us dry from the rain, and we turned to 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13, which is about love. Our situation wasn't very comfortable but the Chapel definitely helped. The rain stopped and we enjoyed our lunch of meat, cheese, and crackers. We played a game and then set off again.

We experienced reaching our destination, portaging three fourths of a mile, and had Chapel in the rain. I'm so glad to say our group had made impressive improvements. — Harleigh

Six teenage girls and two Chiefs paddle four canoes ladded with the supplies and food needed for the 19-day long river trip.

While on canoe trips, the girls and their chiefs setup campsites along the riverbank where they cook and sleep.

Chiefs bring hope and healing to girls

By Chief Bradley Gearhart

Jane grew up with pain and neglect. Her parents were separated and she lived with her mother who struggled with drugs and alcohol. In her addictions, she allowed men into the home who would sexually abuse her daughter. The darkness that consumed Jane's young life only grew worse as her own family members began abusing her.

One day, Jane's mother chose to leave her with nearby strangers and disappeared for days. After it was apparent mom was not returning, the neighbors contacted Jane's father and he took his daughter into his home. He provided the caring, stable home Jane needed but the abuse had taken its toll in her life. She struggled with hurt and anger. He reached out to Camp Duncan for help.

Within the first month of camp, Jane was able to feel comfortable enough to share some of her traumatic past with Chief Hannah—the strong, Christian young woman who serves as a mentor and caregiver to the campers seeking help and hope at this 24/7 wilderness program. Jane had never opened up about her pain to anyone like this before, not until she confided in her chief. God used that conversation so that Camp's case managers and staff could help her work through the trauma and start on a path of healing.

I share Jane's story because it highlights the essential role our chiefs play in the lives of every girl we have the privilege to serve. Without our chiefs, these conversations and relationships would not happen. Being a chief isn't for everyone, but if you had a chance to help a young woman heal from something so terrible, wouldn't you want to try? Please partner with us, committing to pray and fast for more chiefs so we can continue to share hope and help change these young ladies' lives for the glory of God.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Chief, visit www.campcareers.org.

Camp's pioneers learn to do hard things