Power To Hike ~ Power To Inspire

My name is Carley Julien and I work for Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society as the Community Coordinator and an outdoor educator for the Wilderness School program. The Wilderness School is a five-year program for at-risk youth fosters positive social development and life skills through outdoor adventure activities.

As an outdoor educator it is my role to provide opportunities for youth to be challenged, not only physically; but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I realized this past year how important it is to experience some of these challenges myself. To achieve this goal I have made the decision to embark on a personal outdoor adventure hiking the full Pacific Crest Trail, 4200 kilometers, solo, this spring. The trail spans from the U.S./Mexico border to B.C. Canada and has an elevation gain of 0 – 14,000 ft; includes 17 national parks; and passes through six out of seven of North America's eco-zones.

My intention is to complete the trail by October 2011 and raise $5000 for the Power To Be Wilderness School by ‘selling’ kilometers along the way. All money raised will go towards a scholarship fund to help support our youth in post-secondary education.

My role as a mentor to these youth is a very significant and meaningful part of my life ~ My wish is this hike will inspire the youth in my program to reach high in their goals, motivate and encourage others, and to give back to their communities.

On a separate and personal note, this hike will pay tribute to a mentor in my life, Bruce Haskins (affectionately known as “Uncle Bruce”). When I was six years old Uncle Bruce picked me up from my parent’s house, strapped a back-pack on me complete with sleeping bag and tarp and marched me up Brent Mountain in the Okanagan with his two foster sons. I was instantly hooked!

All through my childhood and adolescents Uncle Bruce took me into the wilderness and inspired me to push beyond my fears. He taught me the value of physical challenge and the healing qualities that Mother Nature provides us. All of Uncle Bruce’s lessons have stayed with me and are now shared with the youth I work with. Bruce is now in his 80’s and has battled cancer for the last 10 years. While he is no longer able to hike, I know that he will be on the trail with me every step of the way.