Recently, families flew from all over the Unites States and even a few countries outside the US, to converge on the scenic town of Moab in Southern Utah. As part of an annual tradition, families spend two nights camping every fall for family weekend, and returned to Moab for the 5th consecutive year – historically we’ve gone to Goblin Valley and Bryce Canyon (in the spring our families camp in Green River and go white water rafting). Campus communities from Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork and Hobble Creek took Moab by storm. Nearly 90 families (well over 350 people total!) spend a fantastic Fall getaway.
Whether it be hiking nearly 6 breathtaking miles of Morning Glory trail, visiting the famous Corona Arch or taking a scenic drive to Canyonlands with spectacular vistas and mesas rivaling that of the Grand Canyon, New Haven families and staff were treated to some extraordinary scenery. Other families spent time observing ancient Indian writings dating back perhaps thousands of years ago. Some families even tried their hand at Rock Climbing.
Bruce a parent from TX said, “I may not always go camping, but when I do, it will always be Moab.” John Stewart, New Haven’s Executive Director was overheard complimenting families for…“their great attitudes” and “how fun it was to see families playing together.”
Each campout featured a very powerful Legacy ceremony. Parents presented their daughters with a symbolic gift, epitomizing in part, their journey together. Underneath a full moon, sitting around a campfire, families told touching stories of perseverance, love, determination and service. One family created a scrapbook of quotes from people who had been touched by their daughter’s courage and strength over the years. Another shared their grandfather’s commitment to Service and Volunteerism that had been passed down several generations.
Being in nature brings a new element to family bonding, and adds something powerful and special to our family weekends. We are grateful to get to have these experiences with our families twice each year!
