While watching the leaves fall gently onto a still Van Cortlandt Lake in the Bronx, I found myself crossing my fingers in the hopes that I would be reunited with one of my all-time favorite Canoemobile participants. For the past two years in a row, a student named Johanna and her elementary school, PS344 AmPark Elementary, had come to paddle with Canoemobile. I particularly remembered her because she shares a deep love and appreciation of The Moose Song with me, a silly song I sing every time I’m with students on the water.
Johanna was in my boat three years ago when I was leading my first ever Canoemobile tour. She had so much fun paddling and singing that she convinced her mother and little brother to come out with us during our community open-paddle the following morning. Two years ago, her class returned in the fall and we had a great moose-filled time once again. Her mother even told me that paddling with Canoemobile was now Johanna’s favorite field trip. So last week, while my crew and I were setting up for another day of programming, I wondered if my favorite moose song enthusiast would return for the third year in a row.
Johanna and her friends did, in fact, return that October morning. We recognized each other immediately. Johanna, now age 10, had her mom take a photo of her jumping into my arms. As you can see in the photos below, it has become a tradition for us. With all three photos on top of each other you can see how much Johanna has grown in the three years since our first canoe ride.
I love how Canoemobile’s commitment to a place offers outdoor leaders the ability to see the same kids several years in a row. It feels good in my soul to know that as our program grows and grows, some of our paddlers grow with us. Our paddle sessions are so much more than fleeting field trips; they are an opportunity to foster real connections with children in their communities, year after year. What a gift, to be a part of something so lasting and special!
—Canoemobile Outdoor Leader, Cory Dack
Jackie Radilla says
Oh my goodness! This is the sweetest! Thank you Canoemobile leaders for giving yourselves to these youth! It is so inspiring and refreshing to see that people who are passionate and enthusiastic continue to do this kind of work, it is so important. It’s because of programs, and because of the dedication and commitment from these leaders, that kids’ lives are changing and being enriched with so many great opportunities.
Jim Sweeney says
This is awesome. You guys are all making lifelong memories for those kids everywhere you go.
Canoemobile is an awesome project. I encourage people around the US to do what you can to get the Canoemobile to your local waterways. The kids and your sponsors will thank you!
Teri Heyer says
The US Forest Service is proud to be a small part of the big community that brings the Canoemobile to so many young people like Johanna. But this story is wonderful bringing it right down to the smiling, joyful, excited face level!!! I agree having some percentage have multiple visits is a good thing. It also brings home it is the people to people connection that makes CM special, paddling is secondary. So the CM crew leaders that spend hours on the road, going from town to town are the real heros here.
Anna W. says
What a great story! I love seeing the joy on both Cory and Johanna’s faces. That’s what Canoemobile is all about. The connections! Great work.
Tom Barry says
Cory and Johanna! What a wonderful story! A beautiful 3 year sequence of learning, growing and exploring together! I look forward to seeing a post of your 4th year reunion! Keep up the good work! 🛶
John Daskalakis says
Canoemobile folk carry a spirit like no other outdoor education team. Indeed, participants probably don’t even realize they are learning because the experience is revelatory and so impossibly fun. It’s the positive team building, knowing that everyone involved cares for each other, thats so good. Its a hard thing to do, to make a child feel part of a bigger whole, and you guys do it so well.
Maggie Morejón says
Cory, you’re awesome.
Sandra Corzantes says
How amazing! Can’t wait to see Cory and Johannas story in the years to come, hopefully Johanna will want to lead trips with Canoemobile 🙂 Thank you for this beautiful glimpse into what Canoemobile does for community
Chris Ederer says
What a heart warming, meaningful and memorable, experience that PreK-12 education produces with awesome partner organization like Wilderness Inquiry.