Hello,

My name is Indigo Olivenza. I'm a sixteen year-old junior attending Arvada West High School near Denver, Colorado. I love spending time outdoors, and would consider the wilderness a major part of my life. To me, the wilderness is a freedom, an escape, an opportunity to set down the burdens of social life for a short while, an opportunity to challenge your body without worrying about the pressure of everyday life.

This last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to attend Camp Menogyn, a teen backcountry summer camp situated on the edge of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. The camp runs wilderness trips for teens, especially teens who are trying to find their identity. I spent 16 days in the wilderness of southern Ontario with four other teens and one guide in one of Camp Menogyn's all-gender canoe trips. I had no idea what to expect going into it, but it turned out to be one of the best, and most life-changing, experiences I've ever had. From sinking into waist-deep swamps that felt more than a little haunted to canoeing through a storm with waves coming over the edges of the boats, to hearing what we think was moose mating, I wouldn't trade anything for that experience.

This next summer, I would have the opportunity to go on a 32 day Nor'wester Canoe Trip with Menogyn in the Ontario or Manitoba wilderness. Going on a river trip has always been one of my dreams, and to do it in a canoe in Canadian wilderness with people who accept me for who I am and push me to be my best self would be absolutely amazing, and nothing short of a dream come true.

Being in the wilderness has always helped me process the things that go on in my life. To have this chance, at this time- it's amazing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I want to take advantage of it. Going this last summer helped me discover who I am a little more, helped me go into junior year feeling like things might actually work out, helped me learn how to manage my mental health better simply by challenging myself without societal obligations.

Please help me take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Thank you.

Here are some links to the Camp Menogyn website.

Registration Cost and Programs

Camp Menogyn Home Page

The cost of the trip would be $6,700 but I also need to pay for the transportation there and back as well as needed gear.