Cam vs. Wild

As I stared up at the massive rock wall I knew that I could conquer this climb. With every crack and crevasse I saw, it was almost as if the wall was taunting me to see if I could get to the top. This is why I was here. I had grown up with a love for the outdoors and had been into scouting as far back as I can remember. Now was my chance to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” I was one of the few that made it to the top on that specific route. I was also one of the youngest boys there. When I was younger everything was an adventure, and I’ve tried to live that way ever since.
From that first day at Boy Scout Camp I couldn’t get enough of the outdoors and as I grew older I developed a love for extreme sports. I grew up attached to a bike, everywhere I went I would ride my bike; I loved the wind blowing through my hair and the pure joy of having that freedom. I started racing BMX, and then went on to riding Mountain bikes; I’ve recently picked up road bikes. And will be doing a 500 mile ride to benefit the charity called The Central Asia Institute. (See my other post for more details). I can still remember that Christmas morning, when I opened one of my presents to find a Snowboard! I’ve been riding the powder (pow) ever since. I think without scouting I wouldn’t have been able to do half the things I’ve done in my life. I’ve rappelled off of arches, down waterfalls, and even out of trees 200 ft. plus high. I worked at a Boy Scout camp in the mountains of Northern California for three summers, with no or little pay just for the adventurous lifestyle. When I was too young to be a climbing instructor, I found a new love for rowing and sailboats. I am now in the BYU Sailing Club. I also enjoy canoeing, and kayaking. And in the summer we raft and tube down the river as much as possible. I continued climbing and still love to boulder as much as I can. I have recently developed a love for canyoneering; I took a course on it and have been hooked (literally) ever since. I love rapping down into the huge slot canyons and through the cool water of the awesome Utah landscape. Hiking has always been a major part of my life, I’ve hiked the Grand Canyon, Angels Landing, Mt. Timpanogoes, and Mt. Shasta, just to name a few. While scouting has played an important role in my life, I have also been able to help others in need. I completed my Eagle Scout with over 30 merit badges. This is one of scouting’s highest honors awarded and requires hours of service. I was thankful to be able to give back to the community.