Precursor – Published in 2021. Please keep the context in mind for that time frame. Back in mind as we approach the first campout in 2023. The program isn’t where I want it, as time and bandwidth aren’t entirely there. Sitting here tonight trying to get out an overdue term paper, realizing 4 months since the last article went up, and in 2 weeks, we do another campout. Happy trails everyone!
How do you change a life, build a legacy, help overcome a fear or help someone see what lies beyond their grasp to even imagine? First, you must pause momentarily and realize how much we take for granted in our ability to run our rigs on thousands of kilometres of dirt roads.
Then, understanding the journey that brought us there, we put our hand out to someone uncertain, frightened or nervous and simply say – Do you trust me? And should they take that hand, a whole new world will unfold to them, one that will lead them on a journey that will provide them many options to build a lifetime of memories, smiles and challenges.
Those smiles are seen at Four Wheel Drive Association events, such as our newbie runs and burgeoning driver’s education sessions. However, our community runs hosted for the Big Brothers and Sisters and Burn Funds leave the most significant impact on those who volunteer and attend. In July, we held our 5th run, choosing to take our guests out along the Elaho River in the Sea to Sky area.
As the morning of the run arrived, the skies in the Vancouver Area opened up with torrential downpours; Mother Nature showed her sense of humour, ensuring our rigs would be properly washed as we headed up the Sea to Sky Corridor. We had chosen the Brackendale Elementary School as the staging area, as it allowed both a safe area for our guests to park their car and enough space to quickly organize people.
We had 18 sets of Bigs and Littles, and 2 organizers came from the program, along with approximately 30 vehicles that showed up from the Association to help make the event a success. Everyone was excited; we started matching the guests with their drivers and handing out the goodie bags that all our guests would receive. For this run, we had a few bonus items for the goodie bags, as Bob had organized hot wheels for everyone, and Travis was able to contribute a large assortment of Fidget Spinners.
We sent ahead our support vehicles to set up the lunch area, then had the guests climb into their paired rigs to start off on our tour. The Elaho River has long been one of my favourite runs, its winding rivers have etched a valley into the rock through the millennia, the wild strawberries veins running everywhere you stop, the slate colour of the mounts of shale making a stark contrast to the rich green evergreens.
We made a few stops for pictures before reaching our lunch destination, a pristine beach at about 45 km. Although the road itself would be considered beyond tame for most of us, it is an excellent introductory road for those that fear the concept of dirt roads. I’ve never figured out who gets more out of these events, as it’s a true toss-up between our guests and the volunteers. Reaching our lunch destination, we set up the rigs in a row and scrambled out of the rigs. As I walked around taking pictures, I could hear some of our volunteers asking the kids if they’d ever skipped a rock, and they hadn’t, so lessons were quickly at hand.
Others were off to play in the trees, build rock structures, and build castles in the sand. I sat with Hitman, my new wheeling companion, watching it all wonderfully. Everyone here had trusted me to pull this day off, the parents of the Littles, the Bigs, the organizers and the volunteers, and that takes a lot. To them, I thank them, as you gave me more than you could know, a belief that the Wheelers of Tomorrow program can work and make a difference.
Lunchtime was nearing its end, and it was time for the wonder of an off-road freezer to be seen; we pulled out the freezies and handed them out all around. Handing out the magical treats in the middle of nowhere, the giggles of the innocent voices carried across the beach. There were even a few quizzical looks on young faces, which could only be read as if asking if I indeed was a fairy godmother.
Alas, it was time to start heading back; this time, we’d be breaking up into 3 groups, allowing for the best viewing of the sights that had been chosen to be seen. I haven’t explored as much of the Sea to Sky area as many, so reaching the Peaches and Cream waterfall was a treat. Luckily several of our volunteers had helped with stair repairs a short time before, ensuring that the kids could safely visit it.
Our final stop would be the Totem Poles, which was a perfect place for the water fight to ensure. With the hot pink Tutu helping her blend in, Belinda handed off a water gun to one of the littles, and together, they assailed Matt. Oddly, Matt just couldn’t escape quickly enough and got drenched.
Alas, the adventure had ended, and it was time to return our guests to the staging area. Clambering out of the vehicles in the parking lot, the smiles spoke for themselves; everyone returned in better condition than I borrowed them. That day would stay in the memories of all there for years. For the volunteer’s memories of making a difference in the lives of others, for the guest’s memories that others cared enough for a total stranger to show them the beauty we take for granted.
And for me, memories that everyone trusted me. Changing the world is simple – building trusts one smile at a time.
As the Wheelers of Tomorrow program grows, we will offer many opportunities for both the kids of our members and the kids in our communities to get involved in the great outdoors. To stay up to date on what we are up to, please join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/4WDABCWheelersOfTomorrow or contact Kris at wot@4wdabc.ca
Trix's Trax 