Tori Doss may be a student of the Santa Maria Home School Program, but this upcoming summer, she’ll be far away from home thanks to a program sponsored by Montana Yellowstone Expedition (MYE), a division of the Orfalea Foundation.
Doss will partake in the “Explore 1: River and Hopi Service” program, where she and 24 other students will raft the Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River in Utah for eight days.
During each day of the 21-day trip, participants will go through leadership training and initiatives, including having each member of the group lead the expedition. They won’t have to navigate by the stars, though, since they’ll have their trusty compass.
This isn’t Doss’ first rodeo. Last year, she participated in the Wilderness Challenge Course, a 25-day program focusing on leadership, self-discovery, and sustainability in Montana.
Last year’s program gave Doss the self-confidence to return to the program this year—especially when she learned the program would involve helping the Hopi nation in Arizona.
Doss was “shocked” when she heard that this year they would be committed to community service with the Hopis.
“Last year, we worked at little events, festivals and farmers market, but nothing like this year,” Doss said. “I’m super excited, though, to meet new people and help out the town.”
Doss is planning on reading information on the Hopi nation before living among them.
This article appears in May 12-19, 2011.