Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing photos and experiences from the Alaska Fishing expedition some of the boys (and alumni) along with some of their parents have an opportunity to go on each summer.
This trip is unique to Triumph Youth Services and something we look forward to each year. It provides the boys with an experience of a life-time and one they certainly won’t forget.
Here’s what a few people had to say about the 2016 trip:
“My son and I went on the Alaska trip this year and had an amazing time! The Lyman’s were such amazing hosts! It is hard to come up with one favorite experience.
We really loved halibut fishing both out of Seward and out of Ninilchik. Equally incredible was the fly out to fish the salmon running the river. We fished within 50 feet of the brown bears! The views were always amazing—whether we were hiking out in the Lyman’s backyard or up to the glaciers.
Another highlight was feeding the bald eagles the remains of the fish we caught.
More important than all the activities was the bonding time I had with my son. We had a great time together and were able to talk a lot about what he had learned at Triumph and what goals he had. We also spent time talking to Sterling about how my son could make more progress in treatment. That was invaluable time, and it made a huge difference in my son’s life and in his treatment.
His attitude, drive and maturity improved more in the few months following the Alaska trip than in the nine months previous. It was also really fun getting to know the other boys, their dads, and the staff on a more personal level. Alaska is probably the first place that I have visited that I really want to return to. I hope to make the trip again soon!” –David (dad of a boy at Triumph)
This is an account from Ryan who is on staff with Triumph.
“One night after a long and very successful day on the river we started to make our way back to the cabin. We had just hit town when we realized how much of an appetite we had. We ended up grabbing some snacks at the gas station and then hit the Taco Bell for some hard earned grub.
As we rushed in to place our Alaska sized order one of our boys couldn’t help but notice there was a woman on the curb holding up a sign asking for food. As we went about our order it was apparent that this young man was very mindful of the fact that this woman had nothing to eat. He began to be beside himself and became agitated to the situation. He just knew that he had to do something.
Now if you knew this particular young man he was not your typical kid to show care and concern for others. In fact it was very rare for him to do so. He often was negative and would poke fun at these types of situations but for some reason after being in Alaska for only a few days his heart had been softened.
He went out and engaged in a conversation with the woman and gave her the food that he had just ordered for himself. This small act of kindness became a turning point in his interactions with others. This young man began to come out of his shell and express himself in ways he never before had the confidence to do.
Alaska truly is a place that helps one find their voice, their purpose, their confidence, and above all their true character.
As always we have the fish stories and oh how I could go on about those. One of my favorites though has to be when our own little Mikey caught his first monster Red Sockeye Salmon on the Kenai River. In following with Alaska customs when you hook into a fish in the river you are supposed to yell “Fish On” to let those around you know that you hooked a fish so they can help you land your fish or get it in the net.
This particular day the boys had been fishing hard with several hook ups. For Mikey it was slower and he had yet to connect with his first red. He stayed diligent and continued grinding. Soon enough he was able to hook his first Red and with all the excitement instead of yelling “Fish on”, he exclaimed it! I mean so loud that I think all of Alaska knew that Mikey had that Fish on. Seeing his excitement as he proudly held up the fish he had worked so hard for was something I will never forget. Great Job Mikey and FISH ON!!!
This year we had the two extremes in Alaska. A new young man entered the program and we said goodbye to a graduate. Alaska is for anyone and everyone. One of my favorite parts is the young men that get to take their dads or siblings along on the trip. The bonding and communication that come from this opportunity to experience Alaska as a father and son is as rich as the many gold mines of the frozen north.
Any young man that is committed to enjoying himself, getting out of his comfort zone, and exploring the many opportunities the last frontier has to offer is invited to come.
The Alaska trip generally lasts 7 to 10 days with most trips being closer to the 10 days. We love having every young man and his parent attend when possible. If needed we will split into smaller group sizes to allow everyone to experience the many opportunities available in the great state of Alaska. We do things from sightseeing, bird watching, whale watching, cruises, hiking to glaciers, swimming (if you are brave enough to dare the frigid waters), attending cultural celebrations, learning from the natives, dog sledding, zip-lining, oh and fishing, Fishing, FISHING!!!
The benefits that come from attending the Alaska trip are priceless. How many people can say they have been to America’s last frontier? The trip is the chance of a lifetime for these young men to experience things they could only dream of before. While much of the trip is relaxed and a chance for the boys to “let their hair down”, it is also an opportunity to expand their comfort zones, continue to engage them in the treatment process while showing them another way of having good, positive fun without the need of drugs, alcohol, or other addictions.”
Stay tuned for upcoming posts all about Alaska. More accounts of the trip. More stories. And a lot more photos.
