Fort Riley

I am not an early riser, but going to Fort Riley sounded like a fun experience, so I did not mind getting up earlier than I would have. It was quite a cold and windy day, which I suppose is better than it being super hot. It was a peaceful drive there, with not much talking. I think everyone was still a little tired. When we first got there, we were greeted and told a little about what recreation opportunities were for those who were at Fort Riley, and how it can release some stress from those who are having a hard time. 

We then did some of those activities that were mentioned, like tanks and an activity that was a combination of soccer and golf. Tanks was a fun game where you would have a partner, and one would be on all fours on the ground, eyes closed, being directed by their partner who would tell them where to go and where to throw a bean bag to try to get another team out. My partner was Allison, and she did a lot better than I did directing me around, and telling me where to throw the bean bag. When I opened my eyes, and when the game was over, it felt like I had gone all the way across the circle, but in reality I wasn’t even near the middle, but a quarter of the way. When your eyes are closed and you cannot see, and you only have your hearing and feeling left, it is so different, and my senses were off. It had felt like I went so far but only went a couple yards. 

After a few rounds of this game, we went inside and talked about how outdoor recreation opportunities can take people’s minds off of stressful things in their lives. We then got divided into groups and did the golf and soccer combination activity. As we were walking to the starting tee, even though it was cold, it was fun because I was with friends and we were just enjoying the fresh, crisp air. When we got to the tee, we punted or kicked the ball as far as we could get it to the hole. It was a little difficult at first, because I’m not the best at soccer, I like and am better at basketball. But once we got used to it, it was actually kind of fun, and did not feel like we were doing this for school, but instead felt like we were there specifically to do this activity. On the second hole, I kicked the soccer ball, and as it flew through the air, I noticed my shoe went with it. After that, I made sure my shoes were securely on my feet. When my group was done, we stood around and just looked out at the fields around us. After this activity we went back inside and talked about the opportunities we have to help out and have a job that helps with the outdoor recreation activities at Fort Riley. After this, we got loaded back into the vans and headed out. But this was a fun experience that should be continued in this class in the years to come, because it actually lets us see how and where these oppotunities are for those in our community.