Take a break from school to step up the adventure factor in your life.  Come with us as we canoe/kayak out across Lake Champlain to Burton Island, where we’ll play, eat, do experiential learning together, and do all the fun things that camping out on the lake brings!  Pick ups at Davis Center Circle on Friday at 3:30 and 5:30.  Back by dinner on Saturday.  $20/person covers food, transportation, camping and some equipment. RSVP ASAP to reserve your space and get on the email list to receive updated info for this trip!

Hang

OK, so neither of these definitions really hit the nail on the head with what we’re trying to do with Wednesday afternoons, so let’s just ’splain it, shall we?

We’ve gotta hang out more.  Here’s why:

• You spend way too much time in your room
• You have questions and ideas about life, spirituality, Jesus and how to get a ride to the slopes on weekends
• You love Jon and Jenn Ayers, and/or you miss us
• You just wanna drop-by and see what’s up/Who’s here
• You have some work to do that you don’t need to be alone for
• Lifelines people are too much fun not to be around more.

That’s all I’ve got.  But seriously, stop-by Brennans this (or any) Wednesday afternoon for any of the above reasons, or just to buy me pancakes.  The “Hang” will be a totally unprogrammed time of pretty much hanging out and doing/discussing whatever comes up and even just doing homework (oh wait - was that too programmed?)   As always, e-mail or call with questions! - Jon

There’s something so sweet about a new semester, starting fresh, carte blanche, a la carte (?), a la mode (!)  We prefer the analogy of untrodden snow - waiting to be played in.

However you start the year, we hope you’ll make Lifelines a part of your 2010.  Here’s what we have coming down the pipe:

• Fireside Men’s Group: - Yup, we’re moving the fire inside this winter.  We’re also moving the time to Wed. nights, 6:45 pickup at the Davis Center Circle.
• Women’s Group Meetings:  Times and dates are changing-up for these!  Check back here for more info.
• Snowshoeing:  We’re tackling Camel’s Hump, Mansfield and who knows what else.  We’re seriously psyched for the challenge of winter hiking.  Dates TBA
• Winter Survival:  Getting stuck in the woods in the winter ain’t no joke!  Sure, you watched Bear Grylls work his magic all winter break - but that was from your couch, under a blanket, munching on leftovers.  Come learn from experience!
• Ski Trips:  Finally!  We’re providing a few rides up to the slopes this semester.  Let us know if you want in…

For now, if any of these offerings strike your fancy, LET US KNOW!  We’d love to see you.

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Seriously, though - the Corn Maze is a classic fall tradition in Vermont and you won’t want to miss it.  RSVP for a ride and meet us at 4:45 @ the Allen House.

Photos: Sarah Paulson

The Lifelines Fall Getaway trip this fall consisted of a kayaking canoeing excursion of ten students and awesome staff across Waterbury Reservoir to a gorgeous remote camp site on the point of the peninsula. We were all challenged by the theme, “courage,” when we were strapped into a harness and given the opportunity to pull ourselves across a rope tied over the river, monkey around, and then be pulled back in by Dan. Finding a message in a bottle (thank you Alex and Nick), cliff jumping, the courage feat, learning canoe rescues (or being rescued), deep fireside chats, and wonderful food were a few of the trips’ highlights!

For me personally ,the trip was an amazing opportunity to slow down, relax, and just getaway from the craziness of life for a weekend. I was challenged by the courage feat and the insecurities that rose up within me. As a result I learned that this trip was a safe place to try new things, let the very familiar guard down, be myself, and be supported my new friendships and growing ones. Not to mention, the canoeing and kayaking rocked my socks off and the banana boats changed my life!