BlueFire’s young adult PulsaR group answered the call to adventure together, facing river rapids and steep trail climbs in search of deeper growth and connection.
We spent four days soaking in the serenity of nature and rising to its extreme challenges — experiences that allow room for inner work and reflect what young adults are working through in their day-to-day lives.
At the start of August, the entire Pulsar crew and staff set out on the Salmon River in Riggins, a renowned rafting town on the Idaho/Oregon border. For the first two days we worked together to navigate Class III and IV rapids, surrounded by rugged canyon walls.
The physical challenge was paired with deep discussions about what we each hoped to let go of on this journey — whether that be a pattern in life that no longer served us, resentment in a relationship, or avoidance of a difficult situation we needed to confront. Each young adult set an intention for themselves that they worked toward along the way. We gathered each morning and night to process together.
After two days on the river, we took to calmer waters and explored Payette Lake in the beautiful mountain town of McCall, Idaho. But we still had some mountains to face.
We pushed past our nerves and burning quads as we took our mountain bikes through Ponderosa State Park in McCall. We had to maneuver tricky root systems and steep uphill climbs, and were rewarded with magnificent views of the Payette Lake stretched out before us as we stood together on the trail’s summit.
With support from one another and a renewed connection with our inner strength, we all pushed past our comfort zones, both physically and emotionally. This space outside what’s comfortable is where we find what we are truly looking for.
Going through challenging and memorable experiences like this opens up new ways of thinking about how to connect with others and with ourselves, face difficulty without avoiding pain, and reach out to give and receive help.
Our four-day adventure mirrored the common thread found in stories throughout human history — the protagonist leaves home to respond to a call to action, digs deep to overcome challenges, and returns home a better version of themselves. Writer Joseph Campbell recognized this path and named it the Hero’s Journey.
BlueFire’s adventure approach allows clients to find transformation through this process, both internally and as a group. We’re so thankful to have spent these days together in the splendor of nature as we stepped into a stronger version of ourselves.
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” - Joseph Campbell
Written by PulsaR Clinical Director Jake Tucker, LCPC
