Experience is a M.U.S.T.
To kick off the new school year of M.U.S.T. programming, Mentees, Mentors, and staff embarked on an overnight trip to the Red Barn Ranch hosted by the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle. This end of summer retreat was a time for the M.U.S.T. community to celebrate their achievements and welcome new Mentees into the program. The Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle led the group in unique, experiential activities that challenged the Mentees individually and as a team.
Mentees and Mentors prepared their campground, pitching tents and building campfires, learned to ride and care for horses, competed in archery and dodgeball competitions, and cooked trout on an open flame. These activities were framed around educating the group about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, and the significance Black history has played in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States. This final summer outing was intended to set the tone for the coming year, empowering M.U.S.T. youth to discover who they are and inspire them as they continue on their path to liberation.
“You mean the wood doesn’t cut itself?
~ Barack Blanco, while chopping the wood for the fire. Keeping all of us laughing!
“Just a little seasoning and a fire. It felt natural.”
~ J’Andre Castillo on cooking his trout on the open fire.
You can learn more about The Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle at: buffalosoldiersofseattle.com
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