Leading the Way
Leading the Way Expedition is an ongoing adventure lead by Erik and Global Explorers, a non-profit organization committed to sharing educational and leadership experiences around the world. In June, 2006, nine blind and nine sighted teenagers set out on a week-long trek on the Super Inca Trail. The goal was for the sighted teens to guide the blind teens- an Everest-worthy challenge. the team needed to exhibit their best communications, trust, and leadership as they faced obstacles and push themselves to new heights. The team took time to paint a school house in the village of Chilipahua, crossed a series of high mountain passes, and ultimately stood as a team at the Gates of the Son overlooking the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Erik lead a second Leading the Way program in July, 2007, this time to the Cordillera Huayhuash. Said Clayton Roper, a student on the expedition, "I don't know if that was exactly fun, but it definitely changed my life."
In 2008, Global Explorers Leading the Way program took a group of student travelers rafting the Colorado River through Grand Canyon for 14 days. A group of 6 sighted students teamed up with 6 legally blind students on an incredible wilderness adventure. The students were joined by Erik Weihenmayer and a camera crew from CBS Sunday Morning.
The group put in at Lee’s Ferry and rafted 226 miles over 14 days all the way to Diamond Creek. The trip, spearheaded by Global Explorers, was coordinated in conjunction with nonprofit organization Grand Canyon Youth and river outfitters AzRA (Arizona Raft Adventures) and Canyon Explorations and Expeditions. Students had the opportunity to raft in oar boats or a safety motor boat, or be more active participants on a paddle boat or 1 and 2 person duckies. The group camped along the shores of the Colorado every night and in addition to rafting, had many chances to explore countless magical side canyons.
You can view the CBS Sunday Morning piece about the adventure here:http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4447954n
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