Catching Up With CAT: Adapting and Connecting with Participants

Hi, my name is Kyle and I am a summer intern at CAT! 

Last week, we were at Jackson Harbor doing paddling on the water. Usually, I would have been in my own kayak or in a canoe to help participants with paddling or towing, but I actually can't paddle at all because of a torn ligament in my thumb. Thanks to my supportive coworkers, I was able to ride along in a canoe for most of the programs.

Having this injury has forced me to take a step back and allowed me to focus more on connecting with participants. I find that I have more time to talk with the participants about how they are feeling and give better advice because I am more focused on them and less on myself. For example, while I was riding along in the canoe, there were many instances where I was able to instruct participants on paddling techniques to paddle backwards or turn more efficiently because I noticed them struggling or lagging behind. I also really enjoyed being able to talk with participants about their confidence levels and previous experiences with paddling. I loved seeing all of them gain both confidence and paddling ability throughout each program. 

It was an added bonus that we had a very hot week, so cooling off in the water after the group paddled to the beach was a great reward! The participants had to stick together as a group to safely make it to the beach, then they got to have fun in the water playing games and splashing around. 

I am extremely grateful for all of our CAT staff for being very supportive, and all the participants for being so enthusiastic to do our activities! 

- Kyle