Adventure Awaits: Teens Take on the "Stand Up and Go" Challenge
Adolescents from "Holiday Home" travel back to Nizhny Novgorod from Chkalovsk
With a spirit of camaraderie and determination, the young residents of the "Hoodlum House" embarked on an unconventional yet exhilarating journey. The "Stand Up and Go" challenge, a testament to teenage resilience, started four days ago and led them through 96 kilometers on foot.
As they returned home with memories they'd cherish forever, the tale of their daring adventure unfolds.
Anton, a Resident of "Hoodlum House" in Nizhny Novgorod:
"The walking days were truly something special. I experienced emotions I won't find elsewhere."
Artem, Another Resident of "Hoodlum House" in Nizhny Novgorod:
"It was challenging when our cart was near collapse, especially in the forest - it was tough to push. The struggle continued when we walked through the forest, worried about potential wild animals. We had to protect the women in our group."
The ethos of "Hoodlum House" is apparent in their wards - they learn to support and uplift each other, even on the toughest of paths.
Elvira, a Resident of "Hoodlum House" in Nizhny Novgorod:
"Knowing my companions well made the journey bearable. If they were strangers, it would have been uncomfortable. The conversation kept the journey from feeling too long."
During their trek, the teens didn't just overcome challenges; they also met and interacted with fellow teenagers from the Balakhna and Chkalovsky districts. The primary objective? To demonstrate that life takes on new dimensions without vices, eagerness to learn, travel, and strive for excellence is exciting, full, and accessible for everyone.
Marina Efimova, General Director of the "Hoodlum House" Center for Teenage Mentoring:
"Our journey took us through churches, dormitories, and hotels. Along the way, we conversed with local youth and encountered many intoxicated teenagers. It was disheartening to see so much destruction among the young generation. It inspired us to encourage everyone to stand up and move forward - to put down their harmful habits and live better lives."
Once former "troublemakers" themselves, these young leaders now impart wisdom through workshops targeted at teenagers navigating challenging life situations. Soon, they plan to channel their energy towards bringing joy and opportunities to children in Yakutia, hosting charity events for those with disabilities.
Their goal is to create lasting, meaningful moments for their peers, a testament to their own transformative journey.
- "Despite my reservations about my future employment prospects, this adventure has shown me that personal growth and self-development can come from unexpected places, like outdoor-living and travel."
- "Once we complete our mission in Yakutia, we hope to provide children with a glimpse of an alternative lifestyle - one that doesn't involve harmful habits and instead embraces home-and-garden, education-and-self-development, and personal growth."
- "Despite the grueling challenge, I realized that a fulfilling lifestyle doesn't always require material comforts; it's about the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the journey of self-discovery, whether it's through adventure or learning new skills."
