Jackson Wyoming Day 1

What: Operation Purple Family Retreat

Where: Teton Science School Campus, Jackson, WY

Why: Rest, Relaxation, Adventure for families who have endured deployments

Fam Och had never heard of the Teton Science Schools until this retreat, but apparently, this non-profit educational center specializes in environmental science and preservation education for those eight years old and up. They host day camps throughout the summer, and have dormitories, I believe for in-resident studies throughout the traditional school year.

It is here that we stayed, in the dorms built from 100% recycled material, powered partly by solar panels stationed throughout the campus, which of course was a great thing because it gave us an opportunity to explain the importance of energy conservation to the kids and have them experience it firsthand.

The dormitories

The campus lay in the Coyote Canyon, nestled between aspen groves where pronghorn antelope can be seen grazing at the tops of the hills above us. Along with the excursions, all lodging and meal expenses were provided in this retreat. There was no cleaning staff, however, and so each family teamed with another each night to take over kitchen cleanup duties. I have never seen Dylan excited to wash dishes before this! He was in charge of rinsing with teenaged twin boys of another fam, while the Mister dried dishes. Sophie vaccuumed the entry rugs, while Liv and I sprayed and wiped the tables and chairs in the cafeteria.

The first day consisted mainly of checking in and getting settled in our room. A double bed and two sets of bunk beds, in our case. Being nestled between canyon walls led to a consistent and oftentimes chilly breeze, but this did not stop Sophia from partaking in some relaxing in the rocking chairs situated outside the dorms.

We got to know all the other families from different branches of the military. Some came as far as Georgia. We had icebreakers and family arts and crafts (one of them had us creating our family flag), followed by free time playing lawn games and romping around the playground.

It was a fabulous start to an even more fabulous weekend.