Mark Davis (a junior leader) on the rafting trip: I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was afraid people might fall out and get hurt. I wanted it to be exciting. We were having fun and working at the same time. I was leaning out trying to get our raft off the rock - when I tried to sit down I missed the raft and fell in, but when people tried to bring me in with the rope they brought me in under the raft. I thought I was going to die - it seemed like 20 minutes [I was underwater]. I was shooken up. I was always taught, if you fall off a horse, get back on. I wasn't that nervous [after I fell in], because I fell out at the hardest part. Later in the afternoon I got to steer at the back of the raft. Steering was fun - it was harder than paddling, but I learned something new. I'd like to do the same stretch again and then the harder part of the river, when I'm more experienced. On water testing: I liked the water testing - being in the water. I wanted to do all the testing. I like science. I'd like to teach the younger kids what I learned. Rhonda McClain on the Junior Leader Program: This past year I volunteered to become a part of the ICO Junior Leader Program. We began not knowing which direction to take it. So, we decided we would take everything we liked about ICO and make it better - the trips, food, transportation, etc. I think that was the perfect place to start. Then we had to determine the role of a junior leader. A junior leader sets an example for the group to follow. A junior leader deals with most of the aspects of a trip: planning the location, date and activities are just a few. They must also prepare the food. The next thing we had to solve was, how a person can become a junior leader. We decided there should be a process they must go through. Junior leaders begin as ICO participants. They earn beads by showing certain qualities. Each bead gets put on a necklace. When the necklace is full [two beads for each quality], the participant is eligible to become a junior leader. Junior leaders should also be trained in first aid and CPR. After potential junior leaders are qualified, they receive their certificate. This makes them eligible to start assisting a group. This summer I decided to prepare myself for my role as a junior leader. New Haven ICO sponsored a rafting trip. I learned a lot about what it takes to lead an activity, because I was part of the group. I gained a lot of experience and am happy I will be able to put it to use soon.