b'atop a fallen tree. When they gain stability, theyreEncouraging imbalance does not mean disre-told they now must rearrange themselves on the loggarding the impact of trauma many guests feel. by their birthdaysor in some other order Great care should be taken to maintain physical without touching the ground. The activity, which isand emotional safety; include in the process common at many youth camps, teaches communi- people who guests already trust; level any power cation, teamwork, and how to support one another,differences through honesty and transparency; and it helps people recognize the gifts that eachand ensure guests have a say over their experi-person brings to a challenge. These lessons are allences. Still, within these guidelines, to retrain critical to people overcoming addiction, abuse,our brains, we have to be in environments where trauma, or poverty. The real value of these exerciseswere a bit uncomfortable. At Hope in the Gate, comes in the post-activity processing. Its importantwe utilize trained facilitators, life coaches, and to ask questions like: How did it make it feel whencounselors who know the participants and help you had to ?; Did it surprise you when ?;them process, but whether its feeding farm ani-What did you tell yourself about your ability tomals, pitching a tent, organic gardening, building succeed before you started? Did your perceptionsa fire, cooking camp-style breakfasts, navigating change?; or What did you learn about someonechallenging activities, or just creating space to else that you didnt know before?talk about things that matter, we work to get to \x02 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 39'