Andrew Geiselhart
Wilderness & Trails Intern
Slate Lake | Gospel Hump Wilderness
July 16-21, 2026
The youth crew getting ready to hit the trail!
One of the best ways to experience the wilderness is seeing it through the eyes of someone who’s never been there before. My 4th hitch took me into the Gospel Hump Wilderness on a Youth Wilderness Expedition hitch. From the start, it was clear this trip would be about more than hiking miles. It was about helping the next generation build a connection with wild places.
The youth after a night of cowboy camping under the stars!
After hiking down to Slate Lake, we set up camp right along the shoreline. It was the type of campsite that reminded us why wilderness areas are so special. Every morning we woke up to calm water surrounded by mountains, and every evening we got to watch the sun set over the lake after a day of work. It was hard to imagine a better place to spend the week.
While our days were spent working and exploring the wilderness, some of the best memories came once the work was finished. Evenings around the campfire quickly became everyone’s favorite part of the day. We spent hours playing Monopoly Deal and Uno, laughing together, and getting to know one another better. Those simple moments around the fire brought our group closer together and became just as memorable as the work we accomplished.
Andrew and a youth trying out the crosscut saw.
Our off day gave us another chance to appreciate the beauty of the Gospel Hump. We spent the day relaxing in a beautiful meadow where a deep creek flowed through the grass. It was the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the quiet, and appreciate everything the wilderness has to offer. Moments like that remind you that wilderness isn’t just something to work in it’s something to experience.
Throughout the hitch, it was rewarding to watch the kids become more comfortable in the backcountry. For some, this was their first time spending several days in the wilderness, carrying everything they needed on their backs and being away from friends and family. Watching their confidence grow behind the equipment and seeing them enjoy the little things from evenings around the fire to the incredible scenery was one of the most rewarding parts of the trip.
The crew!
This hitch was my second to last trip of the summer. It being one of the last weeks in the woods, it gave me time to reflect on everything I had learned throughout the season. From working the trails to helping lead this youth hitch, every experience reinforced the importance of protecting places like the Gospel Hump Wilderness. Spending the week at Slate Lake, sharing laughs around the campfire, and introducing kids to the backcountry reminded me why stewardship matters and why these places are worth preserving.
This trip only lasted a week, but the friendships, experiences, and lessons from this hitch will last much longer. Hopefully, for the kids, their time in the Gospel Hump Wilderness was more than just a week in the backcountry, it was the start of a lifelong appreciation for wild places.
Editor’s note: Check out the video this crew made on their day off for more fun!
Huntsville, AL
University of Alabama: Environmental Science
Growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, Andrew developed a strong connection to the outdoors from an early age. Through years in Boy Scouts, he gained valuable outdoor skills and eventually earned his Eagle Scout rank. He also spent much of his childhood on long road trips with his family, visiting national parks across the United States and exploring a wide range of landscapes. These experiences developed a lasting appreciation for wilderness and adventure. He was drawn to SBFC for the opportunity to travel and live in the West while helping maintain and protect the wild places that inspire him.