The IXs' Transmasonental Adventure
When the IXs arrived at Camp Mason, they stepped out of the city straight into a week of creativity, collaboration, and outdoor adventure. From the start, they were all in—canoeing across the lake, aiming for bullseyes in archery, whittling by the campfire, and baking fresh bread.
They threw themselves into camp life with energy and heart: skipping rocks, playing soccer and Gaga, wandering along the creek. During work periods, they wove baskets, stitched embroidery, and shaped corn husk dolls by hand. But their biggest challenge—and biggest excitement—was building the "Transmasonental Railroad."
Working in two teams, the IXs designed and built their own trains: "The IXs Fine Line" and "The Pacin’ Mason." They mapped routes, painted their creations, and got ready for the grand journey ahead. As launch day arrived, they packed their trains, shouldered their gear, and set out—one team crossing a river, the other climbing a hill—until they met in the middle and connected their lines. The railroad was complete, powered by determination, teamwork, and a lot of laughter.
The final evening was a celebration: a homemade feast, heartfelt toasts, and letters from home read aloud under the stars. Skits and songs lit up the night before a campfire of s’mores and a fierce game of flashlight tag.
In just a few days, the IXs didn’t just build trains—they built something bigger: trust, confidence, and a community that will carry them into the next adventure.
IXs Country Trip
