From Behind-the-Scenes to Firsthand

Lydia “Regal Tang” Comart was working for an outfitter partner in a guiding and administrative role when she was first introduced to First Descents. While her role in the partnership was purely behind-the-scenes, her interactions with First Descents left a big impression and she always knew she wanted to experience the magic firsthand. As an avid climber herself, it was only fitting that she went on to volunteer on a weeklong program in the Adirondacks earlier this year. 

We asked Regal Tang what it’s like to volunteer on a weeklong FD program:

How did you first hear about FD, and why did you decide to join a program?

I’ve been guiding and working in outdoor education since 2017, and in 2019 I was working for an outfitter that partnered with First Descents to provide 2-day mountain biking programs. We had a national call where they had FD employees on to teach us about the mission of the organization, and then I worked with the FD team on the logistics of bringing programs to life in Boston. I always knew I wanted to find a way to plug back in to First Descents and with a job transition in the spring of 2024, I finally had my opening and volunteered for a week-long program!

I was lucky enough to join a rock climbing program in the Adirondacks in New York! I’m a rock climber based in Boston, MA, and I knew I wanted to get out to the cliffs with First Descents. It was important to me to share an activity that’s been transformative for me personally, in community with our FD cohort.

What day-to-day tasks were you responsible for?

I was Grand Master of the Hot Drink Station, Restocker of Shared Toilets, Mixer of Roadtrip Playlists, Roller of Lunch Wraps, and member of the Joint Committee for Dishwashing! Days are full and busy on a First Descents program, and I was integrated into climbing and swimming outings, campfires, and downtime frisbee and puzzles. Throughout all the busyness, my role also included looking out for the physical and emotional wellbeing of our group, and elevating observations and ideas to the rest of the support team to ensure all our participants were seen and taken care of.

What was the highlight of your experience?

Witnessing how healing it can be to care for others. Our participants tuned in to one another’s needs and gave generously and joyfully to each other. For some, this was offering shoulder rubs and hammock snuggles at the crag. For others, it was coming up with outrageously silly awards and performances for the group. And for some, it was showing up authentically with curiosity towards each other at mealtimes. I was blown away by how tirelessly our participants looked out for one another and how healing this practice was for them.

Also, the food!! It’s delicious and makes you feel amazing. I’m still making recipes from Uncle Buck and Disco Panther six months later…

What did you take away from your experience?

I loved campfires! Our lead guides centered the group through mindfulness and deftly opened up precious windows for vulnerability in a group setting. As a climbing guide, I work daily to unlock that vulnerable human space through challenging outdoor activities. I took away specific ways I could integrate a mindfulness practice into my own life and guiding. So rad!

What inspired your nickname?

I actually came to my FD program with a list of nicknames I had brainstormed in advance, but in the end it was a spontaneous conversation that resulted in a nickname that stuck! I was telling our amazing volunteer photographer (shoutout to Tomcat!) about how my favorite color is orange since my godmother is Dutch and we celebrated Koningsdag as kids – a holiday in the Netherlands when everyone wears orange. He said I should be called Tang or Fanta after a bright orange drink. As a fish enthusiast and former aquarist, I identified with the name Regal Tang as a dual reference to a species of tropical fish and the color orange!

What advice would you give someone considering an FD program?

Do it! There’s no single type of person these trips are for, and no single type of experience you’re “supposed” to have on trip. It’s an opportunity to open yourself up to adventure, connection and reflection. You may look for those things in greater or lesser measure, but no matter what you’ll definitely find FUN and exceptionally DELICIOUS FOOD. Make space for it – you’ll be so glad you did.