Most North Atlanta students spent the holiday break catching up on their sleep. Junior Claire Denning, however, was trekking across Uganda dreaming about finding cell service.

Denning is an active Adventure Scout, which is a branch of the Boy Scouts. Members of the co-ed group participate in community service and environmental conservation work.

Her trip to Uganda was part of a cultural exchange program called Scouting Bridges. Beyond having the incredible opportunity to see the spectacles of Uganda, Denning also got to create friendships with fellow teenagers she met. “We would have character talks with the kids about building personalities, respecting the environment, and about life in America,” she said.

Cultural bridges were also built with shared singing, dancing and craft-making exercises. “It was definitely a two-way street. We taught them and they certainly taught us,” Denning said.

Uganda, a landlocked country in central east Africa, is one of the least developed countries in the world. During her 12-day trip, Denning went to Lugazi in central Uganda. She was among 60 Adventure Scouts and her group was stationed in a local Christian school. Despite the seeming hardships the country’s citizens face, she said she noted the ongoing positivity in the Ugandans she met. “The kids never take their education for granted and they have the best work ethics and attitudes I’ve ever seen,” she said.

Her trip helped her realize how privileged teenagers in her home country are. America be a materially prosperous country, but it is those creature comforts that might prevent its citizens from striking out and seeing what the world – even the developing world – has to offer. “Being over there really opened my eyes,” Denning said. “It made me see the world in a different perspective. And the greatest gift was realizing how alike all of us really are.”