On August 24, RAFT for America brought a group of folks from North Carolina and surrounding states to the Nantahala River to confront something many of them had been quietly carrying: strained or broken relationships with the people they love. Some had family they no longer spoke to. Some were navigating the silence that comes after political arguments. Others were dealing with old friendships pulled apart by identity, faith, or the news cycle.
Social media influencer PopPop Bruce Johnson joined the day as a participant. A grandfather who led with openness and care, he embodied the spirit of RAFT—listening deeply, sharing honestly, and reminding everyone to, “Be open-minded. Hear what someone is saying from their point of view. And whatever our differences, always lead with love.”
After the river, The Grill Dads fired up the griddles for a riverside feast of Johnsonville sausage, with thanks to Johnsonville for their sponsorship of this trip. Mark Anderson and Ryan Fey are a pair of real-life dads who believe good food brings people together. We are grateful to Johnsonville for sponsoring this event. Johnsonville's Keep It Juicy campaign reminds us that having a meal with friends is more fun than eating alone and scrolling through social media.
The Nantahala trip was held in partnership with the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
