Breakthroughs. That is what we experienced today in the high ropes. Goals pursued, achieved and surpassed. Fears addressed and overcome. I heard the rubber chicken (which hangs at 45 feet in the air) crow a few times today as the athletes used all sorts of techniques to climb to the top of the Vertical Playpen. The cowbell rang more than ever as the athletes dominated the tightrope traverse. And lastly, I saw burpees, push-ups and even the ELITEAM dance executed on the incline log – 20 feet in the air.
On the fields it was a leg tiring, lung burning, all-out, go-for-it kind of workout. The campers learned what it means to push themselves to the limit. Although hot, they worked hard and with intensity. The hardest were the backwards tuck walks up the hill. The most fun was the quick-feet slalom course. Emma, loving the course, was not at all concerned about the heat. She declared, “I won’t get hot until I beat these two boys.”
Dinner tonight was “Taco Tuesday” on Thursday, and it was as messy as it was good. Pepper and Nick filled their plates 4 times!
QUOTES FROM THE KIDS:
What has been the most challenging part of Eliteam and why?
Brooks- Leg Routine. Backward tuck walk because my legs were hurting and felt like they were going to fall off.
Lindley- Ropes course because you had to push your limits.
Emily- You have to do something that really scares you, but afterwards the accomplishment feels great.
What is the key to staying calm and positive in the Ropes Course?
Annie – I like to do the harder ones first so I have confidence for the ones later.
Wyatt- Don’t look down, also focus on one thing.
Lindley- Breathing.
Rayna- The key is to breathe and trust the rope.
Emily- Don’t look down. Look forward and never give up.
Amy- You have to remember that nothing can happen to you.
Saylor- Believe you can!!
Declaration from Phoebe in the Ropes course… I’m going to cross the log. YOLO!
(You Only Live Once)
What is the trick to having a fast, clean run on the Berg und tal?
Brooks- The first few steps get a nice steady rhythm and keep it until you’re done.
Luke- You kind of have to dance. If you do you will get a good rhythm and you won’t mess up.
Lindley- You have to push off really hard.
Saylor- Stay balanced and stay dedicated to your goal. Never give up, push yourself.
What do you think of the food here at camp?
Brooks- It’s great! Tasty and delicious!
Luke- It’s awesome!!! It tastes better and it’s more healthy.
Emily- The food is really good, but you have to be prepared to be yelled at by Doug. (He always yells, “Eat more food!”)
Amy- The food is great. I like how the camp mixes it up.
Saylor- The food is just as good as a restaurant.
If you could tell your mom one thing right now, what would it be?
No name- Mom, I love Eliteam, but let’s bring a mattress next time.
Brooks- I’m having so much fun!!!! PS- but it’s kind of challenging too.
Luke- I’m having a great time. The best part has been the agility course.
Lindley- That camp is awesome.
Rayna- I would say this camp is really awesome, but now I’m really tired.
Saylor- Even though I have a hurt thumb, I found out I can do more than I thought I could.
Saylor- Send me back again.
