Monday at ELITEAM is all about Strength. We learned just how important strength is to every sport and that power, agility, speed and endurance all start with a foundation of strength!
After completing 100 Burpees we headed to the hill out in front of KMS for a Leg Routine. The toughest of the 10 exercises were by far the Backward Tuck walks – done as slow as possible. Legs were burning, but spirits were high as we hopped, ran, sprinted, jumped and squatted up the hill for 60 minutes! We ended with a Marine Buddy Carry which showed us just how hard carrying a limp body uphill can be! (two our out ELITEAM Coaches are entering the Marine Corps this Fall!)
Then it was a switch to Agility with some ELITEAM Classics – the Quickfeet Slalom, the Berg Und Thal and Fitlight. A lot of progress was made by the ELITEAM rookies who worked with veterans on how to conquer each Challenge! We had to tear the campers away for lunch!
After lunch, was our Workbook session and this year we are focusing on Mental Toughness Skills. The campers made a list of all the Mental Skills they could think of that were important and it was substantial! And we pointed out that they all had control of, and could master every one of those Skills –
Their List:
- Confidence
- Visualization
- Perseverance
- Commitment
- Effort Self
- Awareness
- Handling Nerves
- Positive Mindset
- Goal Setting
- Focus
- Breathing
- Pushing Limits
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Handling Stress
- Handling Fear
- Having FUN
- Dealing with Failure
Then it was more Strength Training with focused sessions on Core, Arms and Legs. Muscles are now sore, but confidence is super high. We ended a tough day of hard work with some FUN – Stilts, Pogos, Knockout and a round of Mini-Golf (a first for ELITEAM). And yes, there were some Burpees at Mini-Golf!
Tomorrow is a Circuit, Dodgeball, Tramps, Rollerblading and we are cooking Black Bean brownies! And 200 more Burpees!
Here are some thoughts from some of the Boys.
What was your favorite activity today and why?
- Camden M– The fitlight. They were fun because you might have your color 5 times in a row.
- Christopher R– Fitlight was my favorite. This is because it was so fun and energetic to play.
- Iver H- I liked the fitlight. We kept on missing the colors.
- Charlie L- My favorite activity was core. I should do it every day because they are easy to do anywhere anytime.
- Boden F- My favorite activity today was the berg und thal, because it made me work.
- Parker- My favorite was the obstacle course.
- Walter S- The berg. I chose the berg because it is fun and I can always improve.
One mental skill you used today and how did you use it?
- Camden M– I pushed my limits to the edge on the Bergenthal to try to go faster.
- Christopher R– I used the mental skill of pushing my limits. I didn’t know I was so good at obstacle courses and I got a time of 17.03 sec.
- Iver H- I used commitment today. I used it during core workout.
- Declan O- I used pushing your limits when I was in the obstacle course.
- Charlie L- I pushed my limits on the hill exercises. It was really hard and hurt my knee, but I kept going.
- Boden F- Today I used perseverance for the hill sprints and core workout.
- Parker- The mental skill I used today was breathing to focus.
- Walter S- Set a goal to get a new high score on the berg.
What did you learn about yourself today?
- Camden M– I am stronger than I thought. I was really tired but I still dug deep.
- Christopher R– I am stronger than ever, even though I’m small I can do many things.
- Iver H- I am stronger than I thought. Pushups are really easy now.
- Declan O- I can do whatever I want if I try hard enough.
- Charlie L- That I can push myself farther than I thought.
- Boden F- I learned that I was stronger than I thought.
- Parker- That I can push my limits.
- Walter S- I am stronger than I thought. I did a lot of pushups.
If you could tell your mom or dad one thing right now, what would it be?
- Camden M– How are you? I’m having so much fun and I love you.
- Christopher R– I would tell them I am having a great time and that I miss them.
- Iver H- Can I stay one more week? I love it here.
- Declan O- I would tell them how much fun and painful today was.
- Charlie L- I think we have to cut off my leg. I couldn’t feel it for 30 mins today.
- Boden F- The core workout pretty much ends your life.
- Parker- This camp is so much fun.
- Walter S- I’m having fun at camp. I love you!
