Daily Dose of Doug…
The Dance at ELITEAM has been with us since we began in 1991. When we announce it to the group the first day inevitably the boys cringe. But every year the campers get into it and turn into Solid Gold dancers by day three. Rhythm is so important in sports and that’s the thing that finally turns the most hardcore non-dancer. This year’s dance has a lot of moving parts and we are still struggling to get it right. However, by tomorrow, when the parents are watching, I am sure we will come together as a group and “dance out of our Comfort Zone.” We hope you will cheer loud.
The sandpit Slalom was today and it did not disappoint. There were plenty of distractions to challenge all the campers – heat, dust, horseflies, rocks and competition. Newbies fell in love immediately with the excitement and challenge. Returners loved the new location and course set. We had more falling than usual, but I think that is what happens when you push your limits. Ask your campers about how much fun it was!
COACHES CORNER
Coach Ben-
Fridays are always a day filled with mixed emotion for me here at Eliteam. The enthusiasm levels remain at an all-time high and it’s sandpit day, but it’s also my last full day with a group of awesome campers. From start to finish I have been privileged enough to witness campers reach and surpass goals that they’ve set for themselves, make new friends, and find another level that many of them didn’t know they possessed. Whether it was Julia on the incline log letting go of her belay rope 25 feet up and doing a leg hold, Grace winning sandpits, or Ben crushing the quick feet slalom there have been countless examples of campers jumping out of their comfort zones and flourishing. I’ve always told my friends who are unfamiliar with Eliteam that it is unlike any other camp, and so much of that has to do with the campers and their positive attitudes, support for each other, and enthusiasm. Just as I was walking over to the GMVS library porch to write this update Blake came running by on her way out of dish crew and explained to me just how fun mopping was. If that’s not a good example of enthusiasm on all levels then I’m not sure what is. Well I am off to play some Swedish dodgeball with the campers. Maybe tonight they won’t gang up on me and I’ll last for longer than 15 seconds, however I’m not too optimistic.
Coach Sarah-
Today we headed back out to the woods to tackle the ropes course again. Campers set goals and were able to both achieve and surpass them. One camper described the experience of successfully climbing the Vertical Playpen as “electrifying.” Another camper was thrilled that she finally did the Incline Log blindfolded- her goal from camp last year! All in all, it was a very fun morning with lots of campers pushing their limits, digging deep, and jumping out of their comfort zones.
100,000 BURPEE CHALLENGE FOR POSITIVE TRACKS
Total for EC2 so far… 18,750
Grand Total= 43,750
CAMPER QUOTES
What did you do to jump out of your Comfort Zone today? How did it feel?
Topher- I felt it big time!!
Cate- In the race course… I fell 4 times.
Kendall- I walked to the end of the log and back in the high ropes. It made me feel good.
What has been the best part of ELITEAM and why?
The ropes course was the best. It was a workout!
Cate- The best part is that I get over my fears.
Ellie B- Squeezing the chicken on top of the Playpen.
Ben H- The ropes course because it feels like you’re flying.
Alex- Doing the slalom because I like to hit gates.
Cody- The zip line because I did it in a tuck.
What has been the most challenging part of ELITEAM so far and why?
Ben R.- The rock wall is the hardest part because you can only use your hands.
Evan- The leg workout because it was tiring and your legs burned.
Alex- Doing the dance because it’s hard to remember the parts.
What did you think of Sandpits today? What is the key to having a good run?
Topher- It was really fun and you should lean a lot.
Ava- Just push it because you can rest later.
Ellie B- The key is believing in yourself.
Grace P- The best strategy was wind-milling your arms to keep your balance so you can go fast.
Ben H- They were hard and outstanding. The key was sprinting the flats.
Cailin- It was important to go fast by having a good line.
ELITEAM is…
Ava- Amazing, awesome, special.
Cate- Adventurous, fun and awesome.
Ben H- A camp that pushes your limits.
Cailin- Fun.
Alex- So Fun.
Cody- A skill and strength based camp for new people that is challenging and fun.
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