There were some sore bodies today at morning run and stretch, but after a light jog and some flexibility work, the campers were moving just fine. After another awesome breakfast, it was time to hike Mount Ellen at Sugarbush. All 50 campers and 20 staff made it to Ellen’s lodge, 1500 vertical feet up the slopes. After a quick snack, most made it another 500 vertical before turning back and hiking down. Beautiful views and great company.
Lunch could not come quick enough for the hungry campers and we chowed some chicken breasts, salad and fruit! After that it was time to get in a fast practice of the dance before heading to everyone’s favorite activity at camp – The Sandpit Slalom. One inspection, two training runs and two race runs challenged each camper. There were plenty of crashes, but just as many recoveries. Some sweet moves were made by all. Sand was flying everywhere, with much of it ending up inside everyone’s shoes. Four men and four women made the finals, who provided an exciting show!
To cool off and wash off, we hit Folger’s Pond on the way back to campus. The water was cold and felt great. After some cleaning and packing in the dorms it was time for CRAZINESS. Agility Relays were hilarious as teams competed against teams for agility excellence, but also line-up perfection. Creativity reigned. Very impressive! Next it was Quickfeet time and two mysterious Blue Men appeared to lead the campers through their paces. Finally it was time for the Jello Drop. It took eight rounds to crown the victors. Then night ended with the handing out of the 2014 ELITEAM T-shirts. It was a huge day full of tough workouts and fun camaraderie.
See you all tomorrow at the ELITEAM Olympics starting promptly at 10am.
CAMPER QUOTES-
What did you think of Sandpits today? What is the key to having a good run?
Sperbs- They were so much fun! I got in the top 4 so I was really excited! The key to having a good run is to stay high not low!
Elena- The sandpits were challenging and very technical. To have a good run you had to know what was ahead and keep your feet moving.
Lauren- I thought it was fun. We needed to go fast and straight to have a good run.
Lizzy H- Perfecting the little things that add up to a big thing.
Olivia- I loved it. Throw yourself down the track and DON’T THINK JUST DO!
Ellie- Amazing. Quick feet and no fear.
Sadie- I thought having a quick start was important.
Amelia- Sandpits was more intense than ever. Having to pee in the start does not improve your time.
Ned- The sandpits were awesome! I had so much fun. Stay high on the gates.
Thomas- Sandpits were sick! The key was a high and straight line.
Teddy- Fun! Focus and quick feet!
Conor- I found the sandpits very challenging and fun.
Seth- The key is a good start for a boost, then as you move down don’t hop from gate to gate, run cleanly.
Ryan- It was much harder than last year. The key is to go fast and have good footing.
Owen- Sandpits are awesome. It’s literally a big sand and rock hill.
How is the food here at camp? What was your favorite meal?
Sperbs- The food is AMAZING!!!! My favorite meal was the chicken pasta.
Elena- The food at camp was delicious. My favorite meal was the chicken and noodles for dinner.
Lauren- The food was good. My favorite meal was Taco Tuesday.
Lizzy H- The food is awesome and delicious. My favorite meal was tacos on Tuesday.
Olivia- I love all the food here it is so yummy and good. French toast and pancakes.
Sadie- I LOVE the food. My favorite is the chocolate milk and the watermelon.
Amelia- The get-a-huge-serving and finish-it-in-5-seconds kind of food.
Thomas- The food is awesome! The best meals are tacos and chicken patties.
Jonathan C- I love the food! The best by far was the chicken patties.
Conor- The meals were very nutritional and tasty. My favorite was the french toast.
Ryan- It has gotten better every year. Keep improving!!!
Owen- The best ever. I think the best meal are the pancakes. They are so good.
What has been the best part of ELITEAM and Why?
Sperbs- The food, jello drop tonight, the humor, or the off campus activities. Biking, hiking, sandpits.
Elena- The best part of ELITEAM was definitely the River run because it was an amazing way to cool off after Sufferfest.
Lauren- The best part of ELITEAM was the ropes courses because it was fun and good for balance.
Lizzy- I really liked the obstacle course in the gym. It was really challenging and fun.
Olivia- The ropes, woods course, bergundthal, because they were challenging.
Amelia- Knowing that you’re suffering, and your friends are suffering too.
Tyler- Sufferfest of course!
Jonathan- Neon night because we got to eat ice cream and watch a movie.
Teddy- Everything!
Conor- The best part was after Sufferfest when I had a feeling of accomplishment.
Seth- The ropes course. I stepped out of my comfort zone and did above and beyond my abilities.
Ryan- The biking because it was very challenging and exciting at the same time.
What does it mean to Dig Deep?
Sperbs- Dig Deep means to push your limit. Achieve your goal then go farther!
Elena- Dig Deep means to push your limits. It mean to reach inside yourself to find the last bit of energy. It mean to encourage yourself and staying positive while encouraging others.
Lauren- Dig Deep means when you’re really tired and want to stop you keep pushing harder and not giving up until you’re done.
Lizzy H- To try everything, even when you don’t want to and to keep going even when you want to quit.
Olivia- To me it means to find things inside you that you never thought could exist.
Sadie- To persevere even it you don’t want to.
Amelia- Push your limits, then dig deep inside of you to pull out every last effort.
Ned- To reach inside and tap into that last reserve of energy and use it to drive you towards your goal.
Teddy- Push through and find your inner strength when you think you can’t go any further.
Conor- Pushing your limits and not quitting when times get tough.
Ryan- It means to push your limits and when you are done, you push on.
ELITEAM is…
Sperbs- THE. BEST. CAMP. EVER. !
Elena- ELITEAM is a great way to remind yourself in the middle of summer, how to stay in shape and eat healthy. It’s a great way to prepare for the upcoming season.
Lauren- The best camp ever!
Lizzy H- awesome!
Olivia- Where I’m going and what I love.
Sophie- Inspiring, fun, awesome.
Corriann- Getting in shape and digging deep.
Ellie- Fun but hard.
Sadie- Awesome!!!
Amelia- What I look forward to every year.
Thomas- Brutally Awesome!
Jonathan- The Best!
Max- A great fun place to push yourself!
Teddy- Fun!
Conor- A lifestyle.
Seth- The greatest camp of ALL Time!
Ryan- Exciting!
Owen- The best camp in the world.
