Tuesdays at Eliteam are all about pushing through mental boundaries on the high ropes, and pushing through pain on the leg routine. The athletes today did both to perfection.
On the field the motto was “low and slow” during the leg routine. The favorite was backwards tuck jumps up the hill. Legs were burning, but there was zero complaining. Following that, it was over to the slalom for practice runs at full speed. Some of the campers were running the course in less than 6 seconds! Last on the agenda was a huge agility course in the gym. The goal was not speed, but precision. It started with the athletes jumping off a five-foot platform and doing a 180, with the goal of sticking the landing on the nice soft mats. The rest of the course was packed full of quick feet, balance and coordination exercises which weaved all throughout the gym, even up onto the 2nd floor. Three runs through was the minimum, but most everyone completed six.
Out in the Eliteam woods each athlete had the opportunity to try four high elements. The Vertical Playpen rises 45 feet and has a bit of everything from climbing trees, ladders and boards, to balancing on a swinging log at the very top. Many campers opted to add a dance move while balancing on the log. The Macarena and “Kyle’s Kitchen Style” were both popular.
Haleigh’s Hit, named so today because Hayleigh was one of the first campers to take a giant leap out and hit the suspended ball (and also because it rhymes nicely), begins with a 15 foot tree climb. The athlete must then stand on top of an 8” diameter log. Following that, it is a leap of faith out to smack the big red ball. The campers not only hit it, but did it blindfolded and some even threw in a 180. Impressive.
Over at the Dangle Duo, it was all about teamwork. Teams of two tried every technique possible to lift themselves up the eight logs that reach 40 feet high. The last duo up was coach Matt and camper Pete, pulling and pushing each other to the top. It was fun to see them working together.
Finally, the World Cup Tightrope tested everyone’s nerve. The high wire hangs above a ravine that drops 40 feet. One by one the kids tapped into their focus and determination, not to mention balance, to work their way across and ring the bell that hangs on the other side. As I was belaying Hayleigh’s Hit, I would hear the bell ring about every 10 minutes. I smiled to myself, knowing another camper had just reached their goal.
After dinner it was the first rotation between cooking, climbing and games. I decided to join the cooking group and made “Super Healthy Granola Bars” with Jake and Pete. Except for a few creative ¼ cup measurements, we were pleased with our creation. We added extra sunflower seeds, chocolate chips and coconut. After yoga, the entire camp tasted what our group had cooked. It was a big thumbs up!
Mtn biking, dance and a big soccer tourney all happen tomorrow!
