Coach Ben sums it up…
Thinking back over the seven years I’ve been at Eliteam I can’t think of a camp in which we have focused so much on our theme. This year’s theme, as many of you are probably aware, is to “Dig Deep.” The campers have done a fantastic job embracing this motto as they continuously push their limits and, as the pledge states, find the strength hidden within their bodies and minds.
This was evident to all the coaches as we took to the trails in Pittsfield today. Having mapped the ride last Saturday i can say with great pleasure that the expert and intermediate groups both climbed over 1,250 feet of vertical! Many talked of their legs feeling like rubber as they pushed up the steep technical trails, but they all dug deep and made it! The reward was a beautiful stone cabin that overlooked the rolling green mountains and an awesome descent down more winding single track with some wicked berms. A special shoutout has to go to Ashley who summited on an 11” frame and 24” wheels a feat worthy of any blog post.
Upon returning, the campers engaged in a dodgeball tournament while some of the coaches prepared food for tomorrow’s ropes course adventure. We then split up into our afternoon groups where half the camp played a very saturated game of dodgeball in the field and the other half participated in a biathlon in which they each did 20 burpees and subsequently fired 3 arrows at targets 9 meters down range. Team Lawnmowers came out the victors, an accomplishment that Oliver, Joey, and company celebrated by singing what might just have been the worst rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody I’ve ever heard.
Well that’s all from me tonight. I need to catch up on some rest so I can adequately match the level intensity I know the campers will bring to sufferfest and the ropes courses tomorrow!
COACHES CORNER-
Expert biking with Coach Makenzie…
The Pittsfield mountain bike trails were nothing short of a challenge. We “noodled” our way up the trail, “Noodle’s Revenge,” with a goal of reaching the top. The campers who were up for the challenge designated themselves to the expert and intermediate level groups. By the middle of the trail, the groups had combined into one massive group of coaches, counselors and campers. In the 85 degree heat, it took us two hours, but we made it to the top! Snacks were crucial during our ascent because everyone chose to dig deep and make the final push to the end, even though we were late for lunch. Everyone concluded that the Pittsfield trails are difficult but felt a sense of accomplishment at the finish. Not to mention the ride downhill was super fun. No one had a negative thing to say even though we were all exhausted and hungry. Most campers were proud of themselves and could only express excitement about having accomplished such a hard goal. “That was so awesome!” and “This is sick!” were heard amongst the group. In the end, it was a good morning, an awesome workout and a fun adventure on some new trails.
Doug loves Dodgeball…
The thunder storms passed through and left the field nice and wet for some epic Swedish Dodgeball. This is a game that rarely ends, so the aerobic workout is awesome, as is the psychological workout of the inevitable ups and downs to both hitting and getting hit by balls. However, only 5 minutes in, things got even more slippery as it started to pour. Surprisingly, the rain only served to motivate the competitors even more and the level of the game raised considerably. Soaked to the bone players ducked, dived, dove, and dodged for 45 minutes. For me, this was the highlight of an already epic day!
CAMPER QUOTES-
Best part about Mtn Biking today?
Seth – The best part was going to a new place. It had more uphill, but there was an awesome downhill.
Ned – The best part was working so hard to get all the way to the top and experiencing the fun of going DOWN!
Joey – The best part is the downhill. I liked it because we went really fast.
Ollie – The best part was making it to the top cabin because the view was awesome. The hill climb was hard, but I was glad to summit it.
Will – The best part was the feeling of accomplishment while standing at the top of the mtn and seeing how far I had gone and how great the view was.
Owen – The biking was very hard. The trails were very steep and sometimes flat and a little up. There were a lot of switchbacks on the trail so you would go up and straight and take a sharp turn. I suffered all the way up.
Ian – The hard work going up was worth it because the way down was smooth.
What is the key to Dodgeball?
Seth – The key to dodgeball is to be patient and catch the other team’s balls.
Ned – The key is to always be moving and keep your eyes peeled.
Joey – The key is to catch the ball thrown at you to get a team member back in.
Ollie – The key is to throw low and at the fast people.
Will – Be quick. Be accurate. And keep throwing.
Are you looking forward to Sufferfest?
Seth – I am looking forward to the River Walk because after suffering it feels great to do something fun.
Ned – I am really looking forward to Sufferfest! It is really hard (ex: 100 push-ups), but the river walk is sooooooooo fun.
Joey- I am not looking forward to the 100s of everything, but I will enjoy the river walk.
Ollie – I am looking forward to it because it is going to be a rough workout and then a river walk to cool off on.
Will – Yes I am excited for sufferfest!
Owen – I am looking forward to sufferfest because I want to test my limits.
Ian – I am looking forward to it because of the river walk.
