Wednesday dawned sunny and cool. Perfect for a morning of mountain biking. After morning run and stretch at 7am, and a french toast breakfast at 7:30, the campers & bikes were loaded for the 15 minute drive to our biking destination.
After splitting into groups of varying ability, all 40 campers and 15 staff disappeared into the woods. There was everything from dirt roads and double track, to single track that challenged the highest level group.
Some highlights:
– Jack getting two flats within 15 minutes, but borrowing the coaches’ bikes to keep pedaling.
– Coach Matt somehow biking up a 6’ log in perfect balance as the group watched in amazement.
– Watching coach Andrew attempt to bunny-hop a stump, into a stream, and then climb a near vertical bank, coming up just short of the top.
– Watching the entire group “Bike Limbo.”
– Cheering on the all-girls team in the bike race. Two miles- four bikers- intense action.
After lunch it was time for our Sports Psychology discussion. There was lots of input from the campers. We talked about mental skills and how they are just as important as physical skills. We had a long talk about distractions- from delays at the start, to bad referees, to having parents watch the races- and how to deal with them.
Then it was time to dance. We learned the ELITEAM dance in 30 minutes. The song this year is “Jungle Fever” and the moves are awesome. The Sprinkler is a favorite, as is the Meat Grinder, Skateboarder and CPR. We will be performing the dance for parents on Saturday after the Olympics.
Next up was the annual soccer tournament. Four teams, two games, and only one champion. The action was non-stop. Lots of great players showing off their skills, and lots of face paint to get psyched up (and to figure out who was on your team)! I don’t remember who won, but I know it wasn’t coach Chad’s team.
Because we had all worked hard, we decided to go swimming. We hiked the mile trail to the crystal clear and cold pond. The swim was very refreshing, and to add some entertainment, and of course a challenge, we spent some time jumping off the dock attempting to catch flying balls and frisbees. Check out the pictures.
After a chicken and pasta dinner, the kitchen crew cleaned up. Matt was on “sweep and mop” duty. He asked if he could do pushups instead.
At 6:30 we met in the gym to continue with our 3 group rotation from Tuesday… cooking, rock wall and activities. Tonight the “Eliteam Chefs” made Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, which we sampled before bed. It was still warm from the oven, and oh so delicious! This was surprising, given the fact that some of the groups had a hard time with the directions and measurements. Kyle and Jeffrey were a bit perplexed when measuring out the baking soda. A teaspoon versus a tablespoon can be very confusing. And Jack was not impressed with his partner’s cooking performance. About half way through, Jack informed his partner Ben, “If you worked for me, I’d fire you.”
It is now 9:11pm and my dorm is already quiet. The campers were tired tonight (yeah!) and most turned out their own lights. I am loving it.
Tomorrow is another great day with circuits and choice time highlighting our activities. Oh, and it’s Hawaiian night too!!!
