Days start early at ELITEAM with the campers up for a run and stretch at 7:00AM. They get a nice warm-up jog for 15 minutes and then some flexibility work, core, and of course push-ups. Then it’s time to fuel up with a massive breakfast of eggs, pancakes, bagels, cereal, yogurt and fruit.
By 8:30 we’re back at it. Today half the group was pushing mental limits in the high ropes, and the other half pushing through pain in the leg routine. I was belaying the trapeze jump and although not every camper caught the trapeze, everyone took the leap of faith which takes focus, visualization and trust. It was a lot of fun to watch.
After lunch the Pros from Gibbon Slacklines joined us. They gave an exciting expo of what’s possible with this excellent piece of training equipment. They showed us walking, hopping, 180s, butt-bounces, and a perfectly landed back-flip which amazed the campers and coaches alike.
During the afternoon all of our campers got a one-on-one with the pros on the seven practice slacklines set up in the woods. It was very cool! If there is one piece of training equipment that you should buy for your young ski racer, this is it! Balance, core strength and focus are essentials to a ski racer. A slackline is the perfect tool for this!!! The pros at Gibbon recommended the “Fun Line” or “Classic Red” line.
After that, it was a rotation of cooking, dodgeball and biking. Somehow the chaos in the kitchen produced some very yummy Yam-a-licious muffins. The bikers had all the elements mastered in minutes. And finally, it was Game-On at Swedish Dodgeball. Don’t ask me the rules. All I know is that it’s as much fun to watch as it is to play.
After dinner, which was Taco Tuesday, it was back to the rock wall and cooking for a second round. Finally it was Yoga time with all 46 campers performing Sun Salutations, Warrior poses and more. I always end with some visualization and relaxation, and it always amazes me when I’m standing amongst forty-six 11-14 year-olds and they are all lying silently, motionless, with eyes closed for 10 minutes straight visualizing our day.
Tomorrow we’re heading to Catamount Family center for a day of mountain biking. The bikes are already loaded!
Random Quotes overheard today…
Coach Megan: How are you guys feeling?
All: So Sore! (Sorest body parts reported= pecs and abs.)
Abi: I thought it was Wednesday! It doesn’t feel like the second night.
Henry: “I’ll be the mom– I’ll clean.”
After getting all the way to the top of the Vertical Playpen, Max declared, “This is precarious!”
Austin encouraging Henry R… “Come on Dude, pain is the game!”
Rachel: “Let’s take a leap of faith” …just before jumping onto the slackline.
This is the best camp for kids I’ve ever seen. They have the freedom to be themselves.- Josh- Education Director from Gibbon Slacklines
