R275: LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK DEVELOPMENT

The week ended like any other, except I had to make the trek up to Elkhart Lake Wisconsin the morning of May 21st. Saturday, I woke up feeling nervous. I was expected to go to this camp hardly knowing anyone except my cabin mates? Two other girls and I arrived at the camp fairly early and I had a sinking feeling it would be a long week. Meals began with new people and some good food. The opening evening activities got me out of my comfort zone right away. Crowds of new people and lessons about leadership swarmed my mind. The first full day began with my team of eight. I was hesitant in the icebreakers, and I did not want anyone carrying me in the air. As the day went on, I felt myself open up just a bit more; trust falls helped with that. The second full day began with our 20 minute leadership activities in our group. Standing on a tiny tarp in the middle of a field was not on my bucket list! I led the second one after we asked our counselor to pick us. My activity included bouncing balls into a bucket in the middle of the room; my group was able to half our time each attempt! These new friends finally hit out stride as we began to trust in one another and use the skills we were learning about. This day we began planning our nighttime activities for the next night. We also had an official team mascot by this day; go frogs! The third day began as always, but I finally knew the lyrics to the Campo Brosius song. My breakfast coffee was finally starting to kick in! We hit a wall this day (literally), however we climbed it like champs. This day, I led another activity which was 30 minutes this time. To cross the river of knowledge, it took a few attempts of moving planks of wood and a bit of patience. This activity tested my leadership abilities. It was around this day frustrations started beginning. One difficult puzzle later, and our team began to slow on success. However, we had to pick it up later as we led the camp with our "Glow Night." Team Frogs spent many hours planning for our camp wide activities. Kick the Can started slow, but my team switched games to Wolf Pack Hide N' Seek. I could feel my nerves calming as the night went on. Our fourth day at camp was our last full day. Unfortunately, our class had to leave camp one day early. However, we still made the most of it. Saying goodbye to my team was more emotional than expected. We shared many laughs as the week went on. Even my dining pals and I felt sentimental as we waved goodbye. Our counselor sat down for one-on-ones for the final time. The evening was spent drawing where my team won not one, but two contests! I felt honored to be voted to Come Back as a Counselor. The last evening activity was the talent show where many campers showcased serious talents. With one last hurray, my two friends and I led "We're All in This Together" for our camp. We couldn't top that hot dog eating contest, but it was still quite the evening. The fifth and final day I woke up extra early just to take in the camp. The lake had the most spectacular view. For the time I spent, I would miss hearing reverie in the morning and taps in the evening. One last breakfast kicked us off before our final. I wiped down the cabin and parted with cabin four. As I finished that final, I looked back down those winding stairs. I left Thursday morning with more friends and memories than I knew. I felt lucky to be in my major here at IUPUI. Camp Brosius would hold a special place in my heart.