Camp Journal - Leadership Training Camp

Camp Journal - Leadership Training Camp http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?blogId=10 vcadmin 2008-07-31T02:13:29Z 25 July, 2008 http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=546&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/DailyTopBannerLTC.jpg" /> 25 July, 2008 <hr /> Daily News 2008-07-28T11:02:36Z vcadmin Last Full Day of Camp http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=545&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/top1.gif" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/7708-top2.jpg" /> <hr /> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/ByeBye.jpg" align="right" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/bonVoyage.jpg" align="left" />The realization is setting in that this is indeed our last day together at camp.  We even had to say goodbye to one camper that left a day early.  However, at breakfast, conversations were overheard concerning making the most of the last day and make it the best yet.  What a great mentality to have!  Starting the day off in a positive manner was a reflection of on first impressions of camp and campers.  This is an important introspective activity designed to analyze their default instincts, stereotyping and prejudices they may have.  The campers then wrote a letter to themselves about their learning and memories of LTC.  What an opportunity to receive this in a few months from now.  After lunch at the hotel, we participated in our final group reflections and evaluating our own goals for camp.  The groups then presented their thoughts to the camp.  Then it was off to pack and the final time spent in the village.   In the evening, we had a closing ceremony and had a final disco.  It was a mixture of emotions.  Many campers were both happy to be having fun with their friends but also sad to know they will be leaving tomorrow.  We learned a great deal over the past two weeks about ourselves, our new friends and the necessary steps and skills it takes to become a leader.  Hopefully we will see each other again!   <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/7703-byeFrench.jpg" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/7704-byeGerman.jpg" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/7706-ComeBack.jpg" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/7705-ByeItalian.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/7709-ByeSpanish.jpg" /> <hr /> Daily News 2008-07-28T10:57:00Z vcadmin 24 July, 2008 http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=544&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/DailyTopBannerLTC.jpg" /> 24 July, 2008 <hr /> Daily News 2008-07-28T10:33:26Z vcadmin Back from the Mountain Hut http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=543&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/z-top.jpg" /> <hr /> What a terrific time we had at the mountain hut last night!  Two groups yesterday decided to embark on a challenging ascent up the mountain reach the Tour de Mayen.    <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/z-3.jpg" /> </div> After a good night sleep, we woke to yet another beautiful crisp morning.  We had breakfast and finished some cleaning duties and we were off for another adventure.  What an incredible day.    The campers then had the chance to shower and get ready for the beach.  A quick lunch followed then it was off to Le Bouveret to take advantage of the warm weather.  Campers were able to take in the magnificent scenery while exploring the park and taking a dip in Lake Geneva.    <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/z-2.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/z-1.jpg" /> </div>    Then in the evening we had an interesting exercise called Red/Blue.  This is an activity that requires many different aspects of leadership.  Teamwork, planning, goal setting, communication and problem solving were just a few.  The solution to this game of negotiation is not straight forward and difficult to achieve the campers realized.  However, the learning that took place was inspiring.    <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/z-4.jpg" />  <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/z-5.jpg" /> </div>  On our last day tomorrow, we have a farewell activity in the morning, our final wrap up in the afternoon and a ceremony and disco in the evening.  It will be sad to see our close friends leave but we treasure the time we have had together. <hr />   Daily News 2008-07-28T10:23:21Z vcadmin Photos for 24 July, 2008 http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=497&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/3507-Camera.jpg" align="left" />   Click on the link below to see LTC photos for 24 July, 2008    <a href="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewAlbum&albumId=331&blogId=10">Gallery Folder 24 July, 2008</a> <hr /> <hr /> Daily Photos 2008-07-25T13:51:41Z vcadmin 23 July, 2008 http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=496&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/DailyTopBannerLTC.jpg" align="left" />  <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/villageete.gif" align="right" /> 23 July, 2008 <hr /> Daily News 2008-07-25T13:40:02Z vcadmin Overnight at the mountain hut http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=495&blogId=10 <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/HutTop2.jpg" /> </div> <hr /> Are you ready for a hike?  With the atmosphere cleared, we experienced a perfectly clear and warm day again.  This was fantastic for our trek to the mountain hut!    <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/7091-Hut1.jpg" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/Hut2.jpg" /> </div>  Campers departed in the morning in their counselor groups to conquer the mountain.  Detailed planning and navigation were discussed and they were off.  Along the way many stops took place for water, lunch, ice cream and even a dip in a glacier lake for those who were courageous enough.  Cameras were at the ready for many of the vistas and group shots that will last a lifetime.    <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/Hut3.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/Hut4.jpg" /> </div>   Reaching the mountain hut around 5:00 campers were very hungry and ready for the barbeque.  Hamburgers, sausages and salads filled the campers and some even attempted to do some of the cooking themselves.  After eating, we had a camp fire with dough boys (sweet bread cooked on a stick over the fire).  Then we had a series of activities from camper led skits to a night reflection with candles. <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/hike3.jpg" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/hike4.jpg" /> </div>     It was an amazing sight to see all of the campers spread out across the meadow with candles and silence.  What a magical evening.  The mountain hut is always a special time.   Tomorrow we return from the hut and then headed to Le Bouveret Plage for a little R&R for our tired bodies.  Stayed tuned!   <hr /> Daily News 2008-07-25T13:23:45Z vcadmin Photos for 23 July, 2008 http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=494&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/3507-Camera.jpg" align="left" />   Click on the link below to see photos from 23 July, 2008    <a href="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewAlbum&albumId=318&blogId=10">Gallery Folder 23 July, 2008</a>   <hr /> <hr /> Daily Photos 2008-07-25T13:15:17Z vcadmin 22 July, 2008 http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=475&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/villageete.gif" align="right" /><img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/DailyTopBannerLTC.jpg" align="left" />       July 22, 2008 <hr /> Daily News 2008-07-24T09:42:45Z vcadmin Rafting & Canyoning http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=474&blogId=10 <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/6426-RaftingTop.jpg" /> <hr /> What a beautiful morning!  The warm weather will be a perfect fit for our day of outdoor adventure.  To start the day, we had a very challenging activity called Bigger or Better.  This is a competition designed to practice the leadership skills of teamwork, taking positive risks, utilizing your environment and planning.  The activity is a task of taking a seemingly valueless object and negotiating a trade to receive something bigger or better in return.  This is not easy to do.  However, if a leader is willing to draw the best out of the people and surroundings you never know what one can achieve. <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/RC-2.jpg" />  <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/RC-3.jpg" /> </div> Afterwards, the campers were split into two groups, grabbed some sunscreen and a warm change of clothes to go rafting and canyoning in Rougemont during the afternoon.  It was a perfect mix of warm weather and cold refreshing water.  This adventure is a terrific activity to expand students comfort zones and get know themselves better.  <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/6425-LTC0722080.jpg" />  <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/RC-1.jpg" /> </div> Campers were anxious to get back to camp for a hearty meal and take a shower.  The topic of the evening was lateral thinking.  Problems do not always have an easy solution and a leader must be able to explore the many option available to overcome the dilemma.  Campers realized, through our activities, this is a learned skill and they have the ability to improve on lateral thinking if they commit to it.  <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="http://www.villagecamps.com/campers_corner/journals/gallery/10/RC-5.jpg" /> </div> What a fantastic day.  It is amazing to see the close friendships that are developing, it will be difficult to say goodbye in just a few days.  However, tomorrow we have more memories to be made when we make our trek to the mountain hut for our overnight stay.  Stay tuned, this is always a special story.         Daily News 2008-07-24T09:35:33Z vcadmin