Staff Training

I thought horsemanship was a lot but the past few days have been intense. Camp Tecumseh has a very high reputation nationally and I'm beginning to see why. They have adopted the 'swing the lamp' or 'go the extra mile' philosophy and it makes camp both an incredible but also very exhausting experience. The past few days have been fun and exciting as nothing around here is done in the typical manner but I have also been overwhelmed. All those things that set Camp T apart from other camps are the things that take effort and training. We've had clinics on creative counseling, how to write personal parent letters about each child that passes through, whole child development, check-in scenarios, health, nature connection, and I think you get the point. Sometimes they'd bring something up that I never would've thought about but sure enough, it can happen at camp and we need to be prepared. What I love is that they take the time to set aside a week just to prepare us for the best experience this summer. And mixed in with all that is the fact that their motto is 'I am third' and the mornings include chapel, the evenings involve cabin devotions.

So while there's a lot to learn and much to remember, it's been such a fun learning process. Today instead of simply telling us places we can go for weekly camp-outs, we tromped all over the camp and practiced setting up hammocks by the river and a tent in the meadow. We built fires in a wet forest (oh yah it rained ALOT) and learned how to use the telescope. I can't describe how amazing it was to have a day romping around in God's glorious creation but I do have a few pictures. Enjoy :)

Oh and quick apology for the fact that I'm doing this on my phone so autocorrect may do some silly things and formatting might be odd. 

Each group was given a bird name and we were team Robin. Our leader (in the blue) gave us all mud marks at our first stop so of course he was marked too.

One of my favorite co-counsellors. She's from Brazil and that automatically gains her five points :)  We got to visit the mini farm and play with chickens. 

The fire Eduardo and I built.  Will it burn?

Maybe...

Yes!!!

Moving on from the forest we trekked through the woods to the river. I hope to camp here sometime. Quite relaxing. 

After setting up hammocks we moved on to the south pasture which is on the edge of the woods. There we enjoyed a hobo dinner which is something we will do with campers. It marks the first time I tried a veggie patty and it was delicious! Mix it with some carrots, apple, onion, potatoes, garlic, some spices and a little ketchup and you've got a class one hobo meal. 

We've had photographers tracking us all during training so with the setting sun we played around jumping and spelling out TECUMSEH with silhouettes. 

Right now I'm chilling in a library with just a few other people while most of the other folks mingle in the fellowship room. After a day of being immersed with people it's nice to have some quiet time :)

Oh, and if you ever need to know how toake a towel chicken give me a holler. I've got you covered. 

Have a great week everybody!