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CAMP JEWELL 2006 |
Camp Jewell Saturday Night Dutch Auction Event was FUN!
Valley United Way Youth Leadership students traveled to Camp Jewell on April 7 – 9, 2006 to begin their year 17th of Valley United Way’s Youth Leadership Program.
The Teens met at 4PM at Nolan field in Ansonia, boarded a bus and arrived at 5:15 P.M. on the beautiful grounds of Camp Jewell in Colebrook Connecticut to begin another year of training.
The bus was welcomed by Kurt and Erica, two Camp Facilitators that were assigned to our group. After the teens loaded all of their sleeping bags and gear onto the carts and trucked on up to the Senior Cabin the group met for their very first icebreaker and game. This icebreaker was intended to get to know everyone’s name. And, it worked. In the course of 35 minutes all names were learned. It was fun. Everyone was in a huge circle. Each person needed to "bust a move" which meant that you needed to do a little dance step or some sort of movement that you could put your name on and beginning with the first person you would say your name and then do "your" move and then go on to the next person. As each new person said their name and did their new "move" you went back and said the previous name and did their move. It was fun and it certainly worked.
Snack and orientation at the Dining Hall was next. At that point, everyone was starving so the timing was great. Following dinner, the group went to the Deeds Room where the teens were given directions to design a small brown bag that one side describes "who" you are right now and the other side reflects who you will be in the future. They used magazine pictures, crayons, pens and glue, each person makes a collage which describes themselves and their personal goals. After some time was spent on design, the teens placed their names on the bag and were encouraged to put notes of interest and kindness into each other’s bags. The Leaders explained that each bag represented them and that during the weekend they would have plenty of time to write a little note. These bags were called "pro-note" bags. An example of this was when someone was able to accomplish a task or helped someone in a special way, it was remembered and the teens could write a little note of congratulations and encouragement. It could be anonymous but most notes were signed.
Friday night and it was late – lights were out at 11:45. Saturday morning daylight came and the group was invited to join Erica to climb Sunrise Mountain. Seventeen Youth Leaders met the call. They were out of the cabin and on the hike at 7:00 A.M.
Each meal needed to have six waiters from our group. At 7:45 the waiters headed down to the Dining Hall and set the tables. Everyone signed up for different meals for two and one half days. The assignment included clean up as well.
The teens broke into two groups and headed off to begin a morning of Group initiatives. The first was a trust activity. A series of activities focused on learning to trust each other and the other individuals in the group, and the group as whole. Trust activities are the first building blocks to successful teamwork. The group gathered at the Arts and Crafts building and began their first task. One youth at a time stood atop a huge rock and "trusted" the group to fall into their crossed arms. It was very scary and many of the teens needed to be persuaded to participate and they were so glad they did.
One group headed off to Mt Wood Climbing Tower: This climbing tower is used to teach the basics of rock climbing, including technique, proper use of equipment, and appropriate safety commands. It is an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves and support one another as they take these challenges. The tower has three sides, each with a different level of difficulty. Almost every one of the youth climbed the MT Wood!
The entire weekend was filled with initiatives which included: The Zip Line: Teens ascended the course rope by ladders to one of two traversing elements/ One is a rope bridge called the Burma Bridge, and the other is a two line bridge called the Pirate’s Crossing. Both elements arrive at a 35’ high platform in a tree. This platform is the take off point for a 100’ + cable zip ride. This is an all time favorite of the group. Many teens zipped across.
Another favorite is The Vertical Playpen: This tandem element gives the teen and a partner a chance to scale the 35 foot high vertical obstacle course. Tires, rope ladders, beams and each other provide the leverage needed to climb the high element. Many teens undertook the challenge and succeeded.
The Evening Programs a Dutch auction, boundary breakers campfire and group meeting time.
Several Youth Leadership teens have written some anecdotes of the weekend which clearly describe some of the activities as well as provide some of their personal insights.
