Up, up and away....to hug a tree? A great many Trekkers, Adventurers and Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) were excited about the ability to fly through the air and the many opportunities they had to test out their new wings Tuesday Morning. It all started on the ropes course. 
There the youth found several obstacles that challenged their problem solving and decision making skills while definitely putting them outside their comfort zone. When we first got there we found some of our youth on our favorite High Ropes obstacle, the zip line. Basically the youth, with the help of a ladder and metal rungs in the tree, climb a tree to a platform. There they switch safety rope, climb over a branch and then get hooked to a system that lets them sly through the air, down a hill to another platform. The youth have on safety harnesses, helmets, and are attached to safety ropes to make this adventure as safe as possible. We caught a couple of our youth having the time of their lives, and others doing a lot of praying before sliding off the platform.
There the youth found several obstacles that challenged their problem solving and decision making skills while definitely putting them outside their comfort zone. When we first got there we found some of our youth on our favorite High Ropes obstacle, the zip line. Basically the youth, with the help of a ladder and metal rungs in the tree, climb a tree to a platform. There they switch safety rope, climb over a branch and then get hooked to a system that lets them sly through the air, down a hill to another platform. The youth have on safety harnesses, helmets, and are attached to safety ropes to make this adventure as safe as possible. We caught a couple of our youth having the time of their lives, and others doing a lot of praying before sliding off the platform.Other obstacles on the high ropes course include climbing a telephone pole and standing on the top of it only to jump off for a swing, then if they catch it letting go and being lowered down. Climbing other trees and walking across telephone poles or cables that have been suspended between trees. All of this helps our youth increase their self esteem, self confidence, and helps them improve their decision making and problem solving skills while enhancing their team working ability.
After a morning on the ropes course our youth were exhausted as they headed to lunch. Our younger campers had spent the morning riding horses, shooting archery and hiking over to the beaver dam. We also had youth working on arts and crafts, climbing the rock wall and just plain busy having fun. A brief rain shower extended our rest time after lunch but by camp store time everything was back on and we were out running and playing again.Cabin inspectors determined Cabin one on the girls side deserved the golden faucet award today while cabin five received the silver toilet seat for second. We understand this competition has gotten very difficult and the competitors are even trying some sabotage, but the inspectors are having none of it and are keeping the competition on the up and up. After all it is for the 256 K spray painted golden faucet.
Our evening activities were repeats of the night before. For the Sun and Earth groups (our middle age children) it was time for water sports. 
The youth hit the lake for free swim time and then the pool for games and complete exhaustion. The heads, heart, hands, and health groups hit the campfire for songs, skits, games, and stories. They also had a chance to make gourmet s'mores. Then it was back to the cabins and time for showers before hitting the pillows. What an incredible day. Tomorrow we have more fun in store including the pioneer camp site, rock wall and much more.
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