and so it goes...: July 2009

11.7.09

initiatives

being at camp.......i am falling in love with initiatives all over again.

initiatives: those activities specifically designed to promote communication, teamwork, and unity within a community. (from the puma's revised dictionary 2009)

we do initiatives as a staff during orientation week so that later, we can do them with the campers:
  • flying v
  • teepee shuffle
  • spider web
  • lava boots
  • human knot
  • shrinking circle
  • magic carpet
  • wire walk
  • the wall
and my new favorite: pipe dreams.......


of course there's several more that i haven't mentioned....

during initiatives, we learn immeasurably more about each other than we could possibly learn during "hot seat" or "cabin talk." we watch people assume the leadership role while others sometimes fight to have their voice heard. we stretch people beyond their comfort zone. we force people to depend on others rather than themselves and we remind still others that they are worthy of being trusted. everyone has a role--which could change without warning--and everyone is important.

bring on the campers.......we're ready to discover what happens in this new community.