| Leap Camp is a fun-filled journey into pristine EarthTeach
park. Leap is based around being tested in teamwork-based
activities while learning more about oneself. The basic goal
is simple but wonderful: form bonds, with yourself and
others, while exploring what makes you, you. Leap was
created by two insightful counselors, Josh and Tom, and
many more helpers besides. If you ask them about Leap,
they'll be more than happy to tell you all about it. If you
listen closely, you might hear a whisper they both share: a
thanks to Fate for blessing them with a job they both find so
rewarding and exciting. There might be a tear or two in their
eyes, but in no time Josh will have whipped out his guitar
and started playing. I have no doubt everyone around him
will sing along as he plays.
Leap Camp is made up of 5 individual adventures,
separated by age. The aim of Leap is to progressively
challenge the camper with more and more difficult activities
or bonding sessions. The harder the adventure, the more it
teaches the adventurer. There's always the option to take a
break or to forgo a challenge altogether, and the option
sometimes even encouraged. Sometimes it's hardest to say
no, and the camp counselors understand and respect that.
Tom is always there to give a helping hand and an
encouraging word. In the end, all else aside, it is the
camper's choice whether or not to continue, and their
decision is respected as well.
Meals are nutritious and healthy, water is in large supply.
during the day, the camp makes good use of EarthTeach's
challenge courses, and in the night campfires flare warmly.
Around the fire, it's all fun and games: improvisational
games and instrument playing make up a small part of the
bonding activities up the counselors' sleeves. When it's time
to head to the tents and drift off to sleep, campfire time is
closed with a song or two reminding the Leapers to respect
the beauty around them. Then it's off to bed and off to
sleep. In the morning, campers are roused by Josh playing
his guitar once again. Frankly, it's hard not to leap out of
bed. Breakfast is soon served, and after some warming up,
it's time to get down to the challenge course. The smiles on
the Leapers' faces are infectious, and everyone's grinning in
short order. It's a brand new day, and where better to be?
Not only do the challenges get more difficult, but the
immersion in the camp becomes more involved. Later
campers will find themselves Leaping for days at a time,
unbroken by outside confusion and clatter. The challenge of
Leaping comes not only in what you are comfortable with
sharing or doing, but in how long you are comfortable being
away from civilization. Still, even in the later Leaps, the days
fly by and all too soon the camp's time is over. The end
brings the realization of the greatest gift of all: friends made
and bonds created. You won't have to wait for the next
camp, either. Around the year, activities are organized to
bring the Leapers back together, such as rock climbing and
game nights. The fun never ends, and the bonds created
are shared for years- you may find yourself coming back to
Leap without even thinking about it. More proof that your
brain knows where the fun, and friends, are.
You may have noticed that I haven't gone very deeply into
detail about the challenge courses Leap holds or the
activities Leapers get to participate in. This is because a
good part of the fun of Leaping is in the surprise, and I
wouldn't want to ruin that for anyone. Besides, I have full
confidence that you'll be there to see.
Jasper is a quirky, if insightful, longtime Leaper. He's been
there since the beginning, and he can't wait for the next
Leap to come. He is analytical, calculating, and honest. Leap
suits him just as well as anyone else. Perfectly. There's only
one problem he's found in the years he's been there... it
ends too soon. |
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Leap into Adventure, May 18, 2009