From August 20th to August 22nd, Vision Youth Leadership Program participants - Visioneers embarked on an exhilarating 3-day, 2-night outdoor camp at Camp Enobanah. This adventure aimed to cultivate crucial skills in communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal dynamics within the Visioneers.
Our journey began at 10 AM, as we boarded a bright yellow school bus from the community center and set off for the campsite. Upon arrival, the Visioneers dove straight into an activity focused on establishing ground rules for their time together. This set the stage for a collaborative and respectful environment.
The fun kicked off with a game called “Viking and Jelly,” where everyone formed a circle and took turns being the Viking by pointing "horns" at others. If you were pointed at, you became the new Viking, and the game continued in a lively rotation. Another favorite was “Big Wind Blows,” which involved one person in the center making statements, while everyone scrambled to find a new seat based on the statement. These games were not only entertaining but also helped the group bond and interact playfully.
After a satisfying lunch, we took to the water for canoeing. The Visioneers learned essential skills for rowing and steering their canoes, which came in handy during the next day's adventures. Dinner featured a delicious barbecue followed by a modified version of “Capture the Flag,” before we all turned in for the night.
The next day began with a canoe race, a combination of competition and fun. Jessemar and Ethan emerged as the victors. Later, we played “Capture the Flag” on the water. During this game, a boat capsized, and Alex and Paco needed assistance. Addie and I took on the task of securing the boat using the canoe rescue technique - “canoe over canoe” . This experience was not only a chance to learn new skills but also a testament to our teamwork. Thanks to Addie’s guidance, I also picked up how to steer from the back of the canoe.
As night fell, we gathered around the campfire for a skit performance. Travis, Tara, and Jessemar’s hilarious take on the Big Bad Wolf won the audience over. The evening took a spooky turn when Addie spun a silly, scary tale. While most of us found the story amusing, the girls were genuinely spooked by the “old white man” character. In response, we went to the boys' cabin for protection, receiving various makeshift weapons, including a pocket knife from Paco and some marshmallow roasting spears. The boys, even the pranksters, joined in the fun, throwing random objects as part of our playful defense.
On our final morning, we packed up, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, and tackled a few more games. My personal favorite was the spider web game, where a rope web was strung between trees, and we had to figure out how to pass everyone through without touching the ropes or reusing holes. Initially, our lack of communication made the challenge tough, but we eventually worked together and succeeded.
Reflecting on the trip, it was clear that this was more than just an outdoor camp adventure—it was a unique learning experience that offered both fun and growth. Whether or not I would choose to return with the Visioneers is still uncertain, but the memories and lessons from Camp Enobanah are something I will cherish.
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