I am a planner. Take one peek at my color coordinated Google calendar and you’d be able to see just how much I appreciate schedules and order. So, in getting ready for training camp you could say I was a little stressed. World Racers, you know what I’m talking about… And to loop the rest of you in – THERE WAS NOTHING other than when to show up in good ole Gainesville, Georgia (between 4-5PM on June 8th if you were curious).
After arriving and setting up my tent, I began the hunt for answers but instead of answers, I came upon some wisdom from a gentleman who works for AIM (Adventures in Missions). He answered my quest for order with this – “If you live by a schedule, you are constantly living for the ‘next’. Training camp is about living in the ‘now'”.
GOOD. STUFF.
So future World Racers, there are answers out there and snippets of what’s to come, but I challenge you, let God take the reigns. Live these 10 days in Georgia on a lookout of wonder. Trust me when I say it is SO worth it!
BUT if you are still itching for more, check out these 10 tips to make the most out of your training camp experience [THANKS AIM!]
1. There are two things that will become your best friend this week: packing cubes and baby wipes. On day two (and three and four), you’ll quickly learn that showers aren’t considered a necessity, and a backpack with clothes shoved in all available pockets is a set-up for disaster.
2. Expect to get dirty. Don’t bring nice clothes or new tennis shoes—they WILL be tainted with red dirt by the end of the week.
3. Bring what you love and what is you. That being said, don’t compromise your style or wardrobe! I brought a few shirts that I would wear in “normal” life but also wasn’t incredibly concerned about getting a bit grungy. And I wore Forever 21 tribal harem pants nearly every day and functioned fine, so it is possible to look like yourself!
4. Don’t forget your dance moves. Great moves, silly moves, awkward moves—bring ’em all. They’ll be put to good use and you’ll be surprised at the new ones you end up bringing home.
5. Sunglasses, bug spray, hand sanitizer, SOAP. Oh, and gum. Trust me.
6. Don’t bring curling irons, blow-dryers, etc. You’ll quickly learn to embrace the untamed mess on your head, and if you feel insecure about it, just look at everyone around you. You’ll see nothing but frizz and grease, and it’s awesome. (But a hat/beanie or headband wouldn’t be a bad idea, if you wear them regularly).
7. Also, forget your laptop. You’ll be so busy (and when you’re not, you’ll want to hang out with your squadmates) that you won’t have time to mess around on it, even for blogging purposes. But if you do find yourself wanting to blog during camp, journal entries are a great substitute.
8. Embrace all emotions. You’ll be riding the rollercoaster of your life (until the Race begins, that is), and it’s perfectly normal if you experience doubt, irritability, worry, sadness, and even homesickness. It’s all part of the process of giving yourself up to Jesus.
9. Get ready to overcome your fear of bugs. By the end of the week, you’ll be grabbing spiders by the leg and throwing them out of your shower stall. (Although I will never be ok with sleeping in the woods with scorpions…ever).
10. Take Squad Wars seriously. The color they tell you to bring/wear? Go all out. High school and college sports you used to play don’t compare to the competitiveness that goes down on Friday night. But don’t worry, everyone loves Jesus and no one is a sore loser.
Much Love,
Morgan
