7 days. 5 squads. 250 racers. 50 alum. Worship to dance about. Speakers preachin’. Schedule? What schedule?
For some practical advice, future racers, take it or leave it, here are 11 tips for Training Camp (TC):
1. SPRAY!!! I’m talking Febreze, perfume, bug. Seriously, don’t forget this. I only got to shower 2 times in the week, you will smell!
2. Have an open mind to experience and learn new things. Camp is a crazy time for a lot of people, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Ask questions, experience, observe, pray, and most of all just be open to trusting Jesus and what the Holy Spirit will do during this time.
3. Family! It doesn’t take long (I’m talking seconds) for these people to become your family. Accept them, love them, spend time truly getting to know them 🙂
4. Pray. Pray a lot. Pray before camp. Pray during camp. Pray with people you met. Pray for them and what they are going through. Prayer is amazing!!! Don’t underestimate this.
5. Get crazy! Don’t worry about what you look like (I mean, wear makeup, brush/braid your hair, use deodorant but don’t be afraid to dance around like a fool). Have fun!!
6. FOOD!! This is interesting, and difficult for some (me included). The portions tend to be smaller (probably the right size), but its for good reason. Make sure you get what you need, but be willing to share and work with less.
“Do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. For life is more than food, and the body than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; and they have no storeroom nor barn; and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!” Luke 12:24
7. God is working. Remember, God has you here for a reason. He has you on the squad you’re on (even if you are called to switch last minute, He knew that) for a reason. He has you on the team you’re placed on for a reason. Don’t get hung up on a “dream team” God has got AMAZING plans for you in the place you are. Trust in Him and in the AIM team to really get this right!
8. Weather. Dress for it!! If it says its going to be cold, trust that it will and pack enough clothes! Also, depending on when you go, expect dew, and a lot of it. Most everyone’s shoes and socks were wet the entire time. Think about brining extras!
9. Free time. Its limited as they have a lot planned for you during the week, but bring stuff you’d want to do to camp. If its a football, a frisbee, or even your guitar, it will get used! If you do it in real life, think about bringing it to camp, and the race!
10. Ask, So what do you know about the race? There are a lot of Racers there and they all want to help you understand what their race was like. Feel free to ask them for advice, encouragement, favorite stories, scariest stories, whatever you can think of. Kinda one of my favorite parts!
11. Schedule… seriously, this didn’t exist. If you are the type of person that needs a schedule (or even a clue about what’s happening next), try to leave that at the door!! Enjoy the schedule-less life. It will allow you to trust in God, the AIM staff, and your teammates 🙂
Love training camp, and if you don’t, you will still love the race! God and the AIM team have amazing things planned for you during this 7 day journey… and it is a journey, just be open to receiving it!
Other racers, I invite you to leave comments about what you found most important!!
Much love to my team (Team Adelphoi, All for His Glory, Romans 8:17), my squad (3rd generation A squad), and future racers!
Amy
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17
