11 Things I wish I knew about Training Camp before I got on the plane:
- Don’t worry about it. Don’t stress over. Don’t lose sleep over it. Just relax and enjoy the ride. God is in control. Trust Him.
- Don’t over pack. I did. I brought waaayyy too many clothing items and that was a pain to lug around. Pretend you are going camping for a week and bring clothes fitting for that 😉 You might wear the same pants multiple days in a row, but it’s okay because everyone else around you is doing the same.
- Don’t underestimate the weather. Most of my squad (including myself!) packed for sunny and warm weather after looking at the forecast. But, surprise, the weatherman was wrong and it was cold and rainy the first five days of our week. Bring an assortment of clothing items.
- The Georgia red clay really does get on everything. I am a little OCD, so this was hard for me the first couple days. So just accept that you will have red clay on everything. And that’s okay! It shows that you’ve had an experience so amazing it is sticking to you, literally!
- Be ready to change. Cause change is going to happen. God will do healing within you, bring joy into you, and fill you up with Him, all within that week. So, don’t fight it, but instead embrace it!
- Leave the electronics at home. You will thank me for this. I was lucky enough to not have a computer that could easily travel during my training camp, so I left mine at home. But my squad mates who brought theirs didn’t use it once! Leave it at home. If you want to start blogging or journaling, then bring a journal/notebook. Sometimes the old ways of doing things (like writing with pen and paper), can be the best. Cameras: if you are into photography, or are trying to learn on the race, then bring it. But if you are like me and only snap group photos every once in a while, then leave yours at home too. I did not take mine out of its case once and there are plenty of other people taking pictures. Phones and music devices: I wish I brought my iPod for music instead of my phone because whenever I turned on my music I would get all my texts and Facebook updates which would distract me. So, bring a music device that’s not your phone if you can. And I would suggest turning your phone off once you land in the airport! Tell all your loved ones that you’ll be okay, and that this is great practice for when you actually won’t have service. Trust me, a week free from electronics is so liberating.
- Don’t have expectations. Just don’t. Go into this experience with an open heart and an open mind, and you will take so much away from this week.
- The camp leaders are actually on your side. They have all been right where you are right now and they want to prepare you as much as possible for this next season of your life. Let them. So do all the fun and awesome activities they come up with. Give them your all. Even the crazy things… Just do it.
- Make sure you are having “God time”. This one is for my extroverts. Y’all have wonderful energy that is multiplied when you are surrounded by other lovely racers. But you too have to remember to take some alone time to visit with God and reflect. I promise there will be much to talk to Him about and reflect upon, so try not to get too distracted by all of the amazing brothers and sisters of Christ, and get some quality time with Abba.
- Get out of your comfort zone! This is mainly for my fellow introverts, but everyone can benefit from it. Step out of your comfort zone! Get up and dance, go talk to that person you haven’t met yet, or share a life story with your group. Begin to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, because that is where growth happens.
- Lastly, and again, don’t worry about it! I promise you will survive the week if you forget one shirt or to bring band aids. You are part of a family now. You will look out for each other and make sure no one goes on needing. And most importantly, you have God watching over you. Put your trust in Him.
