1. No toe dipping.
There are two ways to get into the pool: one toe at a time or cannonballing. I’m a toe dipper, and I took a similar approach to building relationships at training camp. I was timid and slow rather than jumping right in and in the end, I didn’t feel like I got to be my true goofy self much.
2. Find a prayer to cling to.
For Brennan Manning it was “Abba, I belong to you.” For Ron Walborn it’s, “Lord Jesus, do anything You need to do in men so that You might do everything You want to do through me.” Find a phrase. Make it yours. Cling to it. Pray it every morning. Make it the cry of your heart.
3. Live now. Learn later.
There’s a lot of information thrown at you that you need to work through. Take good notes on the session happening right now and think about the previous session later. Live five minutes at a time.
4. Baby steps are ok.
Some people feel most connected with God falling to the floor. Others like to shout at the top of their lungs. Some dance. Some stand still. One’s not better than another. Yet God likes to push us in the way we connect with Him. Be open to new ideas even if you aren’t willing to cannonball into them.
“I will wait on You as long as You need me to. Strength will rise up in me.”
5. Pack and fail.
When you think you’ve packed properly for the Race, put on your pack and take a hike around the block. Your packing method will change. What you’re carrying will change. Whether or not you like your headlamp will change. Training Camp is a good time to learn that your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough, your pants don’t fit, and your tent leaks because there’s time between Training Camp and Launch to deal with those things.
6. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong.
As often happens when 200 people are living in close quarters for a long time, there were miscommunications, mistakes, and misunderstandings. On more than one occasion, Adventures leadership, trainers, and those in charge said, “We were wrong. And we’re sorry.” Sometimes it was explained in “This is what we meant,” sometimes it was a “The plan changed,” and sometimes it was a simple, “I had the wrong information.” Either way it was very appreciated.
7. Respect the process.
In terms of schedule, everything is intentional. In terms of material, everything requires time. Respect the process. It’s not going to be something you can fully embrace in one session.
8. Embrace yourself.
I love the Max Lucado quote that says, “God loves you exactly the way you are but refuses to leave you that way.” You worship differently. Your personality type is different. Your skillsets are different. You pray differently. And that’s ok.
“I wanna get lost in the river, get lost in the river of Your love.”
9. Give and accept constructive criticism and praise.
In World Race culture, it’s called “feedback.” There are methods of approach but the important part is that you do it. Adventures in Missions as an organization is open to feedback too. Like in admitting when you’re wrong, be willing to hear suggestions.
10. Have fun.
Some of the stuff you’re asked to do is just plain ridiculous. That’s the point. Be silly. Dance the Cha Cha Slide. Eat the French Fries for breakfast. Shout your squad’s chant.
11. End Well.
This was a recurring theme throughout the week. It applies to leaving on the Race just as much as it does running in circles around camp. End well. Finish strong. Give it your best. Honor and value relationships. Don’t give up.
