The reality of meeting this bunch of “strangers” that I’d only briefly chatted with on our team Facebook page sunk in quickly as I grabbed my bag and walked to meet the friend I’d be riding to Training Camp with from the airport. He waved a small Texas flag in my honor as we found each other via cell phone in the airport. We walked to an area where other racers that had already arrived were gathered, and I received an excited welcome in grand B-Squad unison as my squad bro, Seth, announced “Kristin’s here!”
We arrived at the camp grounds, went to check in, and then immediately went to set up our tents for the first time. Excitement was overflowing with hugs and smiles and joyful greetings as each new squad member joined the community of tents!
We were not given a schedule of any sort, which was great for this go-with-the-flow chick; however, there were some things that quickly became routine. We gathered each night and morning with all kinds of meetings in between. Meals were eaten family style, meaning racers would sit in tables of 8 (or sometimes more) and we would receive one big plate of food. Sometimes utensils were used, but mostly our fingers were the utensils. Each day a different country was highlighted and their food was represented. We bonded quickly and had many laughs.
The first night, we were given an envelope and told to take it back to our camp ground and read it to the group. This became a nightly event, but the envelope was not to be read til morning all other days. The message contained instructions for the next morning. These messages contained scenarios that we will often encounter on the race. The first night, we were told we had to be completely packed up, tents and all, ready to go by 7 am to go on a hike. The next day, half of our squad’s bags were “lost by the airlines” and we had to share tents with a partner that night. I was so thankful for my friend, Colleen, and her generosity to do as much as possible to try to make sure we were both comfortable! From there, each morning we gathered at 7 am to do some sort of physical activity as a group and then have some personal time before breakfast. Nights often included good times around a fire or hanging out talking/processing in each other’s tents. Our days were filled with all kinds of meetings and teachings and trainings and teambuilding. Frisbee, football and dance parties filled the in-between parts! All week, we were watched and questioned (and it drove me crazy not knowing what the leadership was thinking and observing!!), then on Thursday, our smaller teams were finally announced! We were permitted that afternoon to go into town with our teams. I’m so excited for the 6 other people I will be sharing life with next year!
We were beautifully challenged and encouraged together as a group, and I’m always in awe of the unity and love that God can bring to a group of people in a week. I didn’t even get to have real conversations with half of our squad of 48 members, but I can genuinely say that I love each and every one of them and can’t wait to see their faces again in January!
#bsquadbestsquad #oranginal #orangeyougladyoureonbsquad #bsquadlove
Check out this short video about training camp created by a talented racer on C Squad (Jayce Vanderlinden)
