It’s getting real, people. I launch in 81 days, and one month from today, I’ll be on my way to training camp! Time is going by at lightning-fast speed, and at the same time, it seems like a month is forever. But it’s not, and it won’t be long before I’m on a plane to Georgia.
I could be intimidated by training camp if I really tried. What if I have trouble with my gear? What if my squadmates think I’m weird? What if I can’t handle it? But I’m not thinking about these things – I’m excited for this adventure and I’m ready to get it started.
So in the spirit of “11 in 11,” here are 11 reasons why I can’t wait for training camp:
- Meeting my squad and finding out who my teammates are. I’ve read their blogs, we have a Facebook group, and we’ve had a video chat session with more in the works, but I’ve never actually spoken to any of them in person. I not only get to meet the I Squad – approximately 46 people with whom I’ll be traveling the world, but I’ll be placed in a small team that I will work closely with and will become my World Race immediate family. We will also choose our team’s name at training camp.
- Giving all of my gear a test-run. So far I’ve used my sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and hammock, (not an essential but I have no regrets so far) and they’ve all passed with flying colors. I’ve never worn my backpack outside of the store where I bought it, I haven’t set up my tent before, and I have no idea whatsoever how to use my airporter just yet, but I’ll learn fast!
- Encountering diverse Christian backgrounds. This is something I really loved about going to a Christian college, but now that I’m back home I don’t get that kind of exposure and perspective very often.
- Launch will be just over a month after training camp is over. My last stretch of time at home will likely fly by.
- Squad Wars. The three squads that will be at the first July training camp (H, I, and J Squads) are competing against each other, and it’s already started with a few challenges. I have no idea if the points mean anything, but my squad came in second place for the first challenge.
- Getting a “taste” of the World Race. According to some of the blogs I’ve read, training camp includes food from the countries/regions we will be going to.
- Getting a week off from work. Okay, Okay, this one is kind of lame, but I’m still looking forward to it. I’m grateful to have a full-time job for the summer, (to be honest I didn’t think I would be able to) but who doesn’t need a break?
- Flying by myself for the first time. The last two times I’ve flown anywhere, I’ve been with a large group. This time there’s no advisor telling me where to go and no peers to follow – I’m on my own. I’m kind of looking forward to it – is that weird? To be fair, I’ll be back to large-group travel as soon as the Race officially starts.
- “Unplugging” for a week. Everybody needs an internet/social media/electronics detox every now and then, and it’ll be good preparation for the Race where we’re not guaranteed any of that depending on where we are. No one has ever been on a trip, out in the woods, or across the world and wondered “Hey, I wonder what’s going on on Facebook right now…”
- Georgia weather. I’m from Western New York, where our four seasons are: almost winter, winter, still winter, and construction. As I type this post, my plans to go for a run later are being thwarted by a downpour. Even if it means coming face to face with bugs and maybe a scorpion or two, I’ll take a change in environment.
- And finally, the silliest reason of all: wearing my zip-off pants. Ever since I was ten years old and saw someone wearing them, I’ve wanted a pair of those pants that zip off into shorts. I could never justify buying them before, but for the Race I decided to treat myself. They’re awesome.
