As you may know, I just got back from an 10 day training camp in Georgia preparing for this new adventure. Training camp is where we really lean into the journey. We were put through multiple field scenarios, tested on our fitness level, spent time worshiping, learned new ways to witness, met our new family (XSquad featured below), formed our teams(Estuary!), danced like it was 1990, and got to go even deeper with ourselves, each other, and ultimately the LORD. Can I get a hallelujah-amen?
It was not always peachy, but even when it wasn’t, it was still pretty fruitful. I would describe training camp as exhausting, yet exhilarating.
The horror: Each day we woke up before 7 am (6 am TX time. Yikes) We spend all but one day camping in tents. I had a total of 3.5 cup and bucket showers and ate way too much starch and protein bars. One day they even served some cooked crickets and worms with breakfast (which I didn’t eat, but a ton of people did. Don’t worry, I will make up for it when I eat a scorpion). I spent the last few days coughing and cried from emotions more than once.
The highlights: WOAH NELLY. God did so much and taught so much. My notebook is jammed packed with wise quotes and even a few gnarly doodles. I gained 43 new friends and I found some groovy dance partners. With the help of God and a squad-mate I passed my 38minute 2 mile hike test with my hiker pack during the hottest part of the day after a giant bowl of South American food (Anything is possible). Every day we had a different cultural theme where we had to follow certain rules for eating, speaking, and clothing. It was neat to practice not offending people. Haha.
So much happened over this short (but seemingly long) time at camp. I’d say more, but I don’t want to spoil too much for future racers. So if you want or need to know more, we can chat in person or even over the phone! If you are not a future world racer, please feel free to tune out as the following information as the rest is mainly here to help out the next generation. If you’re a curious rule breaking cat, keep on keeping on.
I kept myself pretty limited and got my hiker pack down to 21 pounds and carried a mega heavy day pack that I didn’t weigh.. oops. First thing I want to say is a lot of stuff I got was from amazon and there were several things I shipped and then returned before TC. Here is what I ended up taking:
HIKER PACK:
- PACK: Osprey Aura 65 AG Pack – Women’s
- CUBES: Eagle Creek Pack It Specter Compression Cube Set , White/Strobe, 2pc Set
- SLEEPING BAG: Lightweight Sleeping Bag by Camping Cear. Indoor & Outdoor use. Great for Kids, Teens & Adults. SATISFIED OR! Ultra light and compact bags are perfect for hiking, backpacking, camping & travel (Mega cheap, but did the job.)
- TENT: Sierra DesignsLightning 2 FL Tent (only 3 lbs. 4 oz.)
- PAD: Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad – Women’s (Might get a Big Agnes instead because it is difficult to repack)
- BOWL: Sea to Summit X-Bowl
- SPORK: Snow Peak Titanium Spork – Colored
- RAIN COAT: Marmot Magus Rain Jacket – Women’s (only bought because I didn’t have my cheap one yet)
- Small Blanket
- Para cord (for hanging clothes)
- Shoes (Crocs sexi flips and high-top converse (Should bring a shower cap to store when not in use)
- Clothes (pictured below, the colored short shorts are for sleeping cause Georgia heat is almost as relentless as the Lords love.)
DAY PACK:
- BAG: I used an old Hurley bag with a skateboard strap that worked great to hold my pillow
- Bible (mine is a huge ESV study Bible, but it has all my notes and highlights so it’s a must)
- Small Notebook and Pen(s)
- Toiletries. (Toothbrush, paste, deodorant, Shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, deodorant, baby wipes(BEST THING EVER), q tips, scrubby, baby powder, body spray, downy wrinkle spray)
- Sun Block, Bug Spray, deodorant, oh and don’t forget deodorant!)
- TOWEL: WildHorn Outfitters Microlite Microfiber Quick Dry Travel / Camping Towel (comes in a 3 pack, I used the largest one at TC)
- GAME: I brought a deck of uno cards for downtime. They came in handy. (Find the rules for spicy or crazy uno)
- SNACKS: I made a trailmix with dried fruit and nuts and brought belvita bars. (Put it in Tupperware)
- Headlight (I used a $1 one from Walmart just because I hadn’t chosen a good one yet)
- Small Pillow (I used a small old couch pillow and made a pillowcase out of an old shirt. (Recommend bringing a plastic bag for it when its outside your pack)
- Girls (and some long haired fellas) need hair ties. You will wear your hair up most of the time.
A couple extra tips:
The hike is no joke. Train before. There will be more exercising than the hike so eat healthy and get a tiny bit more into shape beforehand. If they say bring pants, bring really light and lose pants or a maxi skirt (to cover your ankles). Georgia heat does not play nice and there are a couple themed days that do not allow your knees or ankles to show. Carry a pair of clothes, toiletries, and a towel in your day pack so you can shower as soon as you have free time. They have medicine there so if you ever feel any kind of sickness, just ask the staff to give you the hook up. A couple times, I wish I had my hammock, but it also would have led me to miss out on some important bonding so I’d only recommend it if you are going to sleep in it (with a rain cover and warm blanket).
And finally, I believe these to be the most important tips: Don’t just hear the speakers and squad mates, listen to them. Remember to pray for and about everything. Pray before, during, and after everything. Take time to read the word while you are there and actually pay attention to it and share with others. You never know who might need to hear what.
What a groovy God we serve.
