HSLP 08 Day 2, Sunday July 13

High School Leaders Program Class of 2008
Day 2, Sunday, July 13
Reported by: Martina Hairston and J.R. Riegel

Today was particularly enjoyable. Having helped each other through trying challenges, we now know and trust each other not only as fellow attendees of the HSLP, but as friends. After the initial drive of almost two hours, we arrived at Challenge Discovery. Of course, to taunt us, the owners of Challenge Discovery decided to set up their tent and activities directly next to the roller coasters of King's Dominion. However, the noises of the theme park faded away as we became absorbed in the activities of the day. After the initial introductions, we made a large circle and learned the ways of pirates. Although it may have felt odd at first to make lighthouse noises and deck-swabbing motions, it was an excellent and exciting icebreaker. Following this, we separated into three groups – the tigers, the pandas, and the raccoons.
      The authors of this post happen to have both been tigers, so we cannot speak of what the pandas and raccoons started out doing. We, however, began by learning each others names by way of throwing a ball about. Afterwards, we were led into the forest where the challenges begun. First off was a series of cables connected between trees. The goal of this exercise was to work effectively as a team to get our entire group from one side of the course to the other. After some initial planning and trials, we worked our way to the goal together. Because this was the first of these events, our progress was very noticeable. We quickly opened up to each other and communicated much more actively – even those doing nothing at the moment were able to aid the team with encouragement and advice.
     Subsequent challenges included an X made of rope on which two team members had to start on opposite ends and then switch places. This too, we soon discovered, required continuous communication and help from all members of the team. We then climbed an initially daunting arrangement of logs, ropes, and footholds called the Alpine Tower. With the encouragement and support of our teams, many of us climbed up the 60 feet to the top. Finally, we moved on to a towering machination which required the work of many of us to move others across the obstacles. On the ground, we pulled and slackened ropes to move those of us up above across the ladders, ropes, cables, and planks that led the way to the final zip line.
     These activities were, of course, much more than just fun. They taught us not only about each others' abilities, but our own as well. We developed our communication and listening skills, and we came to trust each other with our lives. Challenge Discovery helped us come together – it broke down our individual barriers, opening us up to each other and helping us form a strong community. We developed our abilities to work effectively as a team, which is unquestionably vital to success in the world. We had a whole lot of fun while we came together as a strong, trusting, and close team. It was an enjoyable, educational, and an overall exceptional day.

— Martina Hairston, Roanoke, Patrick Henry High School Class of 2009
     J.R. Riegel, Glasgow, Rockbridge County High School Class of 2008