HSLP 2009: Day 2, July 12

High School Leaders Program Class of 2009
Day 2—Sunday, July 12, 2009
Reported by: Ann Laurence Baumer, Virginia Beach

     As another Sorensen student put it, “It started off like middle school all over again.” We were all unsure of what exactly to expect but excited for a new beginning and a new adventure. After a fun night of ice cream and Apples to Apples, today promised at least getting to know an amazing group of people. The schedule reads: Ropes Course at Poplar Ridge 9am-5pm. That’s 8 hours of ropes and although I have been through some courses before, and all-day event was sure to be different. It definitely was. To wake up the sluggish teenagers (the alarm went off at 8 this morning!), our instructors Rick and Dana immediately had us running and subsequently sweating or more precisely “glistening” with activities such as amoeba tag. At 87ish degrees and humidity similar to where I live at the beach, it was hot. Fortunately though, we were shaded by the trees and having too much fun to really even notice.
     After tag came the blindfold game. Paired up, one partner was positioned outside of a circle to direct their blindfolded buddy around the inside towards Fisher Price foam toys that had to then be aimed and thrown at other blindfolded kids. While inside the circle I managed to trip over one of my suitemates who was crawling around, sending us both into a fit of laughter. Very entertaining, this activity was just the beginning of a team-building day. We were then split up into two groups. My group, the Pirates and obviously superior team, started off with low ropes before lunch followed by Nessie (short for the Loch Ness Monster) and the swing in the afternoon. I am involved in many different clubs and organizations in my community and can honestly say that I cannot remember working with a group as easily. Coming from different areas with diverse backgrounds, we all learned from each other while relating to similar high school experiences. From whale watching to being shackled by pirates and having to lift all 16 members through a poisonous spider web, we worked extremely well and quickly conquered every new challenge. Our muscle-man director Tom kept us going with the enthusiasm and optimism expressed by every member of our group. I am so proud of everyone for facing fears and staying committed to each other.  We succeeded as a team, and then came lunch.
     I discovered today that Bodo’s Bagels makes my favorite sandwiches. Followed by oreos, we were ready to take on the heights. Our next adventure involved all hands on deck…or more accurately on ropes. Nessie’s true spirit cannot be truly described. It was an experience to say the least.  Up about 2,000 feet (okay…it was around 20) in the air, two people started from facing platforms and swung from logs to end up where their partner started.  Catherine and I swung across in record time— long legs and being the third set to go gave us a decent advantage.  Making the journey across Nessie required all group members to participate fully and cooperate together. Positive communication proved vital to our progress, and I learned that everything involved in our day on the ropes could be applied to leadership and politics. Teamwork and respect are vital in order to get projects completed.
     Sorensen immediately started off as a nonpartisan program and we have been asked to keep our political preferences to ourselves. Saturday morning I would have assumed this was meant to keep our discussions more objective but already it has become so much more. I didn’t think that the stereotypes and predisposed associations that immediately come to mind about members of the opposition party would have an effect on our impressions until that aspect was taken away. We are getting to know each other with respect and I really appreciate it. With a little (actually a great deal) of dirt on my shoes, I had an amazing day and cannot begin to imagine what lies ahead. One thing I know for sure is that I walk my Sorensen path with 32 amazing, uplifting personalities who I am proud and glad to have met.

—Ann Laurence Baumer, Virginia Beach