Retreat/Training - On the Ropes!

Camp Bernie was awesome! As side from the fact that it was freezing outside (as I'm sure we will all mention) the retreat/training was a really great experience for us all - managers and crew. From the beginning one of the goals of this was to get the crew to bond a little more. We all new each other as co-workers, but this really got everyone to come out of their shell a little and get to know each other. It was a mission accomplished. I have not heard one negative thing about the trip and this really makes being a manger at the Zone that much more rewarding. I know us managers put a lot of work into what we do (especially Matt!) and it was amazing to see the crew really get something out of this.

One of the most exciting activities we did was on the Ropes Course. I must say that dangling on ropes during the winter with snow on the ground isn't exactly my forte. However, with this being said, it was that much more important because it caused plenty of us to push ourselves and do things that we didn't expect of ourselves. We all split into teams - the managers and crew teamed up to hit each course and make the most of it. It was absolutely freezing and I couldn't feel my feet but that didn't stop us from at least trying everything. I was on a team with Nicole, Melissa, and Alexandra and each person brought something to the table. Alexandra was quick to try EVERYTHING and was also the first to do so - teaching us the way and giving us hints when it was our turn. Once we all saw how easy she made it seem, we were willing to try. Melissa was the perfect cheer leader for each person. She was encouraging which was totally helpful. Nicole was the one that really pushed herself. Although she was hesitant to try certain courses, she set goals for the ones she tried out and accomplished them.

Matt even helped our team out - Nicole was quite anxious about one rope in particular so Matt made a deal with her - "If you do it, I'll do it." And they did - only Matt fell! It was to our amusement and also my team's guilt because we were his spotters and let him fall; not on purpose of course! Matt was like a spider in the beginning, moving fast and then his foot fell right through one of the holes. Adam was on the other side trying to place his foot back in the proper position, but this did not help. Matt fell back and landed in the snow, taking Melissa down with him. We all had a great laugh and Nicole was grateful that Matt would take that measure. We also now have this sort of inside joke where Matt likes to remind us that we let him fall - but the moral of the story is that it takes teamwork to get through some things - advice and tips from others, encouragement, and trusting yourself enough to try new things out.

My favorite part about the retreat was at the end when we all stood in a circle and talked about what we got out of the trip. It was so nice to hear the crew say great things and affirm that they really enjoyed it and had a great experience.

Keep reading to hear more about our Camp Bernie experience - and pictures will be coming soon!

Ashley