Building Character at the OC
The Obstacle Course, otherwise known as the OC at Huawni, is quite possibly the oldest activity at Camp Huawni. Anyone who has ever been to Huawni knows what the OC is…automatically. Although the actually path has changed slightly over the years due to fallen trees and an ever moving Pinson Creek, the goal of the OC remains the same— run the trail as fast as you can, face your fears and complete the obstacles, and finish strong until you climb over the barrier at the finish. The OC is also likely the most simple of activities at Huawni…extremely simple. But the growth that happens here is mountain size.
Fast forward to all-day Tribal Comp, and the OC Team Run event is even bigger. The goal is the same, except you have to get your whole team through the course as fast as possible. This simple activity becomes much more complex for the OC Team Run (happening later next week). All the details matter, including which counselors take which roles (foot bridge, rope swing platform or bank side, and barrier), how you guide campers at different obstacles, and as always…..how quickly your throughput time is at the rope swing. The OC team run is one of my personal top 2 events.
Today we got a chance to capture a few moments from the OC. Since individual competition has began, campers are running the OC for individual times, as the top 3 finishers give points to their respective tribes (Caddo & Tejas). Enjoy!
Facing Fears & Safe Risks
Why is the OC a character building activity at summer camp? It can look different for different campers, but here are a few. Facing fears is a real thing in life, and running the OC, especially for the first time, can be a little daunting. The obstacles include a balancing walk across our foot bridge, swinging across the rope at the rope swing, and then scaling a 7 foot barrier at the very end of the course. Real fears can bubble up. What if I fall? What if I’m too scared to conquer an obstacle? What if I’m not fast enough? What will other campers think of me when they hear my time? These are all legitimate fears, and all of them are opportunities for growth. This is just a microcosm of growth opportunities that campers face each day, and I’d argue why kids grow so much at Camp. We believe in putting kids in environments where they can take safe risks, face their fears, and conquer them. OC is no exception. Those fears are met with the following: if you fall, it’s okay and we will help you back up, if you are scared, it’s okay, because I was scared too, if you’re not the fastest, it’s okay, because it’s about trying your best and encouraging your friends to do the same….your time or what other people think does not give or take away your infinite value!
