By Bridget Clapp
Day 1: Happy (Adventure) Campers
As we embarked on our Outdoor Adventure Camp, the van jostled toward Lake Corpus Christi State Park. During the ride everyone quietly and politely chit-chatted amongst themselves slowly becoming acquainted in anticipation for the adventures to come. As it was many camper’s first time setting up a tent, the campground was buzzing with flying tent poles. The more seasoned campers running back and forth to assist. Finding ourselves pretty out of breath and sweaty from our tent debacle we hurriedly threw on some life jackets and spent our evening splashing around in the lake. The day was complete with an orange/pink sunset, and catching of a few tiny bass.
Day 2: Fin-tastic Diving
Finding ourselves at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club surrounded by shiny scuba tanks made the early wake-up completely worth it. For this adventure, our instructors filled the campers in on all the thrill, dangers, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving. The campers listened as attentively as they could but it was pretty hard to sit still knowing they would be swimming and breathing underwater in no time. When the moment came to actually gear up, many campers found the idea of strapping a 30 lb tank to their backs in the water a little more daunting than expected. Our instructors understood this and were so patient with us as we all prepared at our own pace. Before long, we were practicing our breathing, learning to read our gauges, and putting our buoyancy skills to the test by swimming through hoops under the water. The campers reported this as one of their favorite activities they had ever tried.
Next, we enjoyed lunch with a view at Cole Park left us feeling refreshed and ready to take on the beach. The minute the van came to a halt, our feet hit the sand running. Everyone was sifting through the sandy shores to see what shell treasures they could find. Once we were all sufficiently covered in sand from head to toe, it was time to head out for a swim. We found ourselves tackling some pretty big waves and a strong current. Not a single camper could hide their smile as the waves came rolling in carrying some of us halfway to shore. Heading back to camp, we were all pretty ready for a good night’s rest. Some campers couldn’t even wait until we reached our tents and found themselves nodding off in the van ride home.
Day 3: Time Flies
After a solid breakfast we headed to our CPR/ First Aid training class. We learned and practiced all our CPR skills and left the class ready to take on medical emergencies as individuals newly certified in primary and secondary care for CPR, AED, and First Aid. The campers had so much fun learning these skills that they were shouting out the commands at each other throughout the remainder of camp. Even learning basic first aid can be full of adventure.
After loading up our warm hotdogs with enough toppings to spill over the side, the group was ready to tackle some disc golf lessons. Our instructor arrived with his plethora of disc golf skills and knowledge. After showing us the ropes we were ready to try our hand at the game. It took some practice to get the hang of taking our turn to throw the disc and acclimating to throwing into the infamous Corpus Christi wind. After completing the first basket we got into a rhythm with it. Some campers thrived learning this new sport and wanted to take it on as a new hobby. Other campers had an absolute blast giving this a try but mostly enjoyed cheering on the other campers. By the end of our disc golf lessons in the relentlessly hot sun, we were so ready to head back to camp where the cool water of the lake awaited.
Day 4: A Swell Time
Everyone awoke bursting with energy for the adventure to come that fine Wednesday morning. Majesty Outdoors met us out at the youth Odyssey ropes course to give us the rundown on archery. Upon busting through the ropes course gate, the campers could not wait to get their hands on the bow and arrows. Our instructor explained to us the value in understanding archery thoroughly as an art and sport that should not to be taken lightly. We explored all the proper names of the equipment and terms associated with archery. Rules, scenarios, and questions were explored. The instructor kept us on the edge of our seats with his stories and games intertwined throughout the talking portion of the session. The moment we had been waiting for arrived.
Everyone got their turn to aim and shoot toward the target. This task appeared to be much more of a challenge than the group had anticipated. The campers were having such a blast, they did not want to leave. The instructor had to keep reminding us the fun had just started as we would return the following day.
Out of breath from singing The Beach Boy’s “Surfin U.S.A,” we came strolling into Port Aransas toward Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier. The group spotted the pink and blue boards and made a mad dash. Our surf lessons began with everyone practicing their pop-ups. Once our instructors decided our pop-up form and style was sufficient, we stormed into the water. Some carried their boards overhead, some underarm, some dragged their board behind them, nonetheless we all ended up in that salty water in wave catching position. One by one, everyone went soaring toward the shore, each slipping off their board in a different fashion. After two or three slips campers began to shout, “Look at me! Look at me!” Everyone looked like real surfers out under that pier mastering their pop-ups and paddling back out for the next wave.
Day 5: Laugh S’more, Worry Less
Who wouldn’t be ready for the day after piling syrup over pancakes while watching the sun come up at the lake? Eager to truly put our archery abilities to the test, we made our way back to the ropes course. After a quick review of the rules and expectations, our instructor had us holding up our bows again. This time, things got a bit more competitive. A series of archery games kept us on our toes as we each demonstrated our unique strengths. Some campers found they excelled at speed, some difficulty, others precision. We learned how to be proud of our friends while not feeling less than with comparison. We were all sad to see our instructor leave at the end of the session and helped him load up his equipment.
After a quick lunch, we put on our swimming attire and drove over to Greenwood Swimming Pool to cool off. Luckily for us, this swimming pool had slides we could race down. After some hold your breath and handstand competitions, we headed back to base camp.
Knowing it would be the last night together for the week, we reminisced on all the joys and struggles we had experienced. Over a roaring fire we made our dinner and even got to show off our s’more roasting skills. Once bellies were sufficiently full and fingers were sufficiently covered in marshmallow goop, the mood shifted to one of sentimentality. Everyone shared their favorite memories, adventure and soaked up the last sweet moments of our time together. One camper shared her favorite memory was standing up on a surfboard, even after she had deemed it impossible. Another camper had not expected to exceed so much with his archery speed and accuracy and was so pleasantly surprised. We discussed what different roadblocks can interfere with our success and what success really means to each individual.
Day 6: Till Next Time
The air was sweet and solemn. With a slow tent tear down we gave the stunning Lake Corpus Christi one last long gaze and thanked it for for hosting our Adventure Camp. The ride home gave us one last chance to listen to the camp favorite song, “Stick House.” The trailer slowly became vacant as each camper’s belongings were taken out. A celebratory meal helped with the transition back from camp life. Each camper exhibited unique skills and strengths in so many different domains. Campers were awarded a certificate for one area in which they shined most specifically. Hugs and waves were traded as each camper went home cherishing these memories in their hearts. See you next time at camp!
