July 15, 2022
A Reflection on Activity Leader Training
A Reflection on Activity Leader Training
Written by: Anna Raffaelli, Activity Leader at Camp Aranzazu
As soon as I arrived at Camp Aranzazu on May 9th, specialized activity leader training was set to launch. During the first week, a small group of leaders (myself included) headed down to the bayfront each morning to learn how to sail with the sailing supervisor, Ted. Ted is an awesome sailing captain, and I loved soaking up every bit of knowledge about sailing he had to share with us. He taught us how to tie sailing knots, rig up the boats, and, of course, sail in Copano Bay. The views are breathtaking! Within one week, we were all trained skippers!
The second week consisted of Challenge Course training. The Challenge Course training certainly pushed me to my limits. Before training, I was not aware of all the small and very important details that go into facilitating this type of activity. It was also physically demanding- I don’t think I’ve ever drank that much water in my life! We learned how to tie multiple different knots, learned about commands, equipment, belay teams, and so much more. I made a lot of mistakes during Challenge Course Training, but I’m glad that I made those mistakes in the safety of the training environment. Because of those mistakes, I’ve been able to learn and grow as a Challenge Course facilitator. My favorite part of Challenge Course training was working as a team to help each other learn and grow closer as a group.
I felt like I had already known my fellow activity leaders for three months instead of just three weeks by the time training wrapped up. It’s incredible to reflect and see how close we all have become in such a small amount of time. I feel like I have my own little family in Rockport, Texas.
Now that our summer camping sessions have officially begun, I have felt and witnessed the magic that everyone talks about when they come to Camp Aranzazu. It is truly a special place, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than myself.
