Day Filled with Action, Classes, and Debates

Today, the campers exercised early in the morning and though we were tired, we acted tough and went through it. We were taught that exercise is important because it is beneficial, in that it boosts our energy and helps us stay in shape.

During Snack time, all the campers went to the canteen to get their own snacks or buy snacks, and chatted and laughed for a while. Jesse Jones informed us that we would need to set up a name for our individual groups, then we discussed almost all day to find the best name that would fit our group theme and spirit, and to find a purpose for the name and name sign. Each group did great because they put a lot of effort into creating their own name and improved their respective communication systems. An idea for more effective communication was to have a numeric system of taking turns when raising hands so that everyone can participate. That’s what teamwork looks like, sharing ideas and keeping discussions open. We all put a lot of effort into working together and listening to each other's ideas, and it was a good start for us.

At Debate time, staff members Mark Ramirez and Bregitt Jimenez explained what debate time means and led us through the process. A formal debate means there is a open but strict discussion with ideas, opinions, and rebuttals. Today we talked about the animal groups Dog, Cat, Bird, and Hamster. The dog group is A Group. The cat is D Group. The bird is B group. The hamster is C group.

At the evening program, the camp staff explained to us about the mix and match game, which grabbed our attention. Luba Douziech and Mark gave an example of a certain funny pose that all campers must copy. Bregitt divided the campers into 2 groups, then she assigned a number to each person in the first group, and then Maurice Abenchuchan Jr. did the same thing for the second group. We had to find the other matching number then quickly do the pose that Luba and Mark did. It was a blast and we all enjoyed the game.

At the fireside, Mark Ramirez and Bregitt Jimenez talked about how they helped other people. Bregitt joined Global Reach Out, to help other countries improve their educational system and produce better leaders. She went to the Honduras and their definition of leadership is one person runs and does everything. So she and a few people showed them various ways to express leadership and promote it. Mark joined a group called Global Deaf Connection, he went to a Kenya Deaf school and taught subjects like math, English, science. He was very sad to see that their teacher would beat the children with sticks and that would knock them to the ground. His favorite question from one of the kids was “can I go to America with you? “ After their speeches, the campers felt inspired into doing that one day.

Some of the favorite quotes at Fireside.

“There’s no point to have a life unless you live in it.”

-Bregitt Jimenez

“Add life to your years, not years to your life”

-Mark Ramirez

Christine Gerard asked the five campers, what’s your favorite quote of the day?

“Leadership never ends”

-Tyler Hetu

“Live blonde or die trying”

-Montana Murphy

“Beauty is skin deep”

-Sara Selzer

“It is what it is. I am who I am.

-Ryan Poindexter

“It’s better to try than never even try at all”

-Iris Wigley

Campers decorate the side of fireside, YLC '10!


Staff Group Advisor Andrew Bottoms leads group A's morning check-in discussion.


Jenna Smith and Kylei Brooks both have different reactions on what is being discussed.


James "Jimmy" Wilson is trying to point out the importance of the letter "Y"


Camp Council Advisers Joshua Weinstock and Bregitt Jimenez give a workshop on Parliamentary Procedure to the campers.


Brandon Alberti closes his eyes, trusting his group mates in the trust circle discovery activity.


Kaitlin Newhard working on an article for the Daily Drum with Hillary Peters.


All eyes are on Angel Ortiz as he gives his argument for Debate Time.



Members of group C debating on what argument to present.


Campers listening intently to the endless debating!


A candid shot of the entire Debate Time setting!


Chelsea Morris and Joshua Weinstock sharing a laugh together as they play the "Mix & Match" game


Group D is in the middle of a group skit in where campers goes through a haunted forest!


Group B performing their group skit, apparently too much talking is going on at once! They have a lot to learn about on-stage etiquette!