With breakfast in our bellies, our bodies stretched, and 100 push-ups already under our belt, we headed to Catamount Family center for a day of Mtn Biking. The expert group led by Makenzie, Joe, Will and Zack hit the single track early and often. They made it to lookout point and then enjoyed gravity all the way back down through some gnarly sections. The intermediate group dabbled in and out of the woods searching out the best banked corners and negotiating the rocks and roots with skill. I led the beginner group and immediately headed for a trail named Pure Bliss, which is smooth single track that wanders through the maple forest and puts a smile on your face.

After 90 minutes of riding it was time for lunch under the sunny skies. Then it was back out on the trails for another 60 minute ride. Except for a crew singing in the back of the bus, all the campers were asleep by the time we reached campus, including me.

45 minutes later it was back to the gym for the ELITEAM Dance. There is something special about this group as they had no problem picking up the new moves and quickly mastered the dance. They were definitely getting into it! Get ready to see some rhythm on Saturday as we perform our version of "Call Me Maybe".

Following dance it was another rotation of Cooking, Rock Wall and Swedish Dodgeball. By dinner, we were all starving! I challenged the group to load up their plates and eat all the broccoli that was prepared. They responded quickly and the entire pan was gone within minutes. Reloaded with fuel and a half hour off before our next scheduled activity, the kids were already back on the field. It’s one of my favorite times at ELITEAM - 40+ kids playing kickwall, stilting, walking on tires, biking and interacting. No TV, no phones, no electronics - just playing.

As soon as we gathered for soccer it started to Thunder so that meant we were heading inside the gym for some intense Dodgeball. First it was the boys versus the girls. Then it was 11-12 year olds versus the 13-14 year olds. Huge fun and lots of action. We then calmed them all down with some yoga and relaxation. That is a full day.

Tomorrow… Sufferfest.

Random quotes overheard today on the mtn. bike trails:
I’ve got a lot of that acid in my legs. – Eliza
Now THIS is what I call mountain biking!- Matt M.
I have a million bruises because I hit a million trees.- Maureen
I only ate it once!- Chauncey

Quotes from some of the girls in New Dorm:

What did you think of the mountain biking today?
It was difficult but fun and you feel great when you are finished.- Mia
It was really scary at first but it ended up being a lot more fun than I thought. – Caroline. R.
I don’t like mtn biking but with the help of my friends and coaches I gained confidence. –Emma
It was awesome.- Isabelle
I thought it was really fun! Everything was organized.- Caroline D.
It was fun but it was hard too. - Siggy
Hills are fun but only when you’re going down them.- Allegra

What is the key to being a good mtn biker?
Knowing what you’re doing, knowing your equipment and knowing the terrain.- Sadie
Be in an athletic position. - Isabelle
Standing up over obstacles.- Elizabeth
Balance and being focused.- Caroline D.
You need to absorb the bumps.- Siggy
Positive thinking, confidence and strength.- Julia
Staying out of your seat on a root filled trail. -Allegra

How many times did you crash?
I crashed once over roots.- Sadie
For the first time I didn’t crash, which I was proud of.- Emma
ZERO (must be some sort of record)- Elizabeth
I crashed 4 times.- Caroline D.
2 times.- Siggy
I only had one wipe out.- Julia

So far, what has been the hardest part of ELITEAM?
The leg routines because they burned but you had to keep going.- Sadie
The last hill of mountain biking when I was worn out and tired.- Mia
The pushups because you have to do a lot of them so often.- Caroline R.
For me mentally I have to be in a zone, which is why rock wall was easier because I could focus. Emma
Trying not to get hurt.- Isabelle
All of the push-ups because they are physically and mentally demanding.- Elizabeth
The leg routines.- Julia
I don’t think there’s been a toughest part, just lots of challenging ones.- Allegra

What do you think of the food here at camp?
It’s really good and the cooks are so nice and it reminds me of home!- Mia
The food here tastes really good and is healthy for you too.- Caroline R.
REALLY DELICIOUS! AND HEALTHY… - Elizabeth
The food has been AWESOME!- Caroline D.
It’s really good, they always have lots of fresh fruit.- Allegra

If you could tell your mom one thing right now, what would it be?
I would tell her I’m coming back next year and I love her!- Mia
I’m having a good time.- Caroline R.
I want to be a counselor some day, so I should work on my mountain biking.- Emma
I’m having a great time.- Isabelle
I’m having the time of my life.- Elizabeth
I’m having a great time. Camp is great.- Caroline D.
I love you, camp is really fun.- Siggy
I love you :) - Allegra
I love Eliteam. - Julia