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"Zip On" New Britain Parks and Rec

“Zip On”: New Britain Leaders in Training Soar to Great Heights!

 

New Britain Parks and Recreation Leaders in Training program practice leadership and team building at EMPOWER Leadership Sports in Middletown, CT

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Middletown, CT (July 17, 2013) Teen Leaders in Training from New Britain Parks and Recreation traveled to Middletown on Thursday for a unique and amazing adventure. The purpose of the visit to EMPOWER was to help the campers practice leadership and team skills through awesome aerial and ground-based adventures. The program included EMPOWER's zip line canopy course; the only of its kind in Southern New England featuring 5 zip long and fast zip lines, 2 adventure sky bridges, a cargo net and tight wire traverse and 8 tree-top platforms, as well as a land navigation team building challenge. New Britain Program Coordinator, Megan Dowling states that "we could feel the nerves and anxious energy on the ride to EMPOWER; the bus was silent and the campers were focused on their individual fears." Upon arrival, the campers were greeted by EMPOWER facilitator Kevin Moss who talked to them about the great opportunity to overcome fears and support one another. Moss explains that "the zip line canopy tour is about getting outside of your comfort zone by taking on positive challenges and supporting one another throughout that process".

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From the outset, EMPOWER's team led the way. The Leaders in Training were led through activity safety briefings, equipment outfitting and demonstrations, and then began their adventures. Throughout the Laurel Brook forest, one could hear a high level of energy and positive attitudes. On the canopy course, the nerves and anxiety quickly turned into fun, excitement and positive support. Travis, one of the campers, could be heard saying "what a rush, this is the most fun I've had all summer!" That attitude was contagious; the once nervous guests were now brimming with self-confidence and a great sense of accomplishment.

On the ground, campers were taking on a different type of challenge; EMPOWER's Team Building Scavenger Hunt. The scavenger hunt required the small teams to use a compass and map to navigate to six different challenge stations located in the forest. At each station, teams were presented with a different group problem solving initiative. The campers on each team had to perform different roles that contributed to the team's success. The "navigation unit" was responsible for using a compass and map to guide their teammates to each station. Once at the station, the "group managers" would then describe the challenge, come up with a plan and make sure the plan was communicated to all group members. At the conclusion of each challenge, the "documentation team" would take a team picture and fill in their scorecard. Kyle Newman, EMPOWER's lead facilitator noted; "each team member truly embraced his or her role and were motivated to help their team achieve". Megan Dowling agreed; "the most important thing for me was to see the campers work together and share a positive attitude; the EMPOWER staff reinforced everything we do in camp."

Each camper completed the zip line canopy tour as well as the team building scavenger hunt, and at the end of the day shared exciting stories about overcoming the aerial and ground based obstacles. While the campers laughed and high-fived; the New Britain staff talked about how proud they were of the young leaders. As the participants prepared for a group photo, Program Coordinator Megan Dowling shared; "we teach positive leadership and team skills on a daily basis at our Leaders in Training Camp and it was great to see the campers apply those lessons here at EMPOWER." Dowling continues; "after watching the young leaders today, I am very confident in their ability to transfer these great skills to high school, college and beyond!".

EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center is located at 2011 S Main St. Middletown, CT and is online at www.LeadershipSports.com.





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