Grouse Tyee Dryland Camp Recap

 

Link to photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/F1N27kg5mRkk5ykd8

This summer, 20 athletes ranging from U8 to U14 joined forces to persevere through the heat and physical challenges, show off their Tyee spirit, and have fun under the sun! 

The five-day camp kicked off with a field day on William Griffin. After a morning of independent activities, such as warm-up games, agility ladders, and strength circuits, the age groups banded together for a walk along Mosquito creek, where they savoured many handfuls of berries and fun conversations. They also enjoyed a brief splash in the pool at the top to prepare themselves for the midday heat before heading back to the field, where the final couple of hours were spent rotating through activities in mixed-age groups. Athletes got to play some familiar games, such as spike ball, badminton, and frisbee, but also tried their hand at more challenging, agility-based work, including stilts, balance beams, and even some backflips, courtesy of Matias! 

On the second day, the group armed themselves with day packs, bug spray, and bottles of sunscreen as they headed for the base of Lynn Peak trail. In what would become a definitive demonstration of the importance of hydration and sound footwear, the athletes scrambled and pushed their way to the top of the five-kilometre hike and were rewarded with stunning views of the regional park’s greenery and the Strait of Georgia beyond. However, despite the physical demands of the three to four hours spent on their feet, the Tyees continued to do what they did best – show their excellent sportsmanship and attitude. There was never a Tyee left behind, and there were many points on the trail where teammates helped each other clamber up large rocks or hold steady amidst the shifting pebbles. To close out the day, the athletes enjoyed a splash in the creek, cooling down and playing games after a long and tiring morning. It was incredibly rewarding to see each athlete’s effort and perseverance, as well as their high morale and energy. 

The third day saw the Tyees move from the mountains to the ocean as they enjoyed a beach day on Ambleside. Athletes participated in large-group games, agility relay races in the sand, and a brief, non-negotiable splash in the waterpark before spending a couple hours at Ambleside’s Par 3 for pitch-and-putt. This was familiar territory for some, and not-so-familiar for others, but it was a fun way to enjoy the afternoon’s bluebird sky and to engage competitive spirits in a light-hearted way. 

On day 4, the Tyees went back to their home base to hike the BCMC or Grind before a packed day of activities on the mountain. Pushing through Lynn Peak soreness and colonies of bugs, they emerged from their speedy ascents and eagerly began to zip through the trees on the rope course. This was a highlight for many, as there were courses to suit everybody’s ability and challenge their comfort zone. U8 to U12 then went to watch Grouse Mountain’s “Birds in Motion” show, where they got to spy vultures, owls, and hawks, while the U14s climbed all the way up to the Peak. 

On the last day of the camp, we were back at our regular Saturday dryland hunting ground Stanley Park. Coach Marouska came up with a scavenger hunt that brought us from the totem poles all the way to Beaver Lake and the Rose Garden stopping by the eagles' nest and the cannon on the way. Kids found crabs and, as a bonus, starfish and spotted airplanes and the park horses. The legs were tired after a whole week of exercise but the teams persevered and finished it in good time. After a snack, coach Matias introduced a new version of capture-the-flag. The different age groups were mixed up in the teams – lots of sneaky actions led to a competitive and exciting game. In the afternoon, the coaches brought out a lot of gear for a game session: slacklines, pedalo, badminton, and frisbees were all in play. Even coaches were spotted playing badminton. 

Overall, the week was tough but rewarding, peppered with impressive endurance and drive, but also moments of fun, collaboration, and team spirit. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and go Tyees! 

VST headed back to Alberta for their last event of the season!