“Pushing the Limits 2010” was a Marvelous and Muddy Success
A Little Inclement Weather Could Not Keep Our Scholars Down

May 12, 2010 – Sometimes things just work out. Despite predictions of severe weather the weekend of April 30 – May 2, our “Pushing the Limits 2010” leadership camp at Flat Rock River YMCA Camp in St. Paul, Indiana, experienced thundershowers at just the right times: overnight. The weather created muddy conditions for hikes and capture-the-flag and climbing an alpine tower, but nothing dampened the spirits of our Scholars and the Giving+Sum volunteers who, along with our staff, presented the weekend of learning, fun, and growth.

“It was so funny to see some of our Scholars walking with boots caked with mud,” said Starfish College Access Programs Director Carol Neary. “But it was even better to see the growth of our Scholars – in just one weekend – from being very tentative, or shy, or unsure at the beginning to being much more confident and outgoing by Sunday morning.”

The camp was made possible by a generous grant from Giving+Sum, an Indianapolis-based group of young professionals that not only awards a monetary grant, but also pledges that its members will volunteer to see the grant project come to fruition.

Giving+Sum members taught our Scholars “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” curriculum developed by Sean Covey.

Giving+Sum member Sara Landrum chaperoned and facilitated teaching “Habit 7.” She noticed that “at first, many were apprehensvie about getting dirty and spending time with nature and/or the outdoors. However, by the end of Saturday I was amazed by the transformation! We went on an evening nature hike along the Flat Rock River and the youth were VERY engaged! They were drinking natural spring water, tasting some of Indiana’s edible plants, and asking excellent questions about the sciences behind the plants. I almost couldn’t believe it.”

The Alpine Tower -- a 50-foot medieval-looking collection of ropes, logs, and nets -- was a crowd favorite. "The tower not only challenged our Scholars, it also bonded the Giving+Sum members even more with students whom they had never met before this weekend," said Scholar Specialist Tim Clark. "I saw amazing accomplishments performed by adults and students. All of the students walked away with an experience that no one can ever take away from them and gained a new, increased awareness about themselves and what they can accomplish in life."

“I think that I speak for all of the Giving+Sum volunteers at Pushing the Limits when I say that our experience with the Starfish Scholars exceeded all expectations,” said Giving+Sum chaperone Ian Arnold. “All too often we all get wrapped up in the thankless details of everday life. Experiencing camp with the Scholars reminded me that there are smart, energetic, interesting, great young people out there that are going to help shape the future of our city, state and country. The way that the kids got along with one another, as well as the staff and chaperones, was a credit to them and the Starfish Initiative. I had a great time and look forward to doing it again next year!”