The UP Blog

At camp we play a ton of ultimate.  Discs soar through the air at any given moment.  It is a part of our unique UP culture and part of what helps define it is a focus on the 5 values, which are intertwined into everything we do. Today we will focus on fun! 

It actually started the night before with the North American LITs (Leaders in Training) organizing an olympic evening. It kicked off by a round of flags and cheers created on the first day as a team bounding activity. Followed by well-known fun games: wha, human pyramid, hoola-hoops, races, and so on. What a fun time to reinforce team connections and one of UP value.
And then next day, today, our 1st year Middle Eastern LITs provided a special morning program. These incredible young adults coordinated more than 2 hours of activities for the whole camp, with dozens of work hours and training to achieve success! Under the hot sun, we were challenged to all types of funkyness: dancing, singing, karaoke, an agility course, and a slip & slide with layouts!

This same sun brings us beautiful sunsets we can enjoy after dinner during field time.  Here discs flow through the air while speakers blow music in the air, inviting everyone to join the fun through dance. No need for translation as music is the language of our soul.

I can hear more music along with the splashes and laughter from the swimming pool. Nothing could be more refreshing and thrilling, than the gigantic human whirlpool we created all together, throwing laughter in the air, as round and round we go.

And that is not all! Every afternoon the kids can attend a club to prepare for the talent show.  These include music, dance, photography, gymnastics & acroyoga. Or they can choose different activities like throwing games, freestyle frisbee, slacklining, yoga, and art conducted by coaches with multiple interests!

Finally the truth is that ultimate frisbee is FUN.

Running, catching, throwing, offence, and defence are FUN.

Drills, games, huddles, and spirit games are FUN.

Dancing, cheering, high fives, connecting are FUN.

Now you can see why FUN became one of UP values, present at all time as it enhances our playing through stronger connection. No need to wonder why we love our sport so much and its uplifting spirit.

Day 2: Mutual Respect

Brown eyes. Blue eyes.

We don’t always have words.  For instance, what are the ways we show love? Or appreciation? How can people communicate without speaking the same language? There are moments and situations that do not require the languages of our raising.  Here we return to our first native, human tongues: a smile, our eyes, our bodies.  These need no translation.  

Bright Eyes.  Eager eyes.

I close my eyes.  I take three breaths to prepare.  I open my eyes and they meet the eyes of one of my campers.  There is a jolt of surprise as our eyes meet.  We quickly avert our focus elsewhere, I chose his hairline.  Then we slowly bring our eyes back to meet.  Am I afraid what my camper will see?  My fear to be discovered as imperfect? Me, with my soul laid bare? 

Happy eyes.  Curious eyes.

But we continue our task. Time slows.  Maybe only a second has passed and my thoughts are flying.  But then, yes, I see it!  The corner of my camper’s mouth, once so serious, curls upwards, his cheeks now have dimples, there are laughter lines next to his eyes. There is delight there and I feel it too as my face transforms into a huge grin. I have glimpsed a part of his world. After 10 seconds we move on to the next team member to experience their world. In the depths of our eyes we have known each other for years.  It is here, eye to eye, that we can find mutual respect and see people as people.

Relaxed eyes.  Teary eyes. 

It starts with the connection between one camper and coach, then moves to the team, then it moves to a new community.  In the words of David Barkan, the Director of Ultimate Peace, “My mission is to impact thousands of young people by helping them transform the way they see one another and the world – so they can change it.” Look people in the eye with mutual respect and meet them in a language we all understand.  We want to change the world. We don’t always need words.

It’s a powerful sight to behold the formidable line of UP Summer Camp staff stretching for 40 meters holding hands.  We are a line of visionaries, world changers, the leaders of today and tomorrow, beautiful individuals, and pure energy.  We are Coaches, LITs (Leaders-In-Training), North American, European, Middle Eastern, new and seasoned — and we are united by purpose.

In the middle of gathering, meetings, chatting, this activity brought the reality of our outside lives into our little bubble. Our differences pull us apart, creating tension. Our eyes are opened to the inevitable truth of backgrounds and experiences we cannot choose, things that could divide us. Regardless, we hold on to each other, our beliefs, and our trust to uphold Ultimate Peace.

We see the incredible power that unites us through our diversity and give a voice to the idea of connection.  Together as we stand in our line each in our own place, we remain connected.  We are one beautiful team holding each other UP!

Today we get our Summer Camp Campers. We will work tirelessly to connect these individuals to be part of our powerful and beautiful human chain through the five core values of Ultimate Peace: FUN, FRIENDSHIP, INTEGRITY, MUTUAL RESPECT, and NON-VIOLENCE.

I believe in the little things. In Ultimate, in relationships, in life. The little wins become a victory, the little quirks become what we love most about each other, the little moments become a lifetime of memories. It all adds up. This is what Ultimate Peace does. We prove that little moments of peace are possible. Even if I might not see the impact of our efforts in my lifetime, those little moments can and will amount to peaceful coexistence between divided people.

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