SLU 101/Day 3 Adventures
Early Morning start on day three. We ate breakfast at 6:30 a.m. before loading the bus at 7:00 a.m. We had to finish our “Uniquely You” questionnaire before tonight’s session and since I knew I would be rushed when we returned from SeaWorld, I had to finish mine at breakfast.
Kudos to the bus driver who got us there and Mills, our SLU staff member, that told us all the directions and what we needed to know. (Who was not listening?) Meet back under the colored flags at 1:45. Only one group was 3 minutes late.
95% humidity on day 3 but we had so much fun. Our group’s adventure started with watching the dolphins for a few minutes before heading over to the stingrays. Dolphins are amazing, smart animals. They build strong, lasting relationships and protect each other. They care for their weak and wounded. Our DNA of a Dolphin session ended up being completed in the shark tank area.
“The most neglected leadership skill is the ability to build positive, lasting, relationships.” Ken Blanchard
Stingrays
I think all students (that wanted to) were able to touch a stingray as we watched them swim around in their tank. However, when the students were finished they quickly wanted to wash off.
Shark in the Mirror
As we arrived at the shark tank for our “Shark in the Mirror” session, we realized we might have to split up due to seating. The kids all got to sit together, so all was great in “team building world.” We learned the traits of the Lemon Shark, Mako Shark, Nurse Shark, Blacknose Shark, Bull Shark, and Great White Shark. If you compare their traits to our own, which shark do you see when you look in the mirror at any given time? Ryan McDermott led this session as well as finishing the DNA of a Dolphin session.
This is one session that makes it easy to think of others and say, “Oh yeah, I know somebody like that.” Brother Brad reminded us after the session that our key focus this week was SELF. Focus on how to improve yourself and your ability to build leadership traits while forming relationships.
Kraken Roller Coaster
Getting everyone hyped up to get on the roller coasters was the hardest part it seemed. Once we got in line, no one ever turned back and seemed to enjoy themselves. I can’t say that those of us that had ridden them before were 100% up front on all that they would experience. That is NOT a lie by omission. They didn’t always ask the right questions. The wait lines at SeaWorld were in the sun so we successfully flushed out our pores with sweat.
Manta Roller Coaster
The Manta was a favorite ride in the park. The fellowship that takes place while waiting to get on is sometimes very amusing. You can learn a lot about kids if you just hang out with them for extended periods of time.
Lunch in the Park
Lunch was provided for us in the “Ports of Call” banquet/event center. We had a choice of hamburgers or hotdogs with green beans and potato salad.
The things learned at camp include…burping. Natalie was giving Brana guidance on how to relieve chest pain through inhaling air and burping. Everyone else at the table pitched in to give advice on technique as well.
Finished lunch with an ice cream and it may have been my favorite part of the meal.
Orcas
After lunch we were led across the park to the Orca Encounter. As we were walking we came across this burger stand. When I first read the hamburger sign I thought it read Attitude Burgers. It wasn’t until I looked at the photo that I realized my mistake. I think Attitude Burgers would be a great name for a restaurant!
The Orcas are amazing. We learned about them as we watched a film on the giant screen and watched them swim around. The trainers had them do a few things such as jump up, dive down, and get on a scale to be weighed. However, when they were getting ready to start the synchronized part of the program with several different whales, the whales decided to socialize with each other. The trainers told us they don’t like to interrupt the whales socialization and abruptly ended the show stating they would begin again at 3:00. p.m.
Last Ride
The roller coaster junkies rushed back to get in one more ride. During the wait time for this ride there was lightning in the area and all rides stopped. We only had to wait about 10 minutes before they started back up again. It was worth the wait. Such a fun ride.
social media stuff.
Next Trip for Sure
Sesame Street was the cutest place ever. We just zoomed through on our way to the bus, but I hope to be back one day to look around more.
Headed out
We met back under the flags at 1:45 p.m. However, due to the accelerated pace we had to take, I may have been out of breath. I think the trip through Sesame Street extended out walk. We headed out to the buses by 2:00 p.m. as the afternoon clouds rolled in.
No shame in the picture taking
I take pictures of EVERYTHING and EVERYONE.
Dr. Jay Strack
I will be the same person I am today 5 years from now except for the people I meet, the books I read, and the places I go.
If it’s to be, it’s up to me.
Dr. Jay is the president and founder of Student Leadership University. He is so much fun to listen to. He shares personal testimony and challenges students to overcome adversity and succeed in life. He gave Polly a book when he came and spoke to the adults during dinner.
Time to eat again
The carrot cake was fabulous and I’m sure someone really enjoyed the lasagna. The kids always ate in a separate room but I zoomed into their room to get their picture one night.
Uniquely You
Don’t try to be SOMEONE you are NOT; God made NO MISTAKE in His creation of the WONDERFUL YOU.
We had all completed a “uniquely you questionnaire” prior to this session with Jeff Wallace. This session was designed to discover the leader in each one of us by completing a DISC behavior profile. We had someone represented in each group. This was SUCH a fun session.
Ending with Encouragement
Gathered back into our small area, I handed the students their encouragement letters to read from church members. Brother Brad spoke to everyone and we all headed to our rooms and crashed for the night. Such a fun packed day.
