Alpha 1 Day 4: Hike to the Top of the Helipad

Stones stood like gargoyles atop the ridge that stretches between the two highest points of Norman Island. Their figures silhouetted against the light of the early morning sun. We all rushed past them, Alpha and Delta fleets combined, muscles burning and lungs flexing from the uphill climb to reach the helicopter pad with one of the best views in the BVI. Sweet relief came to us on wings of wind as we came to rest on the circle of concrete.

Here, we began our day by expanding what we have learned about building teamwork from simply working with our own crews to working with two fleets of students – a combination of Delta and Alpha students and counselors.  We played games that brought us closer, learning names, fun facts, and by splitting laughter together. As we shared fun facts, we found that some left us flabbergasted, others were predictable, and some left us in tears of laughter.

For the rest of the day, we worked together to build a team out of not only the Alpha and Delta fleets, but also with the Sierra, Foxtrot, Bravo, and Charlie fleets!  We joined in activities that included small boat sailing, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking, water skiing and wake boarding, and taking turns on the infamous Poparazzi watersporting tube!

As the day drew to an end, it was as if the islands wanted to contribute their piece, too, concluding our day by shining crepuscular rays of light upon the rippling surface, turning it into a liquid gold upon which our boats sat.