Started off this morning with a foggy and cold PT which consisted of the calisthenics game known as Help me! It starts off with everyone standing in two lines facing each other, with about thirty feet between each line. On one side (side A) someone (person A) does high knees for 40 seconds, while everyone else does an activity, like grapevine or sit-ups, which is specified by someone on the opposite end (side B, person B). Then, after the 40 seconds, person A calls out “Help me” and person B runs down to take person A’s place, and the next person on side B calls out the new activity for everyone to do.

Today we worked on our first team project, moving dirt and taking down some teepees. This included taking the mattresses off the frames and moving them to a counselor’s cabin; in this process, we disturbed a wasp nest and several members of the team were stung.

After that, we had to fold the teepee fabric which was a process that included sweeping off most of the dirt and debris, fold, sweep, fold, etc. We got it down to a science after awhile and Jake and Trisha started a “Broom off!” where they got in the middle and swept to the edge on their side, seeing who could finish first. They tied the first time, but Trisha won the second time.

After that we went to lunch, and then went back to the work site and finished up. Soon after that, we discussed the skit for tonight. Through working today and developing the skit, I have already learned so much about our team. We have too many chefs in the kitchen. I was just starting to get comfortable with the team, but now after being shot down for most everything I say I have rolled back up inside my shell.

Some of the team members are a bit arrogant, while others have a bad attitude about working, but there are a few I have befriended. Thing is, we have formed into three “compartments” or “clicks” and thus are becoming more divided than united.

I do not feel like this is my domain, especially since I am adjusting to being the baby of the group; I don’t feel like I can say anything about the arguments or dynamics of our team. So I’ve become quiet and left things up to our team leader, Bruce. Maybe if I become the peer helper I’ll take a bigger role.