The last few years I’ve taken Homer kids to Steens Mtn running camp in Eastern Oregon. https://steens.camp/info/overview/ Signup for the camp has started already and fills quickly. There is no waitlist or any other way to get in once camp is full. There is a $100 deposit to hold your spot. The deposit is usually refundable.
We currently have 11 runners registered: Ethan, Tait, Lukas, Kiley, Frida, Clyde, Lance, Jonah, Evan, Finley, Seamus, Jody
as of 5/13/22
Steens is a legendary running camp, run by the top coaches in the country, with the top professional and collegiate athletes as camp leaders. Steens emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, determination, leadership, and some amazing trail running too. The camp is held in the remote desert mountains of eastern Oregon, at 9500 feet elevation. The campers sleep in military tents in teams of 16 campers. They work together as a team all week, maintaining camp, washing dishes, cleaning up, etc… Each team also participates together in competitions and adventure runs during the week. One of the unique features of the camp is that it’s so remote, there is no cellular, and in fact electronics are banned at camp, no phones, music, toys, etc… The kids that have gone to the camp over the last few years have come back to Homer as strong leaders and better citizens. Several have made a big change in the direction their life was headed.
The trip ends up costing about $1000 per camper, $300 of that is for the flight which could be offset with Alaska Airlines miles. We’ll be requesting a Homer Foundation grant again this year to help offset some of the costs. Please register as soon as possible to hold your spot. You don’t need to pay the full price now, just the deposit. Don’t let the cost get in the way, we can find ways to help with the costs. If needed we can also sponsor some fundraisers for this trip. If you have questions let coach Bob know as soon as possible.
I travel with the team to camp to make sure they all get to the right place at the right time and back to Homer safely. This camp can be formative for a runner, but isn’t a requirement for participation on our team.
Support and reinforce the basics of teamwork and team goals. Listen, collaborate, adhere and once decided, follow their coaches workout/training plan. Will Be accountable, reliable, work hard but smart, be a good person and teammate even when fatigued. Be honest with yourself and others. That is the only way you will get better. Blaming/finger pointing goes nowhere to fix or strengthen or improve upon your weakness. That attitude allows you to remain powerless and dependent. Forgive, forget and move on. Campfire conversations require no WiFi. Don’t make me smash your Iphone. Never give up, get back up, hang in there. Do your best every day. Make good life choices…. There are a couple pains of life. The pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Which will you choose?
Harland Yriarte