Fortunately, our broad network of supporters came in handy. Katie Hawkins, past Alzar instructor and current member of our Advisory Committee, lives in Denver (about 2.5 hours from where we broke down) and was able to drive up to rescue us and Pebbles. Because we were transitioning from a 15-passenger van to a small economy car, we had to condense our belongings. That meant leaving behind our playboats, AIRE landing pads, and other luxuries.
As we headed to Denver, we discussed as many options as we could. The only option not on the table: canceling the Camp Cup. We knew that we had to get to NC by Monday morning so we could put on this incredible event. In the end, the best option proved for us to fly from Denver to Charlotte, where more supporters were able to shuttle us over to the Nantahala. The biggest bummer of the whole breakdown: having to board Pebbles, the official Alzar School mascot, in Denver because the airlines would not let dogs on (it's too hot outside for the dogs to wait in their kennel's during plane changes). The shame is that I had been training her all spring to respond to commands that come with a Southern accent, in preparation for our Southeastern debut. Alas, it was not to be in 2010.
Anyway, going into Monday of the Camp Cup (a training day for all interested camps), we were not sure how many participants we would have. In 2008, when we first revitalized the event, we were excited to have 88 kids. Last year, we had 122 and we doubted we'd be able to top that. On the training day, camps were coming in late, with small groups (initially), so we mentally prepared ourselves for a slightly smaller turnout. Our guest coaches, Pablo McCandless (former Olympian), Wayne Dickert (Ambassador from NOC), and Juliet Jacobsen Kastorff (Endless River Adventures kayak guru), were great about helping the kids improve their paddling in anticipation of the big event.
On Tuesday, van after van of kids arrived at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for the official race day. We ended up with 141 kids, a new record for the event!
Thanks to the growing number of kids and volunteers who have been to the event the past two years and know its traditions, the event was smoother, even with the extra folks around. Some of the great changes this year, to continue to tweak the event even better: pizza at lunch (instead of sandwiches, which the kids LOVED), more t-shirts (though we still underestimated the numbers, so some volunteers sacrificed theirs for the kiddos), and the additional sponsorship of WorldKayak.com, which significantly boosted our free raffle for the kids.
I had some great conversations with folks about the purpose of the event this year, and here again I want to stress how pleased we are with the Camp Cup and the role it plays. Instead of a competitive atmosphere, young paddlers are brought together to mingle and meet other paddlers. The camps' staff have the opportunity to share ideas and make professional connections. It reunites some of the legends of paddling from the area (like David Jones, Lecky Haller, and Fritz Orr).
Obviously, we have to thank the many sponsors of the event, who generously provide money and prizes. They are a big reason the event is possible. Thanks to: the NOC, ACA Dixie Division, Alzar School, Snapdragon, WRSI Helmets, World Kayak, and Endless River Adventures. And, especially, thanks to the camps that make this community event possible: Camp Mondamin/Green Cove, Camp High Rocks, Camps Chosatonga/Kahdalea, Camp Merrie-Wood, Camp Glen Arden, Camp Carolina, Camp Gwynn Valley, Camp Illahee, Camp Wayfarer, Camp Falling Creek.
But, the biggest reason the event is a huge success are the kids. They come together with the right frame of mind and positive attitude. They cheer each other as they make runs through the slalom gates or down the Falls. They scream and laugh during the Counselor Cup event at lunch and volunteer to help take-down everything at the end of the day. Seeing how awesome these young people are definitely makes coming from Idaho to NC each summer worth it, even if the van breaks down in the process.
Check out photos at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AlzarSchool
- Sean Bierle
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