We are thrilled to share that we just completed our 2nd campus-wide Summer Games Competition! This exciting event has brought joy and camaraderie to our campus community once again.

Following the success of the 2022 games, we gathered all our residents, including several core staff members, in the cafeteria every Friday evening. These evenings were filled with competitive spirit as everyone participated in a variety of games and activities. Each week, the teams competed not only for weekly prizes but also for the ultimate reward: a spectacular 4th of July Pool Party!

This year, we had 60 enthusiastic players who were divided into three teams, each led by a dedicated captain: Gabe, Asher, and Levi.

The teams faced off in different activities every week, earning points based on their rankings (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place). Weekly prizes were awarded according to how each team placed in the competitions, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation.

However, the most important aspect of the competition was the accumulative points gathered over the summer. These points determined which team would win the grand prize – the highly anticipated pool party!

In the midst of the challenges and struggles we face here in Haiti, these weekly gatherings provided a much-needed respite. They offered everyone a chance to unwind, be playful, and embrace their inner child. Even the adults expressed how wonderful it was to take a break from their daily worries and simply enjoy a few hours of fun and laughter.

WEEK 1 & 2 – CLAP ROUTINE

During the first week, team members were drawn out of a hat. They also were introduced to a brief 11-step routine previously performed by “Our Generation” at downtown revivals.
In WEEK 1, they split into teams to practice the routine.
In WEEK 2, each individual had to perform the routine solo. Those who executed it correctly earned a point.

1st – Gabe’s Team
2nd – Asher’s Team
3rd – Levi’s Team

WEEK 3 – WATER WEEK

This week was WATER WEEK!
– The first game involved sitting in chairs and passing cups of water to the person behind you. The last person would then pour the water into a bucket. At the end of the game, the bucket is weighed, and the heaviest one wins.
– The second game involved passing “sponge balls” soaked in water down the line and squeezing them into a bucket. The bucket that weighed the most at the end of the game won.
– The third game involved using a water-gun to shoot a ping-pong ball off a cup filled with water. The fastest team won.
– The fourth game involved adding water to a cup and blowing a ping-pong ball from one cup to another without letting it fall onto the table.
– The fifth game involved someone shouting “hands/shoulders/toes” and then eventually “water.” The team that grabbed the cup of water first earned points.

1st – Asher’s Team
2nd – Gabe’s Team
3rd – Levi’s Team

WEEK 4 – RELAY WEEK

This week was relay week!
– The first game is similar to dodgeball, but with inflatable burritos instead.
– The second game, called bumper cars, involves holding a rope behind your back and trying to “bump” opponents out of the boundary using your hips.
– The third game, Ninja Ribbons, requires you to keep one foot on the “base” while wearing a Velcro wristband with ribbons. The goal is to grab your opponent’s ribbons before they grab yours.
– The fourth game emphasizes teamwork. Three team members each have a tube, and the objective is to roll a ping-pong ball from one tube to the next. After passing the ball, you move to the end of the line to receive it again. If the ball drops, you start over. The first team to reach the finish line wins.
– The fifth game involves each team having a “big rubber band” wrapped around them. Each player must try to run to their “base” while their opponents do the same. The first person to reach their base wins.
– The sixth game is tug of war, where the first person to lose their balance or drop the rope loses.

1st – Gabe’s Group
2nd – Asher’s Group
3rd – Levi’s Group

FINAL TALLY

1st – GABE’S TEAM.              2nd – ASHER’S TEAM.                 3rd – LEVI’S TEAM

Gabe’s team emerged victorious in this summer competition! Stay tuned for pictures from our fantastic 4th of July party, featuring swimming, yard games, table games, a bonfire, and fireworks!