Archive for June, 2011
- June 19th, 2011
Auto Maintenance
Learning to check the fluids in the car.
The girls learned how to change the oil filter 
Changing tires
Green “STEP sisters”
Confidence Course
Relying on teammates as they do the trust fall.
Jun 19
- June 19th, 2011
STRESS HIKE
Ready to hike
Along the way some of the girls got “injured”. Their roommates all pulled together to accomplish the hike as a group.
Hiking in formation
Teamwork at work!
Jun 19
- June 18th, 2011
CPR and 1st Aid
The Red group practicing infant CPR.
The girls learned how to create slings and splints from materials that could be found around the house. They practiced by bandaging up injured teammates.
Teamwork in Action!
The girls learned about trust as they were lead on a “stress hike” all across campus. They were presented with different “stresses” along their hike and were required to rely on their teammates for help and support.
“On our stress hike, one of the challenges we had to face was being blindfolded. Everyone, except for one person, was “blind” and had to be led around by the person who could see. It reminded me of how Jesus has to lead us though life because we are blind and need His guidance through life’s challenges. he promises to never lead us astray. In some areas of my life I have trouble with TOTAL surrender so this activity was a good reminder that I can TOTALLY trust Him and that He knows what He is doing.”
~Jessica S.
The all survived and became stronger as a team as they learned to preserver and work together through each new challenge that was presented.
Jun 18
- June 18th, 2011
“When people talk abut STEP they key in on the physical aspect of it. After being here these past two weeks, I realize that STEP is so much more. The sessions have really encouraged me especially Louie Giglio’s videos. It is so refreshing to be reminded how God made me so special. While I have been at STEP I have been challenged not only physically, but also spiritually. I have grown spiritually in my walk with God. These past two weeks have been a great time to see God in action in and through people’s lives. I encourage every girl to come to STEP. This is a month I will NEVER forget!”
~Megan W.
Navigation
Sighting their paths through the foliage.
Compass Reading
The girls learned how to navigate through dense woods with their compasses.
They practiced topographical map reading, compass reading, and pace counting as they navigated their way through the woods.
Canoeing and Water Safety
The red girls practicing their canoe strokes with their partners.
Paddling down the lake
They also practiced dry exits and dry entries in and out of the canoe.
Mrs. Tanner lecturing the girls about water safety.
Practicing the reach assist.
The girls used ropes to save their “drowning” teammates.
Learning to keep warm in extreme cold temperatures (not something to worry about during the STEP 
)
-The RED Group
Jun 18
- June 14th, 2011
Jun 14
- June 14th, 2011
Sorry for the delay of blog posts. We had some issues trying to upload photos. Hopefully we will be able to get some up here soon. Third week is going well…everyone is keeping busy and drinking lots of water.
Jun 14
- June 12th, 2011
Learning the Ropes….
Blue did ropes an knots week one.
The girls learned how to tie anchor systems for rappelling
Learning the Ropes
Some awesome smiles!
Practicing “Tree-pelling” before going off the rappelling wall
An excited rappeller
Looking up
All smiles as they are ready to rappell
The whole blue crew!
Jun 12
- June 7th, 2011
Monday morning started bright and early. Or as we like to say here, “not so bright, but very early”
5AM the ladies hit the ground running, Everyone had spiritual exercise as they spent some time digging in God’s Word. 5:45 AM the girls were getting their physical exercise through a variety of workouts.
Before heading out to class for the day, the groups met together and watched a video message by Louie Giglio called “Indescribable” Louie showed the magnitude of how big our God by observing the universe.
The groups then headed out to their morning classes.
Red to Navigation, Blue to Ropes & Knots, and Green to Search and Rescue.
The girls enjoyed lunch then headed off to their afternoon classes.
Red to Canoeing, Blue to Communications, and Green to CPR and First Aid.
Here are a few highlights from their classes
Green practicing compass reading in Search and Rescue Green Lining up to do a search
Practicing CPR
Red practicing paddle strokes
Canoeing!
STEP Sisters
Blue practicing ropes & knots
Communication Class
After the afternoon classes the girls enjoyed dinner some group activities, an evening session, and group meetings before lights out.
It was a great start to the first week!
Jun 07
- June 2nd, 2011
STEP 2011 started with a bang Saturday evening with 55 girls from all over the US, Canada, and even Singapore!
As the ladies arrived throughout the day they unpacked and settled in to their dorm rooms. The usual hum of young men on campus has been taken over by girl chatter and excitement. Saturday afternoon was spent getting to know their roommates, teammates, and leaders.
Dinner Saturday evening was followed by an evening meeting where the students were introduced to each of the STEP staff and the directors of the ALERT Academy, Col. and Mrs. Tanner. The ladies were encouraged through the welcoming message delivered by Col. and Mrs. Tanner, the directors of the ALERT Academy. The students and staff enjoyed some getting to know you games, group meeting, and ice cream.
Delighting in the Lord
Sunday was a relaxing day. Col. Tanner brought a message from Philippians chapter 1. A time of singing was enjoyed after the service. We shared brunch together before heading back to the dorms for some quite time reading, memorizing verses, journaling, and resting. The girls each shared their name, where they were from and something they were looking forward to during STEP. We then watched a STEP teaser video and shared a brief overview of what the next 4 weeks would look like. The day ended with group meetings and prayer time. Then they were early to bed so they could be early to rise the next morning. 
Jun 02