An Open Letter to Training Camp from Month 11 Racer

Wow, it was almost exactly a year ago that I was wide eyed and hopeful as I drove to Gainesville, Georgia for training camp. 

So in honor of the end of my Race and the anniversary of my training camp, here is an open letter to those headed to their World Race training camp.

Cherish every moment. The good moments. The hard moments. And everything in between. Training camp is an experience like no other. There’s a lot of mystery behind training camp and although I know it takes everything in you not to ask a bajillion questions of what to expect, try to just embrace the unknown. 

You may worry that you won’t fit in or that you’ll be left out if you didn’t participate in every group video chat or meet up prior to training camp. But to be honest, that’s just not true. You are going to be with these people for the next 11 months of your life. It’s nearly impossible to be best friends with every single person on your squad. Even as a month 11 Racer, there are still people on my squad that I have only had a handful of conversations with over the year. But that’s okay. Yes try your hardest to get to know everyone, but don’t feel like you’re a failure if you don’t make close connections with each individual. Training camp Erica and Month 11 Erica are different people. Squadmates that I found annoying or rubbed me the wrong way at training camp are now considered my closest friends on this squad. Be open to any and all friendships and don’t put people in a box based off your interactions with them from training camp. They will grow and change just like you throughout this next year.

You may be freaking out about the Hiking Test with your big pack. Some of you may have practiced walking around your local neighborhood while your neighbors turned their heads looking at you as if you were lost. It’s great if you put in that extra effort but know that you can still pass the test without practicing. I will say though that at any point you feel like you can add some short sprints on the flat or downhill areas it would be smart to do so. You’ll have a second chance to pass the test if you fail the first time. Don’t spend too much of your time worrying about this test. Your squadmates will come around you in support if you fall behind. Wear comfortable shoes that you’re used to and put in some headphones for upbeat music to keep up your pace and motivation!

What about all the different scenarios they’re going to put you through?! I’m sure you’ve watch vlogs that gave you a glimpse into airport night and a few others. But truly leave some things as a surprise. You don’t have to know or feel like you should do extra preparations for the curveballs that will be thrown your way. The element of surprise adds to the excitement and wanderlust of the experience.

My biggest advice for training camp is to surrender early and surrender often. Any baggage, secrets, sins or past hurts that you have are welcome here. If the Holy Spirit brings something specific to your mind, bring it up to your squadmates, squad leaders, coaches or mentor. It’s truly a judgement free zone and these things will honestly come out eventually on the Race so you might as well surrender early. Seriously. Don’t hold onto anything. The more you empty yourself of the shame and guilt, the more room you will have for God to fill you with Himself. Pour your heart out at worship. Don’t compare your style of worship or hold back because you’re shy of what others will think of you. Worship WILL be one of the most beautiful parts of training camp. Embrace it.

Training camp was my first experience hearing God’s voice. I didn’t really know what to do about it. I was at worship and the Lord told me to put my hand on the shoulder of my squadmate who was worshiping in front of me. I wasn’t sure if it was my own voice or if it was the Lord’s. At first I just ignored it but the thought kept burning in my mind. So eventually I reached out to put my hand on the back of his shoulder. At the exact same moment, another squadmate came up to him and gave him a big hug. Turns out, our squadmate was praying for God to give him a tangible sign and God spoke to two of us to comfort him! The biggest advice I have is that if you’ve never heard the Lord’s voice before that’s okay. If you hear Him at training camp obey without hesitancy. If you never hear Him at training camp, don’t get frustrated with yourself. You’ll have the whole year to practice!

So to wrap this up, don’t walk into training camp with any expectations. Surrender early. Don’t put God in a box. Be humble about where you’re at with your walk with the Lord or lack thereof. You’re going to take away some pretty amazing memories from training camp. This is the beginning of the rest of your life! 

As I end the Race I look back on my first day of training camp and ask myself where the time has gone. I’ll be headed back to training camp in August as a squad leader for the October launch. I’m beyond excited to experience it again from a different point of view this time. I can’t wait to feel the wide-eyed excitement of brand new Racers. 

You’ve got this Racers! Have the time of your life!

God Bless,

Month 11 Racer