Eagle Fern camp, one of the fun corners of the world. It’s full of challenges, and built for group bonding. Most of my highlights of the school year are here. I was with one of our school groups, with these people this story commences.

While I trekked up the sheer hill, I thought about the challenges ahead. I had done them all before on previous trips. As I climbed the hill I looked around at the beautiful scenery; the fresh air, the pine smell, the leaves crunching underfoot, and discourse between friends. 

Then I climbed to the top of the magnificent hill and we heard people whirring past on the zipline. Once I got to the top of the hill I noticed a pile of lunch boxes sitting nearby, along a chestnut-colored log lying on its side. 

“Your goal,” said the instructor, “ is to get everyone on the log. You also have to be lined up in order of height.”

I decided to take charge of our group, figuring out a strategy almost instantly. I determined the most effective way to line up quickly. Instead of getting on the log first, then getting in order, I chose for our group to line up in order first, then get on the log.

The instructor was amazed at how fast we accomplished our goal, and he told us that we were the fastest group so far!

After that trial we walked up the hill for a few more minutes, and were met with a beautiful grass field a few yards away. To our right we could see a few pieces of wood around.

 Three pieces were slabs of wood evenly spread out, another two were differently sized boards. The third slab was smaller than the rest. Neither the longer board nor the shorter board could reach the next pallet.  I recognized this challenge. I had done it before, a few years ago at a different camp.

“Here’s the challenge,” said the instructor, “Get 5 people across these 3 wooden pallets, without the board or you touching the ground. Your tools include; 2 different sized boards, your skills, and teamwork. Has anyone done this before?”

My friend and I raised our hands. I knew exactly how to do this challenge, and was ready to tell the group.

“If you raised your hand, you aren't allowed to speak” 

My heart fell. I couldn’t quicken our finish as easily. All I could do was make an odd murmuring sound and point. But this was enough. With my guidance, along with a little thinking, we got around seven people across to the second slab, and two people leaped to the third. All we needed was one more person across to stand on the sturdy board. 

I decided to take a “leap of faith”, both figuratively and literally. Without telling anyone my plan, remember I had to be silent, I squatted down slightly preparing to jump. Feeling a rush of adrenaline I jumped. For a moment I felt as though I would make it. Before I knew it I landed, the happiness lasted almost a second, before I looked down and I saw a wound in my leg. I felt a sharp pain in my shin. After walking it off I continued that day with a slight limp, and I recovered quickly. I don’t regret my choice, and I now have a reason to push myself.

An instant choice can change a lifetime, yet a lifetime of debating a choice is absurd. Make the choice now, don’t stress about it. There are three C’s in life: choice, chance, and change. You must make the choice, take the chance, if you want life to change.  Your past is a lesson, not a life sentence, accept change. 

Act now, regret later.