Teens learn valuable tools at retreat Published July 7, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Jessica Corrales Tinker Chapel TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Chapel along with the Integrated Delivery System -- Tinker's helping agencies -- will hold the next Team Tinker Pre-Deployment Family Retreat Aug. 26-28. Among the plethora of activities the retreat offers, the ropes course is usually the most anticipated and challenging for teens. This course consists of several confidence boosters, teamwork activities and tasks that encourage critical thinking skills. The adventure started with basic concepts in safety, which included hurling rubber pigs and various sized dodge balls across a large circle at one another. Though the exercise seemed silly, the teens were challenged to think fast while remembering instructions; it was truly a sight to behold. From there, participants progressed to the lesson of trust, which proved to be more difficult for some. One by one the teens were asked to stand on a 4-foot high platform and fall back into waiting arms of their teammates. In theory this sounds simple enough, but add in the mighty Oklahoma winds and this task becomes much harder. The teens, however, did very well and learned to trust in their teammates even though they were afraid of the possibility of failure -- which meant smacking into the cold hard earth. When the group moved on to the confidence pole, the game changed. Teens were asked to climb a 30-foot pole in pairs while fully equipped with the proper safety equipment and instructions. Then, they climbed over a small 2-foot by 4-foot platform of wood and stood to their feet, helping each other the entire way. And as hard as that was, the real challenge was when they jumped off the platform. Sure this sounds easy, but again, don't forget the wind and the fact that they were jumping from the equivalent of a three story building. Some of the teens found they were very afraid and felt they were not able to jump. This afforded the opportunity for a wonderful life lesson. "Regardless if you can or can't ... you are absolutely right. It's hard to be out of your comfort zone. But look around you, we are all here for you!" said the instructor, Rob. At one point, he even scaled the pole to assist a teen whose fear was starting to overtake her. She was stuck like glue at the top of the 30-foot high platform. After hearing his adage and her teammates' support, she was able to jump. Once she was securely on the ground, it was obvious that her confidence had jumped several notches. Her face was beaming and the pride of her accomplishment was evident. The confidence of her teammates soared as well. Having successfully assisted a friend in a tight spot taught them the value of asking for help. Once everything was said and done everyone sat in a group circle, shared what they learned and gave kudos. While everyone had something different to share, all of the teens agreed that sometimes it is hard to step out of your comfort zone. Everyone valued the experience the ropes course provided them to build trust, teamwork and to overcome their fear -- even if it meant trying new things that seemed scary. What a great lesson to have when most of these teens were facing uncertain times due to mom or dad about to deploy. Overall it was a fantastic fun-filled learning experience, incorporating huge life lessons all along the way. The teens went home with a sense of accomplishment and with new tools in their tool box, perfect for the rest of their lives. Interested in an experience like this? The Team Tinker Pre-deployment Family Retreat is provided for those families who will deploy within six months or who have returned home six months prior. Deployment-themed activities abound for the entire family.