Day 3 - Tuesday, June 16, 2009

After a full night’s rest, day 3 started with sunshine and some time in the lake for our Lightning team. Their first activity was Water Survival in the Helo Dunker and Lifter. They started by being dunked under water in something that looked a little bit like a Pringle can. It was supposed to replicate what might happen in the event of an emergency or crash in a fighter jet. After they were almost all the way submerged, they had to exit the craft one by one and swim to safety. In order to get out in a safe and orderly manner, they had to work as a team and help one another out of the “plane.” After practicing this a few times, they swam out to the middle of the lake to be “rescued.” One by one they were lifted up in a basket to simulate a helicopter rescue. A few of the students were afraid to try the Helo Dunker, but they all did it in the end and really enjoyed the exercise. For the chaperones, it was really fun to watch as well. Later in the day they did a flight simulation, where they flew as a team on a simulator and practiced Air to Air combat. Later they practiced building shelters out of parachutes and other supplies, another survival skill. Later they learned some history of air combat and practiced how to find food and water in the wilderness in the event of a crash. After a long day, it was time for lights out.

The Intruders also practiced Air to Air combat in the simulator and then worked on their water survival and drown proofing skills. Later on they were introduced to drill and ceremony. After dinner they got to go into the Centrifuge, which replicates the effects of 3Gs on the body. They got to really feel what it is like to fly in a fighter jet. After another flight simulation, it was time for lights out.

Day 3 was definitely an adventure for both groups. We are looking forward to see what else is in store for our campers.