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This is your invitation
Would you like to do something this winter that helps people, creates a healthier region and is a fun learning experience?
Take a look, then, at "Step Up To Leadership," the 2008 Borgess Run Camp Leadership Academy for coaches, trainers, support personnel and team leaders.
In order to apply, you must be willing to make a time commitment to Borgess Run Camp. In return, you will receive the opportunity to experience personal growth and the satisfaction associated with leadership.
Why a leadership academy?
Borgess Run Camp has evolved into the pre-eminent training program for beginners and novice runners who want to improve their lives through running. Although Borgess Run Camp maintains a fun and informal atmosphere, it provides support, coaching, medical information and training guides for hundreds of individuals every year. We feel it is time to take our much-imitated team leader formula to the next level by providing more organizational support for our campers. Our goal is to develop a team of committed individuals to make this, the seventh annual Borgess Run Camp, the best ever.
What's in it for you?
In addition to the satisfaction of helping people improve their lives through a group running experience, you will receive valuable information about leadership and how to apply it. You will receive pre-camp training along with weekly tips on leadership, helpful reading material and feedback on your leadership development. (For more information, see “benefits” below.)
The "Step Up To Leadership" academy is coordinated by Blaine Lam and Chris Crowell. Blaine co-founded Leadership Kalamazoo more than 20 years ago, when he created the curriculum for that program and led the first Leadership Kalamazoo class. Chris is the most recognizable leadership figure on the Kalamazoo area running scene. His business leadership has been augmented by his role as a downtown and community activist.
Who will be selected for the academy?
Individuals willing to make the commitment to the academy will be accepted for available academy leadership positions. Six Coach/Trainer positions have already been filled, as have six Division Leader positions. This guide is an invitation to individuals who would like to serve as Team Leaders for Borgess Run Camp: The Next Step.
Training pace will be a key component of consideration for Run Camp Team Leaders. We are able to project the number of teams and their pace for both the 5K and half-marathon training programs, and will fill those slots accordingly. Consequently, it is possible that we would have too many applicants, for instance, of leaders for half marathon teams that run at 10-minute-per-mile pace. If so, we will select individuals based on their prior leadership experience, running experience and ability to commit to run camp. Individuals will be given preference over "co-leaders" but two-person teams will be considered. Selection will be heavily weighted toward early applicants.
What are the time requirements?
To apply to become a Team Leader at "Step Up To Leadership," you must commit to:
• Two hours of training,
either Saturday, January 12, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., or
Saturday, January 19, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• One hour of “pre-camp” involvement:
either Wednesday, January 16, at Borgess Lawrence Education Center, at 5:45 p.m.
or Wednesday, January 23, between 4 and 8 p.m.
• One-hour mid-course review session, Saturday, March 1 --
10 a.m. at Portage YMCA (for this we will have excused absences)
• Two-hour wrap-up dinner, May 1, 5 p.m.
(for this we will have excused absences)
plus:
Leaders must attend ten or more weeks of Run Camp, starting 1/2 hour before camp each Saturday. This means 7 a.m. for the first four weeks and after that 7:30 or 8 a.m. (depending on your grouping). The half-hour before run camp will include support from coaches and divisional leaders and information about weekly schedules and activities.
What are the expectations?
Borgess Run Camp Team Leaders will be expected to get the most out of themselves and to help campers stay engaged and involved in camp activities. Team Leaders will support campers as they strive to reach personal goals. As a result, Team Leaders will be largely responsible for the overall team effort to make Borgess Run Camp a success. Weekly emails and the organization of a mid-week run (even if the Team Leader can’t attend) are expected.
Team Leaders will make camp resources, including access to coaches and camp information, available to their team members. Each Team Leader will recruit one or more individuals on his or her team to assist in team activities, including leading the team when the Team Leader is on vacation. Other duties, such as weekly emails and the mid-week run, may also be delegated.
Each week, Team Leaders will meet with Division Leaders and Coaches/Trainers a half-hour to complete the planning for that day’s activities. Team Leaders will receive support information, such as course maps and training tips, to share with their teams.
What are the benefits?
Well, there's the food, of course. Yup, each Saturday, free fruit and bagels and stuff, plus the wrap up dinner. Then there's the personal growth and sense of accomplishment associated with learning and leading. Also, Team Leaders will receive:
• Free entry into Run Camp (that's $65 for other campers), along with a nifty hat.
• Free entry fee into the Borgess Run for the Health of It
($20 or $25 depending on your race), plus . . .
You’ll make new friends, find the motivation to get in better shape yourself, and you’ll discover new ways to be a leader. We don’t take ourselves THAT seriously which is another way of saying we’re the folks who put fun in the run. You may or may not receive a certificate, and definitely not a degree of any sort, but you will receive an opportunity to grow. At some point, you might even hear a shout of encouragement from Chris and/or a kind word from Blaine, although the latter is unlikely.
When will selected leaders be notified?
Because selection will be weighted toward early applicants, we will fill Team Leader positions as we receive applications. When all the Team Leader positions are filled, we will notify applicants that they are on a wait list. Applicants will be notified within one week of applying whether they will be accepted, wait-listed or unable to participate. Applicants who are not accepted for the Leadership Academy may still join Run Camp. Our goal is to fill many Team Leader positions before the end of 2007 and have as many positions filled as possible before January 9. Because of some unpredictability surrounding camp registration numbers, we may invite some academy applicants to join us as Team Leaders as late as January 15. We may also give some applicants the option of working with a group whose pace is slower than that for which they applied.
What’s the lowdown on Borgess Run Camp?
In addition to more support for campers through advanced leadership, this 13-week camp
will have all new expeditions (mid-season outings), along with clinics, refined training schedules and the usual camaraderie and fun. It all begins with an Orientation meeting (open to individuals who have registered or are considering registration) on Wednesday, January 16 at 5:45 p.m. Coaches/Trainers will be introduced. The following Wednesday, January 23, we will have our “Packet Pickup” and “Winter Running” program at Gazelle Sports, from 4 to 8 p.m. Team Leaders will be given opportunities to share in the festivities both nights. Team Leaders need only attend one of the two identical training sessions, scheduled for January 12 and 19 at 8 a.m.
How is Run Camp organized?
Borgess Run Camp is a collaboration between the Borgess Health & Fitness Center, Gazelle Sports and Blaine Lam. Low camper fees for this highly supported effort are made possible through the generous sponsorships of Borgess Health, K-Valley Orthopedics, Gordon Water, Sodexho, Gazelle and the Borgess Health & Fitness Center.
The “Coordinating Council” for Run Camp includes Blaine and Bobbie Lam, Chris Crowell, Janeen Docsa (director of the Borgess Run and director of the Borgess Health & Fitness Center), Tessa Emenheiser of Gazelle Sports, Rob Lillie of Gazelle Sports, and Bryon Bierema of Borgess Health & Fitness Center. Division Leaders have been added this year to support weekly camp operations and to support Team Leaders, Coaches and Trainers. All Division Leaders, Coaches and Trainers are already in place.
So, what’s really new at Run Camp this year?
Separate starting times for 5K and half-marathon campers are set for Weeks 2 through 6 and Weeks 12 and 13. Separate clinics will be held for 5K and half-marathon campers in Weeks 2 through 4 and Weeks 12 and 13. Here’s the Camp Schedule:
Leadership Training
Saturday, July 12 OR Saturday, July 19, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
at Borgess Health & Fitness Center
Coaches/Trainers, Division Leaders and Team Leaders Only
Step Into Orientation at Borgess Lawrence Education Center
An Explanation of Borgess Run Camp
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5:45 p.m. (No obligation to sign up)
Registration/Packet Pick-Up at Gazelle Sports
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 4 to 8 p.m.
Information sessions on winter running and apparel at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Camp Programs @ Borgess Health & Fitness Center
Saturday, Jan. 26 @ 7:30 a.m. Kickoff Session and Team Orientation
Saturday, Feb. 2 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, Feb. 9 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, Feb. 16 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Camp Programs at Portage Family YMCA
Saturday, Feb. 23 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, March 1 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Coaches/Trainers, Division Leaders and Team Leaders at 10 a.m. on March 1.
All New Expeditions
Saturday, March 8 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, March 15 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, March 22 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, March 29 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, April 5 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Borgess Health & Fitness Center
Saturday, April 12 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, April 19 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Leadership Dinner, Thursday, May 1, 5 p.m.
Coaches/Trainers, Division Leaders and Team Leaders Only
How do I apply?
To apply to be a Team Leader, submit an email to blainel@lamcreative.com as early as possible, and no later than January 9, 2008. Your email application should answer these questions;
1) Name, age, address, phone and email information
2) Race you are training for (5K or half-marathon) and pace at which you are able and willing to lead a team (you may check more than one)
sub-8-minute miles
8 minute miles
9 minute miles
10 minute miles
11 minute miles
12 minute miles
slower than 12 minutes per mile
3) Have you been in Borgess Run Camp before? How many times?
3) Tell us, briefly, about your running experience.
4) Tell us, briefly, either about your leadership experience or your interest in leadership.
5) Are you able to meet the time requirements set forth above? If not, what limitations
or restrictions would keep you from attaining them? (note that two components allow
excused absences).
Questions?
Questions about Borgess Run Camp and the Borgess Run Camp Leadership Academy may be directed to Blaine Lam by email (blainel@lamcreative.com) or (269) 345-1113. Want to learn more about Borgess Run or Borgess Run Camp? Visit http://www.borgessrun.com.
Take a look, then, at "Step Up To Leadership," the 2008 Borgess Run Camp Leadership Academy for coaches, trainers, support personnel and team leaders.
In order to apply, you must be willing to make a time commitment to Borgess Run Camp. In return, you will receive the opportunity to experience personal growth and the satisfaction associated with leadership.
Why a leadership academy?
Borgess Run Camp has evolved into the pre-eminent training program for beginners and novice runners who want to improve their lives through running. Although Borgess Run Camp maintains a fun and informal atmosphere, it provides support, coaching, medical information and training guides for hundreds of individuals every year. We feel it is time to take our much-imitated team leader formula to the next level by providing more organizational support for our campers. Our goal is to develop a team of committed individuals to make this, the seventh annual Borgess Run Camp, the best ever.
What's in it for you?
In addition to the satisfaction of helping people improve their lives through a group running experience, you will receive valuable information about leadership and how to apply it. You will receive pre-camp training along with weekly tips on leadership, helpful reading material and feedback on your leadership development. (For more information, see “benefits” below.)
The "Step Up To Leadership" academy is coordinated by Blaine Lam and Chris Crowell. Blaine co-founded Leadership Kalamazoo more than 20 years ago, when he created the curriculum for that program and led the first Leadership Kalamazoo class. Chris is the most recognizable leadership figure on the Kalamazoo area running scene. His business leadership has been augmented by his role as a downtown and community activist.
Who will be selected for the academy?
Individuals willing to make the commitment to the academy will be accepted for available academy leadership positions. Six Coach/Trainer positions have already been filled, as have six Division Leader positions. This guide is an invitation to individuals who would like to serve as Team Leaders for Borgess Run Camp: The Next Step.
Training pace will be a key component of consideration for Run Camp Team Leaders. We are able to project the number of teams and their pace for both the 5K and half-marathon training programs, and will fill those slots accordingly. Consequently, it is possible that we would have too many applicants, for instance, of leaders for half marathon teams that run at 10-minute-per-mile pace. If so, we will select individuals based on their prior leadership experience, running experience and ability to commit to run camp. Individuals will be given preference over "co-leaders" but two-person teams will be considered. Selection will be heavily weighted toward early applicants.
What are the time requirements?
To apply to become a Team Leader at "Step Up To Leadership," you must commit to:
• Two hours of training,
either Saturday, January 12, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., or
Saturday, January 19, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• One hour of “pre-camp” involvement:
either Wednesday, January 16, at Borgess Lawrence Education Center, at 5:45 p.m.
or Wednesday, January 23, between 4 and 8 p.m.
• One-hour mid-course review session, Saturday, March 1 --
10 a.m. at Portage YMCA (for this we will have excused absences)
• Two-hour wrap-up dinner, May 1, 5 p.m.
(for this we will have excused absences)
plus:
Leaders must attend ten or more weeks of Run Camp, starting 1/2 hour before camp each Saturday. This means 7 a.m. for the first four weeks and after that 7:30 or 8 a.m. (depending on your grouping). The half-hour before run camp will include support from coaches and divisional leaders and information about weekly schedules and activities.
What are the expectations?
Borgess Run Camp Team Leaders will be expected to get the most out of themselves and to help campers stay engaged and involved in camp activities. Team Leaders will support campers as they strive to reach personal goals. As a result, Team Leaders will be largely responsible for the overall team effort to make Borgess Run Camp a success. Weekly emails and the organization of a mid-week run (even if the Team Leader can’t attend) are expected.
Team Leaders will make camp resources, including access to coaches and camp information, available to their team members. Each Team Leader will recruit one or more individuals on his or her team to assist in team activities, including leading the team when the Team Leader is on vacation. Other duties, such as weekly emails and the mid-week run, may also be delegated.
Each week, Team Leaders will meet with Division Leaders and Coaches/Trainers a half-hour to complete the planning for that day’s activities. Team Leaders will receive support information, such as course maps and training tips, to share with their teams.
What are the benefits?
Well, there's the food, of course. Yup, each Saturday, free fruit and bagels and stuff, plus the wrap up dinner. Then there's the personal growth and sense of accomplishment associated with learning and leading. Also, Team Leaders will receive:
• Free entry into Run Camp (that's $65 for other campers), along with a nifty hat.
• Free entry fee into the Borgess Run for the Health of It
($20 or $25 depending on your race), plus . . .
You’ll make new friends, find the motivation to get in better shape yourself, and you’ll discover new ways to be a leader. We don’t take ourselves THAT seriously which is another way of saying we’re the folks who put fun in the run. You may or may not receive a certificate, and definitely not a degree of any sort, but you will receive an opportunity to grow. At some point, you might even hear a shout of encouragement from Chris and/or a kind word from Blaine, although the latter is unlikely.
When will selected leaders be notified?
Because selection will be weighted toward early applicants, we will fill Team Leader positions as we receive applications. When all the Team Leader positions are filled, we will notify applicants that they are on a wait list. Applicants will be notified within one week of applying whether they will be accepted, wait-listed or unable to participate. Applicants who are not accepted for the Leadership Academy may still join Run Camp. Our goal is to fill many Team Leader positions before the end of 2007 and have as many positions filled as possible before January 9. Because of some unpredictability surrounding camp registration numbers, we may invite some academy applicants to join us as Team Leaders as late as January 15. We may also give some applicants the option of working with a group whose pace is slower than that for which they applied.
In addition to more support for campers through advanced leadership, this 13-week camp
will have all new expeditions (mid-season outings), along with clinics, refined training schedules and the usual camaraderie and fun. It all begins with an Orientation meeting (open to individuals who have registered or are considering registration) on Wednesday, January 16 at 5:45 p.m. Coaches/Trainers will be introduced. The following Wednesday, January 23, we will have our “Packet Pickup” and “Winter Running” program at Gazelle Sports, from 4 to 8 p.m. Team Leaders will be given opportunities to share in the festivities both nights. Team Leaders need only attend one of the two identical training sessions, scheduled for January 12 and 19 at 8 a.m.
How is Run Camp organized?
Borgess Run Camp is a collaboration between the Borgess Health & Fitness Center, Gazelle Sports and Blaine Lam. Low camper fees for this highly supported effort are made possible through the generous sponsorships of Borgess Health, K-Valley Orthopedics, Gordon Water, Sodexho, Gazelle and the Borgess Health & Fitness Center.
The “Coordinating Council” for Run Camp includes Blaine and Bobbie Lam, Chris Crowell, Janeen Docsa (director of the Borgess Run and director of the Borgess Health & Fitness Center), Tessa Emenheiser of Gazelle Sports, Rob Lillie of Gazelle Sports, and Bryon Bierema of Borgess Health & Fitness Center. Division Leaders have been added this year to support weekly camp operations and to support Team Leaders, Coaches and Trainers. All Division Leaders, Coaches and Trainers are already in place.
So, what’s really new at Run Camp this year?
Separate starting times for 5K and half-marathon campers are set for Weeks 2 through 6 and Weeks 12 and 13. Separate clinics will be held for 5K and half-marathon campers in Weeks 2 through 4 and Weeks 12 and 13. Here’s the Camp Schedule:
Leadership Training
Saturday, July 12 OR Saturday, July 19, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
at Borgess Health & Fitness Center
Coaches/Trainers, Division Leaders and Team Leaders Only
Step Into Orientation at Borgess Lawrence Education Center
An Explanation of Borgess Run Camp
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5:45 p.m. (No obligation to sign up)
Registration/Packet Pick-Up at Gazelle Sports
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 4 to 8 p.m.
Information sessions on winter running and apparel at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Camp Programs @ Borgess Health & Fitness Center
Saturday, Jan. 26 @ 7:30 a.m. Kickoff Session and Team Orientation
Saturday, Feb. 2 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, Feb. 9 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, Feb. 16 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Camp Programs at Portage Family YMCA
Saturday, Feb. 23 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, March 1 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Coaches/Trainers, Division Leaders and Team Leaders at 10 a.m. on March 1.
All New Expeditions
Saturday, March 8 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, March 15 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, March 22 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, March 29 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Saturday, April 5 @ 8 a.m. for both groups
Borgess Health & Fitness Center
Saturday, April 12 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Saturday, April 19 @ 8 a.m. for half-marathon, 8:30 a.m. for 5K
Leadership Dinner, Thursday, May 1, 5 p.m.
Coaches/Trainers, Division Leaders and Team Leaders Only
How do I apply?
To apply to be a Team Leader, submit an email to blainel@lamcreative.com as early as possible, and no later than January 9, 2008. Your email application should answer these questions;
1) Name, age, address, phone and email information
2) Race you are training for (5K or half-marathon) and pace at which you are able and willing to lead a team (you may check more than one)
sub-8-minute miles
8 minute miles
9 minute miles
10 minute miles
11 minute miles
12 minute miles
slower than 12 minutes per mile
3) Have you been in Borgess Run Camp before? How many times?
3) Tell us, briefly, about your running experience.
4) Tell us, briefly, either about your leadership experience or your interest in leadership.
5) Are you able to meet the time requirements set forth above? If not, what limitations
or restrictions would keep you from attaining them? (note that two components allow
excused absences).
Questions?
Questions about Borgess Run Camp and the Borgess Run Camp Leadership Academy may be directed to Blaine Lam by email (blainel@lamcreative.com) or (269) 345-1113. Want to learn more about Borgess Run or Borgess Run Camp? Visit http://www.borgessrun.com.
