Networking 101


Chapter 11 is entitled the Soul Of Olympia. This is where Olympians have submitted their own stories that capture their personal Olympia Sports Camp journeys. These stories add to the rich texture of the history of the camp and show the breadth and depth of life at Olympia. Bonnie, Erin, and Kathy submitted this story. Thanks to them and many others who took the opportunity to share their story. If you would like to submit a story to the manuscript email coachdools71@gmail.com.






Bonnie Rysdale, Erin Murphy, Kathy Brook

 

We would have never known back in 1987 that 33 years later we would still be laughing and reminiscing about those formative years. 

 

Whether it was our first kiss, first time away from home or other firsts it definitely created a long lasting bond. 

 

Olympia is a special place. At 16, 17 and 18 it's the place where we learned how to take the bat off our shoulders.  It's where we were with people who supported us and never judged us. We were able to take risks and learn how to fail so we could succeed. 

 

We left the security of our homes, by ourselves and created a home away home. A place where we instantly became family. But one of those families you choose. Like minded people who like to be active, be positive, laugh and have experiences. 

 

The biggest memories as counselors included; racing down Limberlost road just before curfew, days off, no cabin in the shack (now the box), nights in Huntsville at the Station House, epic cheers, waterfront and tuck shop shenanigans. 

 

Our bad hair, our bad sweaters and our bad jokes bonded us together for life. We would have never had the foresight to know that as an adult, how much these connections would help us throughout our lives. Always people we can rely on, people we can call for business or career advice. Networking before we knew what networking even was. 

 

Olympia helped us become the people we are. Friends for life. I guess that's what networking is. 




This blog is about the journey of the  writing of the book  A Hero's Journey: From Little Norway to Olympia Sports Camp. The blog will contain excerpts from the book and my personal thoughts on what the place and the people that make up Olympia's journey is all about. The title comes from the great book Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom. The blog's title is recognizing Dave Grace as Camp Director but all content is my own.

 

 

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