Tucked away in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, is Indiana University’s Camp Brosius, a unique destination filled with opportunities for team building, leadership development and community bonding. Camp Brosius was established in 1921 to provide physical education courses for the Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union, the precursor to IU’s physical education program.
College camp brings together fitness management and personal training, exercise science, sport management, and physical education teacher education students in an immersive, week-long summer experience at Camp Brosius. Modeled after the Army’s leadership principles, the course fulfills leadership and teamwork development requirements for their majors.
“College camp is designed to be a space where students get to learn more about who they are as leaders and team members,” said Roufa Hanna, senior exercise science student and second-year counselor. “They are pushed out of their comfort zone to develop foundational skills that they will need in any position in the future.”
Students choose one of two weeks to go to college camp over the summer, either in May or August. Upon arrival, students are split into groups to form their family for the week. College camp counselors, who are returning students, lead their families through a series of leadership and team-building activities, encouraging students to tackle each challenge as a cohesive team.
One such activity, the triangle low ropes course, tests the students’ mental and physical resilience. Each group member must complete an elevated rope circuit in 30 minutes without falling. Strategy and balance are crucial to success, and support and encouragement students provide to one another allows them to succeed as a team.
Some students may initially hesitate to attend, but for most, their mindset changes as they form new friendships in the outdoor learning environment.
“College camp made me do things I never thought I would do,” said Kendall Holton, a sophomore exercise science student. “I was unsure about coming, and now, I don’t want to leave.”
“Usually, they get to know a lot of other students, so there’s community building to camp,” said Chris Rash, SHHS physical activity elective program coordinator and college camp director.
It is remarkable how close the students become in just a week’s time. Some might have had classes with one another, or even been best friends, but their time at Brosius fosters a one-of-a-kind bond.
“I came to camp with friends and left with family,” shared Nick Thain, a senior exercise science student.
To learn more about the experience and find ways to get involved or help support students, contact Chris Rash. To support Camp Brosius through a gift or grant, contact Adam Van Zee.