The Blue Steel Awards

Blue Steel. It's been at TGC from it's establishment -- we are only now giving it a name. What is it? That was a frequently asked question in the Yellow van during 2010's 8th Annual TGC camp. It is something that is demonstrated throughout each TGC week -- by campers, counselors and seniors alike, and it is at the core of why TGC keeps rolling along. Of course, true Blue Steel needs no acknowledgement -- is a reward in itself -- and every participant in TGC demonstrated it at one time or another this year.

However, we hope that by recognizing a few Blue Steel (BS) standouts below we can communicate why we feel it is so important, and inspire even more BS in the future.

The 2010 Blue Steel Awards

Sir’Ron Is Blue Steel

People have been asking, "How do you define Blue Steel?" "Indefinable", says Joel. "In the eye of the recognizer", says Rhys. "Telling a person he has something special", says Miss Kat.

We did not know Sir’Ron before this year’s camp, and he did not know us. He quietly felt his way along the first day or so, but after a little time had passed, we all began to realize that this guy was Blue Steel! It was partly the amiable, confident, kind smile he let loose as he participated in all the activities and enthusiastically showed his strength, but watched after the smaller kids and was considerate of the seniors. We don’t know whether that special look had ever surfaced before, but we were sure it was the real Sir’Ron, and we were sure it was Blue Steel.

Our impressions were even more reinforced as he acknowledged being selected for this award at the camp’s Closing Activities on Friday in such a relaxed and open way. Thanks, Sir’Ron, for showing us your stuff. You are a good man, and you made us a better camp.

- by Joel & Ann Daunic

Alicia is Blue Steel

Alicia is blue steel. She is a veteran of TGC. She has the 3 E's - energy, enthusiasm, and effort. Her attitude is unparalleled. Each day Alicia is present is not only great for her, as she demonstrates through her actions and joy, but also helps make the camp better for all. She comes to camp ready to do and try anything. In camp, she put her team on her back and carried them through the Generation Idol Challenge - introducing each of her team members in a fun-filled manner.

Staff members mentioned spirit and soul when they talked about life. Alicia's soul is truly genuine, engaging with staff and campers. Her spirit is contagious, getting involved full body - singing and dancing. Alicia was recognized by her peers during camp. She earned a free pizza certificate, awarded to her by the yellow van, in recognition of her awareness and willingness to stop her activities in order to help a fellow camper who was struggling on the river. Alicia demonstrates a model blue steel attitude. She is not afraid to laugh at herself, performing in the Allie, Alicia, and Hope original "Pants in the Air."

Alicia has been a great camper, with emerging leadership skills that would make her a great candidate to fill a junior counselor role in years to come. Thanks for making The 8th Annual Generation Connection so great Alicia!

- by Ginny White

Hope is Blue Steel

It was her first year as a junior counselor and Hope radiated Blue Steel. If she wasn't watching out for the safety of the younger kids then she was in the back of the kickball line making sure that everyone had gotten a turn to kick.

It's not easy to handle the junior counselor position right off the bat, but Hope rocked it. Not only did all of the kids certainly have a smart, athletic, and responsible jc to look up to, Hope was able to teach new things to the older conselours. I for instance learned about Chinese and wrestling techniques! She also did a a great job of learning new information and ideas from others as well. Keep up the Blue Steel Hope!!

- by Allie White

Damon is Blue Steel

To be honest, Mr. Dan and I tried to build up Blue Steel as something campers in the Yellow van would have to figure out and strive for during the week. Damon blew that plan up on day 1 -- this kid may have been born Blue Steel.

NEVER involved in a van squabble. ALWAYS responding to questions from the adults' questions (even when dorky) with thoughtful answers. It's clear when you are around Damon, that he is a person that is open to whatever good life offers, and will offer whatever he has in return.

Example: Damon had to jump from a jittery horse at the IFAS horse farm. After calming the horse down, Cowboy Chris and Miss Joslyn went looking for him, expecting the boy would need special attention and encouragement. When they found him? He'd just finished riding a different horse and was giving an interview about his experience. Miss Joslyn dubbed him a "real cowboy" in the Tuesday Clip of the Day, and the blue van drew storyboards for a movie about his experience at the horse farm. That's Blue Steel.

- by Rhys Daunic

Colin is Blue Steel

It wasn't always clear that Colin would be recognized for his Blue Steel. On Monday in the yellow van, we saw a glimmer of his BS, when Colin beautifully described his relationship with seniors in his life outside of camp for the Clip of the Day.

However, as the campers were getting to know each other on our early rides, there were some disputes over how loud people were talking, what music was "good", and who would sit where -- Colin struggled to find a Blue Steel way to handle these situations, and said some things that were not Blue Steel.

We encouraged him, and he pleaded, "just tell me what it is!" -- we explained we could not -- it could only be demonstrated. His frustration awoke the Blue Steel in him. He quietly committed himself to finding it -- and by Thursday he started exhibiting raw Blue Steel: compromising and defusing situations that the adults would have had to intervene in earlier in the week. Self-improvement -- Colin showed us that side of Blue Steel this week.

- by Rhys Daunic