An event of Schulympic proportions! 

It was an event for the ages. A weekend long celebration that we will tell our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren by the fireplace on Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving night for years to come; recounting the deep, joyful, and soulful moments we shared at Camp Olympia. Not quite – but it was definitely a weekend to remember.

This was my third time to Camp Olympia. The first was when I was in Grade 8 – I remember how scared I was of going “camping” with so many classmates – would it be fun? Would any of my friends go? What if nobody talked to me?

Those were the same questions I had the second time I went to Olympia – and that was with Schulich in 2008. As a part-time student, I did not know anyone else who was going, had no clue if it would be fun, and didn’t know if anyone would want to talk to me. But the GBC did an excellent job on selling me, and so I went.

The truth: It was unbelievably fun. I made many new friends. And I talked so much I lost my voice.

The fact that I went again this year has to say something about how much I loved the experience. In short, The Schulympics were a blast this year. Even though it was cold, wet, cold, stinky (in some cabins), cold, and more cold – all anyone will tell you from this past weekend was that we met 200 new friends, threw some pies in their faces, spooned (some eggs) with them, sang beautiful and poetic national anthems together, danced with glee, and proudly hoisted the flags of our respective nations.

Of course, then there was the flagship Olympic event, the ceremonious consumption of copious amounts of liquids followed by the precise flipping of the cups. Who knew that flipping plastic wear would be so fun? And on that note, congratulations to Team Tighty Whities for triumphantly outperforming all other teams in truly Olympic fashion.

Joking aside, it was an incredible weekend of new friendships. There was a healthy showing of part-time students, alumni, MF, IMBA, MPA, and exchange students to mix with the full-time MBA crowd – and everyone had a great time.

Huntsville was a beautiful sight to behold. The stars were crystal clear, the trees were colorful, and the waves were dancing the night away.

All in all, we all left with incredible memories. Every time we pass a fellow Schulympian in the hallways, we will quietly share a snicker together, for whatever happens in Olympia stays in Olympia (and the plethora of cameras, camcorders, and cell phones).

As always, it was a pleasure. I look forward to seeing you at Olympia next year. 

Written for the Insider - October 2009