Last week we kicked off a new blog series leading up to Alpha Base Camp called Monday Memories of iGosia. Each Monday until the first Base Camp we will share a memory of the enchanted land of iGosia. Who knows? Maybe this series will build so much excitement that there will be lines of students this summer waiting to get in to iGosia. We may need to prepare for more tours.

One of the great aspects of a visit to iGosia is the mystery of this island. Or is it an island? See? Mystery. Every summer students arrive in iGosia knowing very little of the task that awaits them. The tributes, I mean students, receive teaching and training in the midst of grueling challenges, unexpected obstacles, strange foods, sleep deprivation, and uncomfortable circumstances. All of this takes place in an arena that is almost completely foreign to these students. The iGo Games are thrilling. On occasion students have wondered if iGosia was just some sort of strange hallucination; however, we can assure you there are no Tracker Jackets in iGosia…yet. The closest thing we have to mutated insects would be the notorious “Spider Crickets of Lavon.”

Speaking of the games of iGosia, there have been so many great ones over the years. Do you have a favorite? Was it Find the Dollar, or One Way In and One Way Out? Maybe you are old school enough to remember the Magic Carpet? Back before we had any good ideas we did crazy stuff like make teams eat sardines to finish a challenge. We even passed out Harry Potter jellybeans with flavors such as grass, dirt, vomit, and spagetti once or twice. Talk about Hunger Games.

One thing has always been true. The good people of iGosia love their games. And even in their games the iGosian motto runs true: Everything in iGosia happens for a reason. Hit the comment button, stroll down memory lane, and let us know about your favorite iGo game and the lesson learned.