By Sandy Quesnel, F68577D
October 2015
Anyone who has watched the popular “Survivor” reality TV show knows that the goal of participants is to outwit, outplay, and outlast the competition. But it was more about who could outsmart, out-laugh, and out-fun fellow competitors when the Vancouver Islanders chapter held a similar contest at its first rally of 2015.
The rally was held May 20-24 at the Cowichan Exhibition Fair Grounds near Duncan, British Columbia. Thirty-two players from 25 coaches had the opportunity to participate in challenges, win immunity, and “vote someone off the island.” Fortunately, competitors received more than a one-cup portion of rice at mealtimes.
Tribes were chosen by random drawing; then, each player was given headwear and a torch to take to tribal council. It was decided to use team colors rather than choose different names for tribes, since most participants would forget them too quickly. Occasional “tree mail” gave hints of the challenges to come and offered clues for finding or winning small immunity idols. Winners of card and board games also were given clues or immunity idols. Tribal council was held after every challenge, and players who were voted off had their torch flames extinguished. The winning tribe received a large immunity idol to cherish until the next challenge.
Watching, as well as participating, was quite entertaining, as participants’ determination and competiveness grew progressively stronger. Tribes soon began employing more strategy and planning for challenges. The rope maze was “knot” confusing for some; the frozen T-shirt contest was brutal, as players tried to smash the shirt and ice apart. Those who hid pails of water or devised other methods of defrosting the T-shirts were frustrated by having to stay in a circle.
The blindfolded puzzler challenge proved that some people listen better than others; the broom and ball obstacle course was not for aggressive sweepers; bags of water held at arm’s length tested endurance; the ball toss was all about accuracy; and shoe screw was not for anyone sensitive to odors.
It should be noted that for a change of pace one afternoon, everyone joined in a beanbag baseball game. For the second time in chapter history, the ladies cleaned up. Chapter secretary Barbara Lucas notched five single-shot home runs in a row.
But back to Survivor, Vancouver Islanders version. The last eight players who were voted off made up a jury, which voted for the winner. Congratulations again goes to Barbara Lucas, the final survivor.
Not only was the rally fun to host, but members intermingled and got to know each other better. And the entertainment value was priceless. Laughter really is the best medicine!