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Mini-Mudders crawl through the dirt during physical training with the Ramstein Youth Program’s Tough Mudder Club, which is an eight-week program filled with challenging, muddy obstacles.
Tough Mudder events are hardcore obstacle courses designed to test strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. There are more than 1 million inspiring participants worldwide, and children participating in the Ramstein Youth Program’s Tough Mudder Club recently increased those numbers.
The Mini-Mudders kicked off their eight-week program by designing a course filled with challenging obstacles, including downhill mud slides, exercise stations, low crawls, rappels, slack lines, rope bridges and, of course, lots of mud.
The Mudders spend 1.5 hours every week on the course to increase their levels of cardio endurance, full body fitness, mental focus, balance, agility, self-esteem and team work.
“The motivation of the Mudders working together to get every one of their teammates through every obstacle is an amazing thing to see,” said Kaure Whittaker, Ramstein Youth Center assistant director.
“The kids can’t stop talking about the program, and it is great to see how much fun they have while
they are increasing their fitness,” said Stephanie Deal, a Mudder parent.
By introducing activities based around outdoor adventure, the children learn specific skills and develop a sense of competence to successfully master tasks and build confidence as they work through challenges presented in the activities.
The goal of the program is to build a positive sense of self so children are able to apply the same strategies and processes to other challenges they face.
“The program asks kids to challenge themselves to try new things so they realize how many talents and abilities they already have and how they can use those skills to truly reach their potential,” Whittaker said.
Achieving goals like crossing a tight rope, rappelling with a blinding spray of water in the face, and doing abdominal crunches in a mud pit gives the Mudders a sense of accomplishment and offers a wealth of learning opportunities.
From determining your level of physical fitness and how to improve, working as a team to ensure no one is left behind, or making a plan for what do in a tough situation, the Mudders are building life skills and making amazing memories in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
