"You never know where a spark may drop
and a fire begin to run."
In 2019, one of those fires—a radiant, gleaming blaze—ignited at Morningside College in Sioux City. But it wasn’t the kind of fire you may be thinking of. That July, over 100 of the region’s best and brightest middle- and high school students arrived on campus, bringing with them a fiery passion and unrelenting ambition that can only be compared to that of a burning flame. They were there for the second-annual assembly of the Catalyst Collective, and while they may not have realized it then, the days that followed would bring about a multitude of unforgettable adventures, profound discoveries, and friendships that would last a lifetime.
Camp director, Heath Weber, kicked off camp like he does every year, with ice-breakers and camp songs like “Princess Pat,” “Three Chartreuse Buzzards” and “Rolling Over the Billows.” Newcomers were shocked to hear the older campers singing all the lyrics by memory; but these songs break out almost every day at camp and they knew they’d get the hang of it in no time.
After the first night in the dorm, the Catalysts raced off to classes for the first full day of camp. The variety of courses offered by Morningside College was vast: bread baking, drone flight, hip-hop dance, gardening, a polygraph lie-detector test…the list goes on and on! These hands-on sessions were the perfect way to start the campers’ busy days!
Not too much later, preparations for the Catalyst Showcase began. The high school campers would have 10 days to prepare a full production of thrilling group songs, dances, comedy skits, and more. The camp quote, “you never know where a spark may drop and a fire begin to run” provided the foundation for the showcase’s theme, so all the numbers revolved around fire, burning, and heat.
The showcase doesn’t come together, however, without a great deal of hard work. Lucky for our campers, there was a group of all-star staff supporting them behind every learned note, dance move and skit. Braxton, Camryn, Matt, Derek, Trent, Nolan, Bronny and Doug each brought their musical, choreographic, and witty expertise to rehearsals every day. The Catalysts are so lucky to learn from them!
It’s more fun when you’re not the only one having it.
With the first week of camp zooming forth, the Catalysts spent almost every night together on a new adventure; and there was never a dull moment. They shared their talents at “Catalyst Night live,” attended a Drum Corps International marching band showcase, and—on one of their favorite nights of camp—got dressed up to enjoy a three-course formal dinner.
But the fun had only just begun… An entire half of the campers that make our family whole had yet to arrive! The second week of camp is extra special because the middle-school campers—the “Sparks”—finally join us at Morningside. That evening, the Catalysts gave their new friends a warm welcome with another round of introductory songs and activities.
And just like that, we were one big happy family.
With a fresh eagerness to get their hands dirty learning new skills, the Sparks headed off to classes of their own. Between public speaking, coding, creative writing, voice lessons, psychology and many more, they certainly had a jam-packed week! After classes, the Sparks began researching topics for their final showcase that would take place on the final day of camp. They partnered-up with as many campers as necessary to come up with a big idea to present on, be it a new perspective on an historic event, a live performance or a hand-crafted creation!
Fun in the Sun
One of our favorite days of camp was the second-to-last. Just as things were really starting to come together in preparation for the Catalyst and Spark showcases, we took a break to spend some time together outdoors. During The Festival, all the campers completely took over Morningside’s beautifully green campus to create a full circuit of team challenges. There was a blind scavenger hunt, a water balloon toss, a maze, and tons of other activities and water games. Sunscreen Required! 😎
Then, in the blink of an eye, many days had passed and the end the end of camp was in sight. And between the hours-long rehearsals, jaunts across campus and (let’s be honest) too many nights with not enough sleep, we were absolutely exhausted. But there was nothing that could stop the momentum these kids had built up so far. And just when we thought nothing could top the excitement growing for the final showcase, the Catalysts and Sparks were treated to a special treat. Remember: It was 2019 on a college campus in Iowa. So we weren’t completely shocked to hear that a candidate for President of the United States happened to be in town. But that wasn’t all…
She wanted to meet us.
All politics aside, meeting a sitting U.S. Senator—not to mention a candidate for President—is an opportunity of a lifetime. And in the few minutes we spent with Massachusetts Senator, Elizabeth Warren, that proved to be true. Senator Warren briefly spoke to the Catalysts and Sparks about the importance of their generation in writing the future of our nation. Then, after posing for a few photos, wished them well in their final presentations. No big deal, right? Wrong! This was the perfect motivation the campers needed to end their week on a good note, and it certainly gave them a story to bring home.
Together we’re winners.
With bright costumes and electric energy, the Catalysts lit up the stage for their showcase on the final evening of camp (pun definitely intended). For all the attendees—spark campers, parents, friends, and camp staff members—this is one of the most amazing moments of the whole week. What they’re able to produce in less than 10 days is incredible, and with an impressive onstage chemistry, it’s shocking to think that many of them were strangers before meeting at camp.
It’s in these moments, when you’re in awe of the palpable confidence exuded by the performers, that the magic of camp is realized. This congregation of learners, leaders, singers, scientists, athletes, thinkers and dreamers, all supporting each other as they step—together—beyond the limits of their comfort zone… It’s a spectacular sight that we wait all year to see!
Finally, we got to see what the Sparks had been working on all week—the Big Ideas! The young campers set up in the atrium of Eppley Auditorium for visitors to witness their impressive creations. And impressive they were: We had freshly-baked bread created from a homemade recipe, a fully-knitted scarf, manually-coded websites and research presentations on drones, composting and many more.
The best is yet to come.
Heath bid the Catalysts and Sparks farewell with the same salutation he always has: “Keep the faith; the best is yet to come.” It’s always a heartbreaking goodbye, but when we say the best is yet to come, we mean it. Even though we part knowing we may not see each other again for another year, we know that our story is not yet complete. And that even though camp is over, the things we discover at camp—the new friends, interests, passions and memories—will certainly last.
Reflecting on 2019, it’s impossible not to get excited for what’s to come. And with this year on hold due to COVID-19, it feels like forever until we’ll meet again. But July 2021 will be here before you know it. Until then, keep the faith; the best is yet to come.
Want to see more photos? View the full album HERE.
