The 2014 CKIx experience started with a PACK road trip from PA to Nashville. The event itself started with our powerful PACK proving just how powerful we are by challenging districts such as California-Nevada-Hawaii to spirit wars. Once opening session started, it was time to make new friends as we were put into the teams. We would work together for the next two days on our LSSP projects and were challenged to come up with a team name and chant. The teams quickly bonded as we worked together on projects such as cleaning up parks, sorting medical supplies at Project CURE, and working with organizations such as the Ronald McDonald house and the Nashville Zoo. At night, we built team spirit as we competed in activities such as wheel barrow races, egg drops, chin ball, rock paper scissors, and poncho. We also had a chance to learn the line dance and watch our team leaders eat baby food in order to raise money for the Eliminate Project. After two days of service, it was time for the closing of LSSP and the opening of convention. Day one of convention was dedicated to the House of Delegates where we voted on some relatively simple amendments as well as some controversial ones. We also elected our 2014-2015 international officers. Day two was a day for learning and celebration. The key note speaker, Josh Orendi, got us enthusiastic about social excellence and how to be a good leader. We learned and practiced proper etiquette at a luncheon with Nonnie Cameron Owens, and attended workshops on topics such as leadership, service, cultural intelligence, and more. The event rapped up with an award ceremony where our PACK was honored with many awards and the new international board was installed. Afterwards, we danced the night away with our new friends. In addition to these planned events, we were also able to have many district and divisional dinners explore the local cuisine which included fried chicken and corn bread among other delicious foods, tour the Grand Ole Opry, and explore the streets of down town Nashville. ICON was an amazing experience that I feel everyone should take advantage of, and I can’t wait for Indianapolis in 2015.
By Amanda Ferster
CKIx: A Memorable Experience
Lycoming College