It's that time of year again, for brave locals to step up and put their names in to compete in a competition that will challenge them mentally and physically all while they struggle to survive in the wilderness.
The fourth annual Survivor Lakeland is making a return this summer and the committee is currently searching for locals who want to try and become the sole survivor. Set up similar to the popular television show, castaways spend days living outdoors and competing in a number of different prize and elimination challenges. The difference is that they're competing for a good cause.
Contestants are required to fundraise with the money going to a different charity each year. This year's recipient is Kiev's K Hi Youth Camp.
“It's just another effort of ours to number one, keep the money local and number two, to help improve the lives of children,” said Survivor Lakeland committee member Caitlyn Thompson. “Of course Kiev's K Hi Youth Camp is for children and we know that they are struggling with needing to do renovations and get some more activities for the kids.”
Started by Rob Bush, the competition was originally used for a Wetlander Bar and Grill staff function. Since then, it has grown to become a community event that has raised over $120,000 for local charities, including their biggest fundraising year in 2013 that saw $55,000 go to the Lakeland Special Olympics.
With the charity this year being an already functioning camp, Thompson said they've decided to change things up for the 2015 Survivor Lakeland.
“The challenges this year will be a little different then what we've done in the past, we're going to be doing Survivor Lakeland at Kiev's K Hi Youth Camp. They already have a lot of tools and a lot of games in place that they do with their children; they have some mazes and some courses that we can do.”
Just like in the show, the 20 castaways chosen will be split into two teams. The winning team of each challenge will receive prizes; while the losers will be sent to face eviction night.
Veteran castaway Chad Colbourne has participated in Survivor Lakeland since its start in 2012. He said it's been a great experience that he's hoping to participate in again this year.
“My experience with it has always been positive, you get to meet new people every year but my main goal is to raise money for whoever we're donating to that year,” said Colbourne. “I think by watching Survivor (the show) and having a passion for it is what's driven me into wanting to do it. Challenge number one is being able to spend the night over there in a make shift tent. Challenge number two is doing the challenges the committee has put forward.”
Despite being voted out within the first five people evicted every year, Colbourne said there are some personal gains in addition to doing something good within the community.
“Being able to spend two nights out in the wilderness, living off barely any food…you get a little bit of resiliency and you get to gain friendships.”
After participating in Survivor Lakeland for three years, the experienced castaway said he has gained some insight into what it takes to survive in the competition.
“It's about having a good attitude…to be able to make it if you're going to go the five days, you've got to have the attitude in order to do it, it helps you in different aspects,” explained Colburne. “Alliances are built even before we go out there. We have meetings before where we go over certain things, alliances start getting built there.”
If you think you have what it takes to become the next sole survivor, the 2015 Survivor Lakeland is currently accepting applications. The competition will run from July 14 to 18. Each of the 20 contestants chosen is required to raise at least $1,000 to go towards the recipient charity. Thompson said they are looking for people from all walks of life that are interested in having the survivor experience and making a difference in the community.
Survivor Lakeland will also be hosting a charity barbeque outside of the Brick on Apr. 30 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for additional fundraising.
For more information on Survivor Lakeland or to apply, visit www.survivorlakeland.com.
