This summer, Ensign Global University welcomed the Red Rocks Gymnastics Team from the University of Utah for an enriching week-long cultural exchange programme. The visit was designed to offer the Red Rocks a truly unique, team-building, and transformative experience, one that reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for academic collaboration, cross-cultural learning, and global engagement.

The team’s visit to Ghana comprised of a wide range of activities; from meaningful community engagements and social bonding opportunities to historical study and exciting excursions across the country.

Community engagement activities included a visit to a local elementary school, where the student athletes engaged with young learners. Led by Head Coach Carly Dockendorf, the team delivered an inspiring talk that broadened Ghanaian students' perspectives on athletics and education, sparking curiosity and excitement among the young audience. The visit proved to be a fun and rewarding challenge, as the team found creative and innovative ways to communicate and connect with the young learners across language and cultural barriers.

Joyful moments of connection: Red Rocks engage with young learners and share smiles, stories, and encouragement in local communities.

Through our long-standing partnership with Engage Now Africa, the Red Rocks connected with women engaged in workforce development initiatives, witnessing firsthand how locally driven entrepreneurship creates sustainable economic opportunities for individuals, families, and communities. Immersing themselves in hands-on activities such as tie-dye production and bead-making, the team gained a deeper appreciation for the creativity, craftsmanship, and ingenuity that underpin traditional and locally driven economic ventures.

Hands-on learning with Engage Now Africa, the team experiences traditional craftsmanship through bead-making and tie-dye.

As part of the exchange programme, students from surrounding high schools made the journey to the EGU’s campus to participate in an exciting sports fair hosted by the team. The Red Rocks dazzled the crowd with an impressive showcase of gymnastics moves, after which participants came together for shared activities centered on dance, movement, and cultural expression. In a fitting and joyful conclusion to the event, the groups collaborated, choreographed, and performed original dance routines together.

Speaking particularly about the fair, Red Rocks member Camie Winger recounted:

"One of my favorite memories was dancing with students from a local school. We didn't speak the same language all the time, but somehow, we didn't need to—dancing just brought everyone together. It reminded me that you can find common ground with people no matter where they're from. That experience made the world feel a lot smaller, and it's something I'll never forget."

From team huddles to shared dance floors: Red Rocks and local students find common ground through movement and connection.

Beyond these community engagements, faculty led the team through academic sessions covering global health, women's reproductive health, and the social and economic determinants that shape health outcomes, complementing and contextualizing insights and experiences uncovered throughout the course of the programme.

Furthermore, the group embarked on excursions to some of Ghana's most remarkable destinations including the historic Elmina Castle, the Kakum National Park in Cape Coast, and the Mole National Park in Tamale. Each destination offered a window into the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty of Ghana—and collectively, these experiences deepened the bonds within the team, raising spirits and fostering a sense of unity that carried throughout the entire trip.

Red Rocks explore Ghana’s landscapes and history from game drives to the historic walls of Elmina Castle.

The general sentiments of the Red Rocks following the exchange programme were overwhelmingly reflective of the community spirit, friendship, and genuine human connection that defined their time in Ghana. Speaking on her experience, gymnast Elizabeth Gantner shared:
"Going to Ghana completely changed my perspective. I expected to learn about the local culture, but I didn't realize how much I would learn from the people we met every day. Seeing the work at Ensign Global University and spending time in the communities made everything we study feel real in a way a classroom never could. I came home with a lot more gratitude, a broader view of the world, and a stronger desire to use whatever platform I have to make a positive impact."

Head Coach Carly Dockendorf echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the experience with a deep sense of gratitude and pride:
"Our team had an incredible experience in Ghana, and so much of that was because of the people who welcomed us. The Prosperity U team at the University of Utah's Center for Business, Health, along with everyone at Ensign Global University, were such gracious hosts and created opportunities for our student-athletes to connect in meaningful ways. Watching our gymnasts learn alongside students, engage with local communities, and build genuine friendships was incredibly rewarding. We left with a deep appreciation for Ghana, the work being done there, and partnerships that I know will continue to impact our students for years to come."

This cultural exchange-made possible through EGU's partnership with the Centre for Business, Health, and Prosperity-has set a bold and exciting tone for future global engagements with international groups and institutions. At Ensign Global University, our commitment to expanding global opportunities and partnerships extends beyond the boundaries of traditional academic partnerships, embracing a broader vision of shared learning, cross-cultural and international collaboration. It was a pleasure hosting the Red Rocks, and EGU looks forward to continuing to host additional life-transformative programs for groups from around the world.