The Chattooga River!

Today was one of those days in camp when you look around and say something like – “Where is everyone?”  The boys have been putting their skills into full swing this week.  Today and tomorrow might be the busiest yet.   Over 60 people were out of camp today for lunch.  All of them on some exciting trip in the woods!  Canoeing, Caving, Mountain Biking, Backpacking, and Climbing all had trips out of camp today. 

I have been impressed with the self-reliance these boys have gained in just over a week of camp.  They have chosen their own schedule, they get up and sorted for the days challenges, make their bed, clean (yes, clean!) their cabin, and even decide on which trips they want to attend.  Independence and self-reliance are one of those subtle traits that kids learn at camp, most of the time they don’t even realize it.  From the very first day these boys are presented with the guidelines, parameters, opportunities and a means to create their own camp session.  Camp is filled with choices, and much like life will hand them, they can’t have everything they want all the time.  For example, just this week a camper was faced with making a choice between two different trips in as many activities.  I was in awe to see this same boy work with both activity heads to make the trips work out so he could attend each of them.  Again, this boy was presented with a situation where he worked within the system to create a desirable result.  Now, it does not always work out that perfectly but sometimes, if you work at it, you can reach your goal even when presented with a challenge.  What a life skill!

I wanted to go off on a tangent a little tonight to make you aware of some important things that are affecting our camp and many others in the State of North Carolina.  Some of you may remember when we contacted you about the nearsighted legislators that thought it might be a good idea to impose a sales tax on summer camps.  You might not know it, but summer camps are getting hit on all sides by regulation and permitting.   Things like building codes, school calendars, forest service permits, and even a health department required “NO Smoking” sign in the dining hall…as if!   In a few weeks we will ask you to take part in a really important study that can help give camps in our region a little credit.  The North Carolina Youth Camp Association (NCYCA) is sponsoring an Economic Impact of Summer Camps.  The goal is to quantify the direct and indirect impact summer camps have on the local and regional economy.  This study is an important tool to help legislators see how much camps do for the economy and the region.   Your input will be a very important step in the study.  Again, we will be getting information out in the coming weeks.  Please take a moment to fill out the online survey and help High Rocks and the surrounding camps have a voice and a tool to show how much we matter.  Thank you!

We have some great pictures of yesterday’s Chattooga River trip, some great horseback riding, and many additional shots in camp.  Have a wonderful night.

 Don Gentle
Associate Director
don@highrocks.com

Pictures from June 15, 2010 (password required)

Mountain Bikers scout the hill before the sweet descent!

Tuesday saw two more trips leaving High Rocks before breakfast began for the majority of our campers. Canoeing busted out to hit a long stretch of the Chattooga River. Known as Section 2, this seven mile stretch of water is designated as a Wild and Scenic Corridor and is one of the last free-flowing streams left in the Southeast. The run offers up great rapids to test our boaters, large pools to collect themselves again, and miles of unbroken wilderness to feel like they are exploring some serious backcountry. With swimming holes and jumping rocks, there is plenty of opportunity to pull over for a refreshing splash down, and huge rocks in the middle of the river for scenic lunches.

Climbers also got another early jump on the rock and headed to Horseshoe for a full day out in some beautiful (if warm!) weather. The guys still in camp spent the day practicing rappelling down from the top of the tower. Not the most comfortable sensation backing off a 50 foot edge, but totally worth the effort for the great descent. Later this week, some of our climbers will gear up for the first climbing overnight fo the session.

Mountain Biking also took a full load out for the entire day. The bikers hit up some amazing trails over in the Mine Mountain and Reasonover areas of DuPont. The group especially loved the professionally built Ridgeline Trail which is rated by the International Mountain Biking Association. The newly redone trail includes a steep, technical downhill which got everyone’s adrenaline levels pumping and had excitement bubbling out of the van upon their return. Our guys also passed by fellow boys’ camps out riding and got the chance to swap camp stories and learn some trail etiquette. A great day in DuPont!

Our 2-Day Hike made it back into camp later this afternoon after spending a great night out in the Pink Beds. The weather was gorgeous for the crew as they got to see storms moving through the mountains off in the distance, but were never troubled with any rain. The hikers made camp near a creek which created an impromptu “Stick Regatta” down the stream and created a very pleasant backdrop for sleeping. The morning saw some of the trails flooded from rain higher up in the mountains and our guys got to use map and compass skills to figure out a new way to get to the pick up area. This was successfully (and proudly) done, with the result of a cushy, dry-footed ride back to camp. Our three day hikers show up tomorrow and I am sure will have many more stories to pass on.

Tonight will see another age group, those in Windswept and Outpost, head off for their Chill Night to Sliding Rock and then on to Dolly’s where the reported favorite flavor out of 52 is, what else, High Rocks Arctic Slide. The Barn is also putting on a special invitational Evening Ride with campers cruising through some longer trails on the property at dusk before heading back to the barn to enjoy S’mores around a campfire.

It was a great day, please enjoy the (late) pictures and we will see you back tomorrow!

Woody

Pictures from June 14, 2010 (password required)

The week started out with a bang today with six trips heading out in every different direction.  The caving trip was the first down the road at 8:15 this morning.  They took a new group of boys to Worley’s Cave for a day of playing in the dark and getting muddy!  Next out were the climbers.  They headed to Cedar Rock again and were able to dodge the afternoon rain and still get some climbing done at the rock.  The paddlers had to work around some water release schedules after they found out that Duke Power would not be releasing water on the Green River today.  Unfortunately, they don’t let us know until the morning of the release as to whether they will give you water or not.  They made a quick alteration and headed to Section 8 of the French Broad.  There are some great pictures from today’s trip.  Mountain biking was next with another trip over to DuPont.  They spent the whole day hitting the trail.

The last two trips out today were our first backpacking trips of the session!!!  The boys spent the first week learning some of the skills necessary on overnight trips like what to pack, how to pack it, setting up tarps and tents, how to where your pack and even how to read maps. Now it was time to use those skills on the trail.

The two-day backpacking trip was lead by Chase and David who took some “middler” aged hikers off to the Pink Beds.  Pink Beds is an easy trail with many cool bridges, and unique flora and fauna that is supported by the surrounding mountain bogs.  There’s even a beaver dam!  It should be a lot of fun! 

The second backpack trip was a three-day trip to Middle Prong Wilderness.  Middle Prong is up high in the Pisgah National Forest with an elevation of about 5200 feet.   It has been so hot down at camp, the boys were very excited once they jumped out of the van and felt the noticeably cooler air.  Middle Prong is named after the “middle prong” headwaters of the Pigeon River.  The guys will change some elevation throughout the hike, which will create a good challenge.  They plan on finishing at Sam’s Knob, which is an awesome hill up in the High Pisgah Meadows just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  If you are ever up here from mid-August through Labor Day weekend, you should make a point of hitting Black Balsam and the High Pisgah region up on the Parkway.  The blueberries are amazing!  No blueberries for our guys, but they should have an excellent hike!

This evening begins the first of five “Chill Night” trips.  Tonight Halfway and Lookout cabin groups will have an evening where they head to the natural waterslide called “Sliding Rock” in Pisgah National Forest.  The mountain stream water is a chilly 55 degrees, but is a lot of fun!  The boys will then head for ice cream at the locally famous Dolly’s Dairy Bar.  The name “Chill Night” is quite appropriate given the activities.  It will be chilly, but a ton of fun!  I’m sure you will hear about Dolly’s on closing day.  There are always several families that head off to see this “famous” ice cream stand.

More excitement tomorrow!  Enjoy the pictures!

Don Gentle
Associate Director

 Pictures from June 13, 2010 (password required)

Sunday Morning by the Lake

Today started out with a sweet bang!  The Krispy Kreme guy came late last night and dropped off 400 sweet and delicious glazed doughnuts!  The boys were psyched!  Krispy Kreme is more of a household word than it used to be.  Of course, most everyone around here has known what “Hot & Now” has meant for decades!  The sweet “wall of glaze” that the doughnuts go under after they are fried still enchants me to this day.

The day continued with a time for songs and reflection down by the lake, where Zoob lead us with some words about friendship.  She queried the boys about what makes a good friend and how do we go about choosing them.  Her discussion continued about how some of your best friends are the most unlikely ones initially.  She shared a story with the boys that has become a modern classic; the story of “Owen and Mzee”.  It is a true story of a baby hippo and a 130 year- old tortoise who are forced into an impossible relationship, one that by all the rules should never have happened. A tale of two creatures who come to depend on one another in extraordinary circumstances when a baby hippo is rescued after being separated from its mother in a Tsunami and paired up with the ancient tortoise.  The two form an inseparable bond that defines what friendship can and is all about.  Check out www.owenandmzee.com if you want to hear more about this incredible story.

High Rocks is one of those places where friendships are created under incredible circumstances.  I know of so many stories of boys who have met here and request to be bunk mates every year…and they live hundreds of miles away from each other during the school year.  Camp creates so many great friendships; bonds that last for decades and beyond.  Zoob did a great job of identifying some of the former campers (now staff) who have formed life-long friendships here at camp that continue today.  She challenged the boys to be on the lookout for those friends and reach out to those who seem unlikely to be your friend, but could be your best friend once you get to know them.  What a great message…

Sunday morning continued with many choice activities that lasted until lunch including: fishing, swimming, canoeing, disc golf, ping pong, bocce’, croquet, basketball, and tennis.  Lunch was a hefty feast of roasted turkey, rice, dressing, beans, gravy, biscuits, and the salad bar.  We washed it down with ice cream “sundaes on Sunday,” and took a much needed rest.

The afternoon continued with age-group activities that involved a lot of running wrapped up with a refreshing swim.  The evening continues with a cookout on the lawn, followed by our weekly campfire event where we sing a few songs, listen to a story, and reflect on the past week with an eye on the week ahead.  I love Sundays!

There are some great pictures from the square dance last night as well as a climbing trip, and finally the boys having fun on Sunday!

Have a great night…we sure are!

Don Gentle
Associate Director 

Pictures from June 12, 2010 (password required)

Man Overboard!!

Today began with the traditional pancakes that Dan Noland & I cook for all of camp.  The tradition started with Townsend’s father, Sumner Williams, cooking for camp on the cook’s day off.  We have more cooks these days, but the tradition continues.

Today might appropriately be called topsy-turvy day at the lake.  The canoeists and the sailors practiced turning over on the lake.  Turning over is the easy part.  Emptying the boat and getting back in is the challenging part.  All of the boys had fun & learned a lot in the process.

We had a full day of regular activities today, plus two beginner river trips went to the French Broad River to take on “Killer Fang Falls”.  A group of soccer players came over to my basement to watch the USA take on England in the first round of the World Cup this afternoon.   There was much excitement when the USA team scored a tying goal.  Playing to a 1-1 tie was a big achievement for the US team.

The big event tonight is the square dance with Rockbrook Camp - a much anticipated event!  After our picnic supper outside the dining hall, the boys head down to the tennis courts for fiddle music, Virginia Reels, wind-the-clock, Square Dancing, and lots of fun! 

It’s hard to believe that one week has passed already!  We’ll sleep in tomorrow (til 8:15) and have a slower day as we rest up for the active second week of camp.

Take care,

Hank Birdsong

Pictures from June 11, 2010 (password required)

Friday got off to a beautiful start with some great trips heading out in the morning.  The cavers had the dining hall to themselves as they met for an early breakfast and then were off to Morril’s Cave (commonly called Worley’s) in Bluff City, TN.  It has more than 37,000 feet of mapped passages on two levels.  Worley’s is known for its voluminous size with rooms more than 75 feet wide and 250 feet long with high ceilings that can exceed 100 feet. It is noted for its beautiful formations within its eight to ten miles of passages. The lower level of the cave contains a perennial creek complete with various fishes, white crayfish, and salamanders that the guys love to discover.  The boys each take a pair of coveralls and a headlamp into the pitch black cave which remains at a constant 55 degrees year round.  The group adventures through muddy slides, tight squeezes, and creek wades.  Deep in the cave, they take a few minutes to shut off all their lights and not make a sound (or at least attempt!) to experience the total silence and such utter darkness your eyes never adjust.  Every camper gets a chance to go caving, and the best part of it is, the trip does not count as one of their five activity choices, it is bonus!

Climbers also had an early start to insure plenty of time on the rock before the afternoon thunderstorms made their appearance. They took off for Stone Depot up on Cedar Rock to put techniques to use that they have learned on the tower.  Mountain bikers took a crew over to Sky Valley in DuPont State Forest for a half day of great down hills and some seriously challenging grinds to the top of the next hill. The group did great, partly due to Don Gentle on the trip taking video of the guys. You have to pull out all the stops for the camera.

The paddlers had a full day trip over to the Green River, which is the first river on which campers experience some pushy water and technical turns to avoid rocks. There are several spots to practice “surfing” which involves pointing your boat upstream and balancing it on a wave in such a way that no paddling is necessary to remain in the same spot. Needless to say, it takes a lot of practice and the process always includes a lot of flips, splash downs, and laughter.  There is also the famed Super Man Rock where campers hold onto a perfect grip in the middle of some stiff current, thus “flying”, at least as long as you can hold your breath.

In camp, the weather cooperated nicely with many thunder rumbles heard but no serious storm materializing.  Bull’s eyes were hit profusely in archery and riflery as our shooters are beginning to move up the ranks.  Fishing mixed things up with a hike over to the Bottomless Pond where there was instant success with large bass hitting everything dropped in the water. After such a confidence boost, the counselors were made to guarantee a return trip in the near future. Wood working was in full swing with campers making everything from lacrosse sticks to doggie stairs for easy access to a couch for one “Elvis”.  Down at the barn, campers were finishing up their last lessons and trail rides for the week in preparation for the Gymkhana on Saturday, more details and pictures to come soon.

All in all, it was a great Friday with campers maximizing their first week here. The weekends have a different schedule and tend to focus a bit more on both goofy fun and time for reflection, allowing a breather before Monday kicks off another jam-packed five days.  With their first week under their collective belt, all of our campers are feeling much more comfortable with the rhythm of camp life and their personalities expand along with their comfort level. It looks to be an awesome group of guys and great next two weeks!!

Tonight’s age group activities:

“Juniors”- (Hillside & Connestee) are participating McCallie Ball.
“Middler 1”- (Lakeside & Foxhollow) are playing dodge ball in the gym.
“Middler 2” – (Flattop, Holiday & Chalet) are on the waterfront with canoe fill-ups
“Upper Middlers” – (Windswept & Outpost)  are going off the water slide.
“Seniors” – (Halfway) & “Upper Seniors” – (Lookout) are playing capture the flag.

Have a great night,

Woody Noland
Assistant Director

 Pictures from June 10, 2010 (password required)

Our first trips on the French Broad River for the beginner and intermediate paddlers headed out today.  After three one-hour sessions on the lake the first groups headed out to begin their paddling progression on the moving water.  The French Broad begins its journey just south of Brevard and continues all the way up through Asheville and into the Tennessee River system, before it finally dumps into the Gulf of Mexico.  Our beginner and intermediate paddlers put-in just below the steep headwaters to practice their new skills on gentle moving water. Today they practiced essential skills like eddy turns, peel-outs, and ferries. These maneuvers will help them work with the water to put the boat where they want it to go on the river. Our goal is to have these boys continue to master and enjoy the sport one step at a time, until after several summers the boys are paddling some of the best whitewater in the Southeast. 

We had two groups head out on the river today; one in the morning and then another group in the afternoon. The morning group is featured in today’s photos, be on the lookout tomorrow for the afternoon group.  Many of these guys will progress on to the lower Green River next week for their first all-day trip.  Keep an eye out next week for more river pictures.

Our climbers headed over to Cedar Rock in Pisgah National Forest for some great climbs.  The Mountain Bikers took their first out of camp trip to Dupont State Forest.  Again, most of these guys will head on to bigger and better trips in their respective activities as the session progresses.

Tonight is the last night of cabin overnights.  Blaire and Townsend were out with their camera again tonight.  However, they got back late so you will have to wait until tomorrow until you can see those.

Tonight’s age group activities:

“Juniors”- (Hillside & Connestee) are participating in canoe fill-ups.
“Middler 1”- (Lakeside & Foxhollow) are playing capture the flag.
“Middler 2” – (Flattop, Holiday & Chalet) Holiday & Chalet are headed out on a cabin overnight. Flattop is playing capture the flag.
“Upper Middlers” – (Windswept & Outpost)  are headed out on a cabin overnight
“Seniors” – (Halfway) & “Upper Seniors” – (Lookout) are going off the water slide.

Have a wonderful night and enjoy the pictures.  There are some great paddling shots as well as some High Ropes Course pictures.  Tomorrow is another day in paradise!!!

Don Gentle
Associate Director
don@highrocks.com

Pictures from June 9, 2010 (password required)

What a great day we had today.  Even though it was mostly overcast, the day was perfect for physical activity. Not to hot with a wonderful breeze for the sailors. It is amazing how much can happen in just a few short days at camp.  The boys are learning so much and have so much fun doing it.  We had several trip out today including caving, rock climbing, and whitewater canoeing on the Green.

Today at morning freetime I wandered into the middle of camp with a bag of golf discs and simply shouted out to see if anyone wanted to play.  Turner was my first taker.  We played through the first hole and were joined by staff member Nicholas Colston, who asked if he could join.  After a couple more holes campers Lucas and Kevin joined us.  Before we knew it, everyone was cheering and encouraging each other. What a wonderful time to hang out with the guys and just enjoy each other’s company.  We finished the front nine just before lunch and had a blast! It sure gave me a good feeling about camp

So camp has a lot of moments of fun and good times like that, but fun is not the only thing that is happening here.  It is incredible how much these boys will learn in three weeks.  As I go around and visit each activity, I see guys building on what they learned the day before and using it right away.  I see canoes going where they want to go, climbers reaching higher, and archers moving closer to the ten ring.  For some of these guys these learned skills give them opportunities to get out on trips.  This is where many of the boys want to be.  Over the next couple weeks the boys will put together that the skills they learn in camp are directly linked to the skills they need on the river, trail, or rock.  It’s all about the skills and progression, not just a guided tour.

The best thing I saw in camp today was over at the climbing tower.  Of course, they were learning new skills like everyone else in other activities, but one of the skills they were learning had nothing to do with making them climb better.  Belaying…preventing the fall of another camper while they climb up the wall through a system of ropes, harnesses and a little friction.  One camper asking if there “belay is on,” while another commits to the climber that “belay is on,” agreeing to hold him if he falls. This simple contract creates an amazing amount of trust and understanding between the two climbers.  What a skill; learning to be the safety net for another person.   Now, just so everything is sorted and straight while they are learning, we always have a back-up belayer and a staff member right next to them.  So parents you can breathe easy.  But just so you know, this backup is almost never needed.  The boys can do it all and they do!  Learning skills experientially in a supportive environment where each person learns to count on the other.  So much more than fun…

Tonight’s age group activities:

“Juniors”- (Hillside & Connestee) are headed out on a cabin overnight
“Middler 1”- (Lakeside & Foxhollow) are going off the water slide
“Middler 2” – (Flattop & Chalet)Chalet is playing capture the flag.  Flattop is headed out on a cabin overnight
“Upper Middlers” – (Windswept & Outpost)  are in the gym for some dodgeball
“Seniors” – (Halfway) & “Upper Seniors” – (Lookout) are participating in canoe fill-ups

We just finished up evening snack with giant made-from-scratch snicker doodle cookies with a side of cold milk.  Heavenly!!!  What a way to end the day!

Tomorrow is another busy day with canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking all heading out for trips in the forest.   I will try to get some cameras out on these trips to see if we can catch them action.

Have a wonderful night. We are having an awesome time!  Feel free to touch base if there is anything you need.

Don Gentle
Associate Director
don@highrocks.com

 Pictures from June 8, 2010 (password required)

Getting ready to head out on a cabin overnight

Now that we’re a few days into the session, the campers are settling in to the High Rocks routine.  The cabin is home, the bed is theirs, and a routine has begun.  Things are beginning to be familiar.  A community is forming.  Skills are on the rise in the activities.  Friendships are developing.  We’re having fun!

In addition to our instructional activities we have “choice period” and evening activities that are geared for all-out fun.  “Canoe fill-ups” are popular.  How can you go wrong when the objective is to “sink” the other canoes (don’t worry, our canoes still float even when full of water).  The water slide is also a big hit!   Tonight we had a few age groups head out on their cabin overnights.  Over the next several days every cabin group will venture into the woods for their overnight.

Woody Noland, one of our Head Counselors, has a few words to share regarding “homesickness”-

Hopefully, many of you will be receiving letters from camp soon. I expect that they will be full of stories about friends, activities, and counselors. It is also possible that letters have been sent home telling of homesickness. Please don’t let those letters alarm you. The first few days of camp can be a challenging adjustment for many children, and some feelings of homesickness are completely normal. A few of the boys were feeling like this during the first couple of nights of camp, but most of them are loving camp now that they are into the full swing of things. Part of my job is to make sure everyone is having the best camp experience possible. I have been checking up on the boys and will continue to do everything in my power to insure that each boy here has a terrific session. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at woody@highrocks.com. I would be more than happy to check up on your child and get back to you. Hank wrote an article on homesickness a few years ago that was published in several periodicals, including the “Blue Ridge Outdoors” summer camp edition. The article can been seen at www.highrocks.com/summer-camp-articles/homesickness.htm

If you do happen to receive a letter from camp that indicates homesickness, here are some suggestions of what to include in your response (we suggest an email or fax so it gets to your son quickly): 

• We understand you are missing home- it is normal
• We are proud of you
• Concentrate on staying active
• Read a book or play cards during quiet times
• Talk to Woody, Dan or your counselor about your feelings
• We’ll see you on parent’s day

Choice period activities today included: Kickball, Bouldering Cave, Fishing, Swimming, Canoeing, Gym Games, Tennis and Game Room (ping-pong & foosball).

Tonight’s age group activities:

“Juniors”- (Hillside & Connestee) are going off the water slide
“Middler 1”- (Lakeside & Foxhollow) are headed out on a cabin overnight
“Middler 2” – (Flattop, Holiday & Chalet) are in the Gym
“Upper Middlers” – (Windswept & Outpost) are participating in “canoe fill-ups”
“Seniors” – (Halfway) & “Upper Seniors” – (Lookout) are on a cabin overnight

Several counselors turned in pictures this evening, so youwill see additional pictures from today in tomorrow’s batch.  Enjoy the pictures & come back tomorrow!

Take care,

–Hank Birdsong

 Menus for this session

Pictures from June 7, 2010 (password required)

Today has been a great day at High Rocks! The temperature was nice today, and it looks like we will have wonderful weather for the entire week, with highs in the high 70’s and lows in the mid 60’s. There is always the possibility of an afternoon thunderstorm, but they have held off so far.

If you haven’t seen your son in a picture- drop him a note & tell him to get in front of a camera! We don’t force the issue & some campers just don’t want their picture taken. Sometimes we post pictures over a few days, so if you see your son in the same t-shirt for a few days, it is probably because we took the pictures on the same day, but posted them on two different days. The cabin routine is for the boys to take showers after evening activity each night, so clothes normally do get changed daily. We use pictures that various staff members take & sometimes post pictures that campers have taken. Higher quality versions of the pictures will be available on parent’s day if you did not pre-order a picture disk.

Last night the campers chose their activities and today was the first full day of activities. I sent a letter to parents today that listed the activity choices made by their son. Most boys will stick with their original choices, but some decide to switch an activity after a day or two. Our small size gives us a lot of flexibility with our programming. If you do, however, get a note from your camper that says he didn’t get a certain activity that he wanted, please let us know (woody@highrocks.com). We do our best to make sure the campers know that they can do any activity they choose at High Rocks but sometimes younger campers make assumptions based on prior experiences (before coming to High Rocks).

Choice period activities today included: Soccer, Lacrosse, Bouldering Cave, Fishing, Swimming, Canoeing, Gym Games, Tennis and Game room (ping-pong & foosball).

Tonight’s age group activities:

“Juniors”- (Hillside & Connestee) are playing a field game at the “Cabin Field”
“Middler 1”- (Lakeside & Foxhollow) are at the lake participating in “canoe fill-ups”
“Middler 2” – (Flattop, Holiday & Chalet) are going off the water slide
“Upper Middlers” – (Windswept & Outpost) are playing a group game on the “Athletic Field”
“Seniors” – (Halfway) & “Upper Seniors” – (Lookout) are at the soccer field

Cabin overnights begin tomorrow and activity trips will begin later in the week. We should have reports on those special activities soon. We’ll try to send cameras out on many of those trips & share the pictures with you.

Enjoy the pictures & come back tomorrow!

Take care,

–Hank Birdsong