Fun Is Just Part of It

While the rain was in and out throughout the day, it didn’t stop any of our fun.  We just played in the rain for some of it, but really it was mostly just a few showers here and there.  Most of the activities went on as usual while some just had a few modifications. The weather has been incredible this session! The low tonight might almost hit the fifties.  We’ll see what happens.   

Some parents feel like four weeks of camp is too long.  If you ask any of the boys in our month-long session, they would stay for five. The four weeks adds a lot to a camper’s opportunity.  Not only do they enjoy all the fun and excitement of camp, but their skills also progress to levels that equal some of our staff.  The level of trips that happen in four weeks is incredible!  It gives the boys an opportunity to take a four-day backpacking trip, and then turn around the next week and go on a two-day mountain biking trip. It’s impressive to watch a camper score a 45 in archery (five arrows) at FORTY YARDS!  Or like some of the whitewater pictures from last week; young men learning to enjoy class III whitewater in a tandem canoe.  It’s important to remember that these boys are not just being “guided” like a tourist through these activities. The boys learn not just to climb, but to be a climber.  They not only learn what it means to belay a friend up the rock but also trust a friend to do the same. High Rocks is far from an amusement park. It’s an immersion into a community that lives, learns, and grows together.

I don’t want to confuse anyone.  Some of these boys have worked several summers to get to this level of skill.  I would say that is precisely what makes the reward even more enjoyable.  The life skills of learning what it takes to master a skill reach far beyond the trees here at camp.  And I haven’t even touched on the lasting friendships and independence they have learned over these last few weeks.  I am so thankful for every one of our four-week parents that already understand everything I have mentioned above.  Camp is of vital importance! 

Breakfast:  scrambled eggs, sausage patties, scratch-made buttermilk biscuits, oatmeal, fruit, assorted cereals 

Lunch:  Taco Tuesday! Beef or black beans, chips, or soft tortillas with options including guacamole, salsa, fresh-made pico, onions, lettuce, cheese, tomato.  Mexican Corn, and tossed salad

Dinner: Ravioli, corn, roasted brussel sprouts, yeast rolls, and lemon cookies

Tonight, we had all sorts of options for our evening program. Part of the oldest age group visited our neighbors across the street for an evening of golf. They were super excited to break into groups of four and have a fun time trying their hand at the links. Some guys have played many times before, others had never swung a club. Truth be told, it wasn’t about the golf. It was about being able to have a quiet evening with a few friends. I look forward to taking the other half of the upper seniors tomorrow night. 

Below are a few clips from last week. See you tomorrow night!

Don