Living in the Present

It sure was another fantastic day! The morning kicked off with the time-honored tradition of pancakes and sausage. We sided with some home fries and boiled eggs and then fresh fruit, yogurt, and assorted cereals. 

Today is the day I fill in for the photographer, so I am out and about all day long.  It’s not that I don’t get out on a regular basis, but on Saturdays, I make a point of being out in camp all day.  I enjoyed the assembly this morning.  I think everyone needs to start their day with some stretching, power squats, and then a few motion songs.  Imagine how you would feel if you started every day like that.

Life at High Rocks is about being present in the moment and living. Without the distractions from electronics, politics, and the stresses we put upon our daily routine, you can get down to living.  I really enjoy watching it all happen around me.  We are into the “meat” of the session now. While I don’t want to be the one to shock you, it’s not always easy.  For some boys, just being here is a huge step.  For others, it may be going off the rope swing for the first time or getting to the top of the tower.  I tell these boys time and time again to “embrace the discomfort.” That is where life is happening. The sweet spot is right at the edge of the discomfort where you feel a little uneasy, but not gripped with fear. If you don’t learn to handle the discomfort, it will all become gripping fear.  Anyhow, what I am trying to say is I enjoy watching these boys face some fears, work through some frustration, and have some success.  Our staff are very much in tune with the process and are there to help along the way. Check out the successes in the pictures today.

Lunch: It was Greek Day.  We had seasoned chicken or scratch-made falafel for gyros complete with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and house-made tzatziki sauce.  There was fresh hummus and pita along with a Greek salad bar.  It was incredible!

One of my favorite moments today was showing a family from North Carolina around High Rocks today. The family had been in the area and had not been to High Rocks before. They showed up right at the perfect time, in the middle of activities. The family was able to ask questions to staff and other campers. They even stepped into a couple of the cabins to see how the boys live. Of course, it was hard to resist the climbing tower, shooting sports, and horseback riding. I really enjoyed getting to know them while I shared the wonders of High Rocks. The kids also enjoyed the trip through the dining hall where the snack was out for the afternoon.

I still feel like the summer is THE best time to see High Rocks in all of its glory. If you time it right while all the boys are out in their activities, prospective families can speak with the staff and campers as they move around camp. It is a great experience.  If you have friends in the area thinking about summer camp, send them the tour link.

Dinner: Pack out pan pizza with scratch-made chocolate chip cookies, and chips.  The boys head out to eat wherever they like. It was a wonderful evening for pizza on the lawn.

I do have some housekeeping notes from Darby. If you are planning on shipping a trunk/duffle home there are two steps. First, please fill out THIS FORM provided by our local UPS Store in Brevard. Second, please email our office to let us know that you wish to have your trunk/duffle shipped and we will deliver your item(s) to our local UPS store on Closing Day. UPS only needs the form filled out. Please contact Darby if you have questions.

I look forward to tomorrow already!

Have a wonderful night.

Don Gentle

Today’s Pictures