It Just Keeps Getting Better

This morning I enjoyed watching the guys roll in from the woods after their overnights.  The stories of the “grit” these overnights teach us are always enjoyable.  They even create the best memories.  I enjoy hearing about how late they stayed up, who ate the most pita pizzas, or even how bad the sleeping conditions were last night.  While you never quite know exactly how it will unfold you can always count on the stories. What I do notice is that they find their cabin conditions even more enjoyable.

It was another theme day for us today. You will see quite a few sports jerseys out there today. Jersday-Thursday is what we call it! Just another fun thing to do at Camp High Rocks.

The best part of my day started in assembly this morning.  I need to get upfront from time to time just to remember why I love it so much.  What if we all got up each morning and shared a wonderful breakfast with eggs, grits, sausage, fresh fruit, and assorted cereals? Follow that with you and your family heading into the next room to do some motion songs, get goofy, and go crazy. THEN you head off to work or school.  Wouldn’t that be a great start to every day? It sure is here at camp.  Assembly allows us to loosen up, let go, and be happy!  Nobody is cool in assembly.  Maybe that is why it’s so awesome. We jump around, we laugh, and we get excited about all that surrounds us.  Anyhow, I enjoyed my time in the front this morning…almost as much as the campers.

the boys are picking up some skills in their activities as well today. We have already had a couple of river trips out this session for our paddlers. The mountain bikers are working through a progression as they set out on our 20+ miles of trails on the property. It is getting better each day these boys practice.

I know many of our parents are wondering how everyone is doing, and I hope the nightly blog and pictures give you a good sense of the daily routine of camp.    In the next day or so the first letters from High Rocks will be arriving in your mailbox.  There is the possibility of a letter coming home that may worry you. So, let’s talk about homesickness.  It’s not a scary word. It’s all about growing up one step at a time.  After 30 years here at High Rocks, I have some pretty good experience with kids and camp. That being said, a little homesickness is normal.  Often, what you are reading in those letters today has passed. They are on to bigger heights. Remember, we are professionals. If you feel worried at all just drop us a line.  Don’t forget to do the same for your son.  Give him some encouraging words; tell him how proud you are and how he will be just fine.  Try not to go on about how the dog misses him, or all the cool things you are doing at home.  When you are learning to take some steps on your own, sometimes you fall and get back up.  It’s definitely not a reason to stop walking. Camp is a super place to step out on your own.   If you do feel like you need to give us a call, we are here to help.  Don’t forget, the boys love mail, so keep sending it.

Age group three enjoyed their Chill Night tonight. We will have some of those pictures tomorrow. Tonight we also had Lakeside and Foxhollow head into the woods for their cabin overnights. I enjoyed hanging around and helping them stage for the event up on Mystic Hill. It is no small feat to get 12 boys, 3 counselors, their stuff, and their food altogether. Good times!

I had another great night out just watching the boys have fun on the lake. What a joy to see these boys taking some time away from electronics, the chaos of city life, and just having fun. It’s not long before they will have more burdens upon them and challenges ahead. For now, it’s just some time away from all that to learn to be ourselves. No grades. No tests. Just guys having fun! The smiles and the laughter we caught tonight were priceless. There is not a care in the world for them in these moments. Cherish it!

-Don Gentle

Today’s Pictures 

We pushed up some images from last night’s chill night. These typically go up the next day given the late return.