It was another great day on the mountain. I enjoyed seeing these new mini-men begin to figure out a few skills and other items in their activities. Most of them jumped on the Waikiki Wednesday theme day. You will see a number of Hawaiian-themed shirts in the images today.
I work hard to learn these new boys’ names. I use small moments to make connections. The dining hall works best the first couple of days as I try to assist them through the process. It is a lot as they trailblaze through so many new adventures and processes at camp. Tonight I made a point of seeing them off on their adventure before dinner. It was fun to re-connect with several of the 2nd-year boys and learn a few more new names.
Mountain biking headed over to our neighboring Dupont State Forest for a fantastic ride with some of the younger four week boys. That enjoyed a fun morning ride.
A group of canoers and kayakers headed out to the Tuckaseegee River today for some more river maneuvers and bigger whitewater.
Rock Climbing was out for another all-day trip. Such a great opportunity.
Arts and crafts are on day two of Rocket Week! They are workign hard on their model rockets this week. Stay tuned for launch day. It is sure to be a cool event!
The cabin overnight has been happening almost since Camp High Rocks began. The goal still today is that everyone has at least one overnight camping experience. Is it a little outside of their comfort zones? Certainly for some. The boys all hike out to one of our five shelters on the 1100-acre property. The hike varies and so does the shelter. They will spend the night having a dinner of pita pizzas, some time around the fire, and some smores for sure. The time together is important. But the time in the woods is exactly the “grit” these boys need. They return just before breakfast tomorrow. It sure is a wonderful event for these guys. And you know what? That smalll cabin filled with 7 guys, a tiny bathroom, and a foam mattress will feel amazing tomorrow night.
All of the Mini Men headed out tonight to spend the night in one of our five open-air shelter areas. Each group will enjoy some time on our beautiful 1000-acre property, cook up some pita pizzas, make some smores, and settle around the fire for an evening of laughs and games. They will wake up just before breakfast to head back to camp. It should be quite a sight to see in the morning. I hope I have some more stories to tell.
Age Group 3 (Foxhollow and Windswept) took off for their Chill Night this evening. They missed out last night, but are making a re-visit tonight. They will enjoy an evening of fun at the world-famous Sliding Rock and then head to Dolly’s for some ice cream before heading back to camp this evening.
Age Group 4 (Outpost and Sprucepine) will be on the soccer field player a camp classic called World Cup.
Age Group 5 (Chalet and Windswept) are heading to the gym to play a few variations of Dodge Ball.
Age Group 6 (Halfway, Pinnacle, and Lookout) Will be down at the tennis courts playing various round-robin games.
Don’t forget to check your email for the letter I sent out yesterday. The key part of that letter is your sons’ activity choices. He will likely keep these, but he may also change at any time. We are always here if you have questions.
One last note. Be sure to write! The boys enjoy the letters. The email process makes it super easy. My girls have been going to camp for several years, and each year I need to post notes to remind myself to write them. Even as counselors, they love it! It’s particularly easy to forget when you know they are back at a place they love. I need reminders too.
Don Gentle
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