The Adventure Begins

Our morning started with a little light rain while we headed into breakfast. A little rain in the mountains must fall, and morning rain is actually quite wonderful. We were greeted inside the dining hall with homemade cinnamon toast, scrambled eggs, sausage links, fresh berries, and assorted cereals.

Our first morning assembly of the session is always a wonderful event. I think we could all learn a little if we finished up breakfast and gathered with a few friends while we did some motion songs together and then just added a few more songs for fun! It was certainly a hit this morning!

While the rain tried to keep us from our activities, the day went on with only a few adjustments. The lake proceeded as normal as did most of the activities. As long as there is no thunder, we are good to go, and that is exactly what we did. We took off running right into the rain. The boys embraced it. It was on and off most of the day until dinner, which allowed us to enjoy our evening program and our cabin overnight events. It was still a fantastic day as these boys made their way around camp and learned some new skills in their activities. These are the “groundwork” days where many of the boys will work on their muscle memory as they re-learn a skill they may not have used since they last left High Rocks. For the younger guys, they may be trying some of the activities for the very first time. Of course, we focus on fun, but we also work on our progression. We are of the mindset that it does not make sense to learn something unless you learn how to do it correctly. The “wee ha” is great, but the silent talents behind working a progression will take them places well beyond High Rocks. It was fun to see these guys hit the ground running.

Lunch was a big bang with Taco Tuesday! Chips, tortillas, beef, black beans, lettuce tomato, onion, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and pineapple. You could also choose from two different salads.

Dinner was an amazing grilled chicken with mushroom cream sauce, roasted potatoes, peas, carrots, yeast rolls, salad, and brownies. Not all the boys hit the cream sauce, but the chicken was marinated and grilled to perfection. We had a number of comments from the guys about it.

Tonight Lookout, Halfway, Pinnacle, and Chalet headed out for the first round of cabin overnights. A time-honored tradition of pita pizzas, campfire, and s’mores. It is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of our five open-air shelters that are out on the property. A short hike with just enough organization to make it there and then the fun begins. I look forward to seeing them in the morning just before breakfast.

-Don Gentle

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