Creating Our Own Adventure

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.

The best part was watching a group join our head chef, Nate Noland, at the wake-up bell this morning.  Nate let one guy ring the bell while the rest readied themselves for the after-bell scream of “GOOD MORNING HIGH ROCKS!” It was a wonderful moment to watch.

It finally feels like summertime here on the mountain.  We have had such a cool summer that it really has not been that warm until this week.  Today was another warm sunny day with a nice breeze all day.  The breeze kept the heat at bay, but the lake was a big hit!  We sent out the “refreshment gator” today and hit the boys with some Gatorade while treating the counselors to some iced coffee.  It was a big hit in the heat of the afternoon.

The boys of Halfway and Windswept enjoyed some time on the high ropes course this afternoon.  It is such a great event and an amazing staff that brings them along the way. Our ropes head, Fez, always has some great games he plays with them as part of the debrief. It really makes it a memorable experience.

I know many of you as 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 almost 30 years here at High Rocks, I have some pretty good experience with kids and camp.  A little homesickness is normal.  Often, what you are reading in those letters today has passed and 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 stumble.  It’s not a reason to stop walking.  Camp is a super place to step out on your own.   Again, 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.

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, scratch-made buttermilk biscuits, sausage patties, gravy, grits, fresh berry bowl, clementine oranges, and assorted cereals

Lunch: Grilled Cheese, scratch-made tomato soup, smiley fries, tossed salad

Dinner: Roasted Beef, mashed potatoes, cheesy broccoli casserole, warm yeast rolls, tossed salad, and fruity pebble rice Krispy treats.

Our last group of overnights went out this evening.  The boys of Sprucepine, Windswept, Overlook, and Chalet all headed out right around dinner time for their evening adventure.

It sure was fun today!  Looking forward to telling you all about tomorrow! Until then, have a great evening.

Don

Today’s Pictures 

Quick note: It looks like about 90 of the afternoon/evening pictures did not push up yesterday. I re-uploaded those this morning around 10 am.  Be sure to look back at the last few pages of pictures from July 28.