So Much Fun

The boys are beginning to figure out the high-energy camp day. They even looked a little winded already this morning.  I think the constant movement and excitement of camp are set in a bit.  You see it in the morning wake-up process. The boys are not jumping out of bed as quickly as they did the first couple of days. It is all part of the process. I enjoy checking out how these boys go about their way in the morning.  They really do begin to get fairly good at clean-up.  The counselors are still helping the young ones a bit. Making your bed is one of the bigger challenges, especially if you have a top bunk. Then it’s on to getting dressed, and cleaning up all the stuff you threw out of your trunk yesterday. Then it’s on to group chores like sweeping, clothesline, bathroom, trash, and organizing the shoes outside. They pull all of this off in thirty minutes.  Life skills here…

Mountain biking was a big hit today.  Most of our boys come from a flatland pavement environment.  As with all of our activities, it is a whole lot more than just a bunch of wee-ha. Anyone program can buy some bikes, but it’s the staff and the program that make it.  We spend the first few days in the grass learning about the bike, safety checks, uphill and downhill techniques, braking, shifting, and all that needs to happen for a safe experience.  It is a whole lot more than just jumping on a trail.  These boys will have the skills they need to ride in control.  When we do hit the trail, we are fortunate enough to have 20 miles of our own trails, but we also take advantage of nearby DuPont State Forest which is just 15 minutes down the road and some of the best beginners to advanced trails in the country!  Progress was picking up in this activity today! I look forward to seeing their advancement.

Lunch was a big crowd pleaser that always makes me laugh. I brag on our two trained chefs that work hard to make scratch-made food that pleases many and is really good.  However, one of the favorite meals in camp is mini corndog day!  Nothing says culinary delight like a mini corndog! Anyhow, let’s check out what else we had for meals today.

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, hashbrowns off the flattop just like Waffle House 😊, oatmeal, scratch-made blueberry muffins, fruit bar, granola, yogurt, and assorted cereals.

Lunch: Mini Corn Dogs, Mac and Cheese, potato salad, salad bar

Dinner: Lasagna, peas, corn, garlic toast, salad bar, caramel bars

I know many of you 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 more than 20 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.

Tonight Sprucepine, Flattop, Windswept, and Chalet all headed 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. Don’t forget that great group photo just before they leave…  Good times!

Thanks for tuning in tonight!

Don Gentle

Today’s Pictures