Here Comes the Adventure!

I enjoyed hearing the first wake-up bell of the session ring this morning.  In recent years it has been immediately followed by an energetic “GOOD MORNING HIGH ROCKS.”  It’s been something of a modern tradition that has caught on over the years.  I really enjoy the mornings at camp.   I almost feel like camp should start even earlier, but I am certain the boys up the hill would not agree. It sure was a great morning, though. Cool mountain air with the lake dead calm, and tons of excited kids waking up in a new place.

I had a few office items this morning, but I was able to get up to the dining hall before the bell. A few adjustments here and there as I grabbed my tray for some scrambled eggs off the flattop, freshly made cinnamon coffee cake, sausage links, grits, fresh-cut melon, strawberries, and blueberries. I passed on the cake but did take the rest. Of course, there is always assorted cereals if you must. I actually had enough time to finish up as the boys were beginning to line up outside. I enjoy sipping coffee and catching up with the guys in the morning. I was still catching guys I had not seen since last year, meeting some new mini guys, and really just enjoying the whole event.

Breakfast went right into assembly where we get some motion going, here about special activities and opportunities for the day. We heard our first cabin inspections from morning clean-up, and I briefed the guys a little on getting to activities on time, hydrations, and how the morning will run. As the crew dispersed for their first activities of the day, I made myself available for folks in case they needed some quick help on where to go, or what their first activity of the day actually is.

Background technology then transferred to paper has been a big help with making sure we know where everyone is supposed to be and where they may be going next. I keep one sheet in my pocket called the “Dan Sheet.” Appropriately named after Woody’s father who came up with the idea. The Dan Sheet has every camper, cabin, counselor, and activity all on the front and back of one legal sheet. It’s a great resource and it fits perfectly in the pocket. By mid-session, I use it more for lost and found, and catching up with guys when I need to find them.

Enough of my rambling. The morning moved into lunch. It 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: Pork Tenderloin, tomato cream sauce, asparagus, yeast rolls, roasted sweet potatoes, and apple crisp for dessert.

Tonight Lookout, Halfway, Pinnacle, and Overlook 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.

There are all sorts of pictures tonight.  Please email me if you have any problems with the gallery.  I also sent out your son’s activity schedule this afternoon.  While this is a moment in time, he is likely to keep most of this schedule through the session.  Incidentally, you can also look on my.highrocks.com to see his current schedule as well as any special trips your son has been on this session.  

-Don Gentle

Today’s Pictures