Our paddling program always starts out in canoes and is always on flat water in the beginning. The canoe gives the boys a good vantage point for when they first hit the river and it gives them a bigger craft that is not as edgy as a solo canoe or kayak. It is a tried and tested tradition in these parts of the country that go back for over a hundred years. The boys will learn both the bow and stern positions on the lake and on the river. All of their strokes and maneuvers are designed to take them down the whitewater river progression. Once the boys have moved up to the second or third rivers in the canoeing progression, they can move into a solo boat like a kayak, C-1, or OC-1 (solo canoe). They will continue their progression in the canoe and the solo craft. Year after year these boys are challenged on new rivers with new skills. It is still one of our most popular activities. The “dawn patrol” was rousted out of their beds as a surprise to go huck off this waterfall that is in our backyard. They all had a blast and were all back before breakfast! You won’t find that kind of personal attention in many programs.
On to the news of the day! We had a super busy Monday morning here. Our paddlers went from their Hooker Falls event right out to The Nantahala river after breakfast. Some climbers took off for a three-day adventure in Linville Gorge. Hikers went to Panthertown Valley in the Nantahala National Forest. Finally, some younger mountain bikers cruised over to Dupont for a great ride…with me!
Speaking of adventure, I thought I would share a little information I was using during our staff training. Adventure is such a key component of a healthy young man’s life. Boys need to have a sense of at least “perceived” risk. Exposure to healthy risks, particularly physical, enables children to experience fear, learn the strengths and limitations of their own bodies, and flirt with uncertainty. Research shows such play is associated with increased physical activity, social skills, risk management skills, resilience, and self-confidence. In today’s world, it’s no wonder that the simulated risk of computer games is so compelling and addictive. The real world seems rather tame and even boring in comparison. A summer camp experience like High Rocks adds a lot of guided adventure to help these boys feel the thrill and even a little fear. As humans we are designed to experience a little fear – manage it out of our lives and boys will seek it elsewhere. This could be on the internet or even with self-destructive behavior. High Rocks keeps it fun, safe, and just at the right level of comfortably uncomfortable. That is my “kids need camp” moment for the day. I hope it makes sense.
I was presented with an opportunity to help lead a moutnain biking trip today. While I still bike a fair amount, I do not get out on trips as much as I like. We had so much fun! The boys were great! I sure did enjoy spenind my morning with this small group of guys. Take the moments when they are thrown your way. It may make you feel uncomfortable, but it will not disapoint.
Chill Night Begins!
Our youngest boys (Age Group 1, Hillside and Connestee) headed out for their “Chill Night” at Sliding Rock. The chill night adventure will continue down the age group chain, so that all of the boys will get to head into Pisgah’s own natural Sliding Rock (chilly part 1), then head over to the infamous Dolly’s where they can choose from a number of special “Camp” flavors. These are special flavors from area camps that are only available at Dolly’s (chilly part 2). And of course they get to hang out (chill part 3) with their age group and cabin buddies all night. They rolled back into camp around 8:45 pm just in time to head back to the cabin and get ready for another big day at High Rocks! …and they looked pretty chill.
The rest of the age groups had some waterslide and rope swing, canoe fill-ups, dodgeball, some soccer.
Thanks for tuning in!
Don
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