Thanksgiving Gratitude

As another Holiday season approaches, we are already gearing up for another summer of fun in 2025. While it can be easy to get wrapped up in excitement for next year, it is also valuable to take time to reflect on this year. We truly have so much to be thankful for here at camp! This week the High Rocks full-time staff was asked to answer a few questions about camp and gratitude. Let’s hear some of what they had to say:

What is your favorite thing about camp?

“My favorite part of camp is the people that gather here and how they interact. It is so special to be a part of the kindness and support that is deeply ingrained in the High Rocks Way.” – Zoob Gentle
“As I grow older, camp makes me feel younger!” – Mark Birdsong
“Sunday morning cinnamon buns!” – Nate Noland
“I enjoy the magic that is created each year. Watching the staff and campers come together as a community is such a good experience.” – Don Gentle
“The people. The community. The friends made here are the most special thing about this place.” – Benjamin Birdsong
“Camper and staff excitement at the beginning of the summer, seeing friends, and meeting new people.” – Townsend Birdsong
“The genuine sense of belonging that camp creates for so many people regardless of their age or roles in camp. Campers, staff, families, and all. 8 year olds at their first session or 70 year olds visiting their old cabin.” – Woody Noland
“What I like most is creating important moments and sharing new experiences with people I have met at camp.” – Nico Mosquera
“My favorite thing about camp is how joyful it is. I’ve never seen quite so many smiling faces as I saw at camp this past summer.” – Mary Boss
“Having been here long enough to watch campers become staff who know what it means to make an impact.” – Andy Glas

What is your favorite place at High Rocks?

“The Lake – a very special place full of serenity, beauty, activity, and joy.” – Townsend Birdsong
“Rocky Top Pasture is one of the coolest areas to hike or even just sit and relax. There are so many cool spots to explore.” – Don Gentle
“The swim docks, they’re the best place to cool off on a hot day.” – Mark Birdsong
“I am always grateful for the Dining Hall! It has to be #1 on my list for favorite places as it feeds me all summer long and feels like the heart of camp.” – Darby Dame
“The waterfront! It has a beautiful view and can be peaceful or buzzing with excitement depending on the day.” – Mary Boss

How has camp helped you grow as a person?

“So many answers to this question. It has taught me confidence – in myself and in front of others. It has also taught me patience (plenty of it!), humility, how to handle fear, how to look for the best in others, and how to appreciate differences found in such a large and changing group of people.” – Woody Noland
“I have experienced so much growth since my first summer at camp when I was 18. Camp has always provided a space that I felt comfortable trying new things and stretching my comfort zone, which has allowed for my growth.” – Zoob Gentle
“Camp has always stood as a reminder that we have immense power to positively affect those around us by being kind and curious.” – Andy Glas
“Camp has helped me develop my leadership skills and has allowed me to create new space for interpersonal relationships, from which I’ve learned both intellectually and culturally.” – Nico Mosquera
“Camp has quite literally shaped me since birth.” – Nate Noland
“Camp has helped me develop independence as it gives the space, but also encouragement, to self-discover and self-reflect.” – Benjamin Birdsong
“Camp has allowed me to be in a job I am truly passionate about. I am grateful to work so closely with the full-time staff as a continued source of growth for me. Each year I learn how to be a kinder and more empathetic leader.” – Darby Dame

It was heartwarming to read through all the wonderful things our staff had to say about camp. As you all enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones, I challenge you to also reflect on what you are grateful for! Taking time to practice gratitude reminds us just how fortunate we really are. We are so thankful for the campers, families, staff, and alumni who make up the Camp High Rocks community. Each of you plays a crucial role in the magic that is camp. We are wishing you all a joyful holiday season, and a Happy Thanksgiving!

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