Author: Don Gentle

I can’t believe it has been three weeks already! There was no rest today as we blasted out the last day of the session with gusto!  What an incredible group of young men.  We played hard, we laughed hard, we cried a little, and we even danced a bit. Your son has made new friends and strengthened… Continue reading End Game and Final Campfire

It’s hard to believe that today was the last full day of activities. It was another wonderful day with cool temperatures in the morning with a wonderful breeze. Many boys were still heading out on trips including tubing, paddling, climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. Tonight is one of my favorite nights with our oldest group… Continue reading Cabin Night and Upper Senior Dinner

It was another great weather day at High Rocks!  Warm, sunny, with just a touch of breeze all day long!  I enjoy it when the staff help create the vibe around High Rocks. One group this session is trying to spearhead another “them day” here at camp. Several of the guys have come up with… Continue reading Just Days to Go

Our Sunday started out beautiful and stayed beautiful all day!  We enjoyed near-perfect temperatures with a wonderful breeze.  It was even a little cool this morning. After a wonderful breakfast of scratch-made cinnamon rolls, we headed down to the lakeside for our morning service.  I lead the group with some discussion on Focus, practice, and… Continue reading Upper Senior Challenge Sunday

It sure is nice to have everyone back in camp on Saturday.  After a busy week of trips, there are some boys you have not seen for several days in a row. Most activities were running normally with a few added twists here and there. The weather was the best yet! A nice high-pressure day… Continue reading It’s All About The Kids

I ask the campers all the time “What was your favorite part about today.”  It gives us something to talk about and helps me remember what is important to them.  Well, my favorite part of camp today was that I was able to get out of camp and paddle with a group of canoers today… Continue reading Mud Pit!

The mornings are becoming routine. I love to head up for my morning meeting after I get myself put together. I always grab a cup of coffee in the dining hall. It’s a fantastic cup of coffee. A friend of mine owns a wonderful little coffee roaster in town. He mixes up a special blend… Continue reading Launch Day

It’s hard to believe that we have passed the halfway point already and only have nine days left of camp.. Our second Waikiki Wednesday was quite delightful. I really enjoy the number of Hawaiian-style shirts that spread throughout the High Rocks community. It was the perfect outfit for a hot summer day. It hit a… Continue reading Learning Community

06/13/2022 It almost felt like camp was beginning the work week after such a relaxing Sunday.  It was a busy morning with rock climbing, canoeing, and hiking all eating early to get out of camp for an all-day adventure. We jumped right into assembly and activities.  Speaking of adventure, I thought I would share a… Continue reading Comfortably Uncomfortable

We love Sundays at High Rocks! They are typically a little more chill than the rest of the week.  We wake up a little later, and the morning is at a much slower pace. However, that slower pace does include getting our laundry up to breakfast in the morning.  It doesn’t sound like a huge… Continue reading Meeting Challenges in a Brave Way

I love Saturdays at High Rocks!  In the 29 summers I have been here, there have always been pancakes on Saturday. It’s just what we do.  Our Chef Nate makes the recipe in one of those giant Hobart floor mixers and always uses real eggs and real buttermilk.  It does make a difference.  It was… Continue reading Weekend Fun

I can’t believe it has almost been a week of camp already! The boys are just starting to get into “camp shape” again. I know we have done our job when the boys in Hillside cabin (the youngest guys) are still asleep on my way up in the morning. Today they were awake, but only… Continue reading Pure Screamin’ Fun