Author: Don Gentle

So, Sundays at camp are always a little different.  We like to slow down a bit, think about the week we just completed, and ponder on the week ahead.  This morning was that kind of morning. The sun was coming up and there was a nice cool feel to the mountain air.  Just about perfect! … Continue reading Carnival Sunday

For as long as I have been here, we have had pancakes on Saturday.  Throughout High Rocks history, there was a time that the director himself would cook pancakes on Saturday since our head cook was off that morning.  I tried that for a while, but the program has become much larger and more complex… Continue reading Pancake Saturday

This morning I enjoyed watching the guys roll in from the woods after their overnights.  The stories of the “grit” these overnights teach us are always enjoyable.  They even create the best memories.  I enjoy hearing about how late they stayed up, who ate the most pita pizzas, or even how bad the sleeping conditions… Continue reading Creating Our Own Adventure

It was a delightful morning here on the mountain.  Life at 3000 feet has its advantages. The blue sky stayed with us all day.  The morning breeze picked up as the temperature began to change. It made for a welcoming morning. While it was warm today, we still save a few degrees from Brevard that… Continue reading Waikiki Wednesday

I think the first full day of camp is one of my favorites.  The boys have had a little time to be comfortable, but there is still a lot of excitement in the air.  They typically wake up early. As in WAY before the wake-up bell.  The first cabin clean-up takes a little longer as… Continue reading Our First Steps

It was so incredible to see so many old and new friends today. After months (and even years) on the phone, Zoom sessions, informational videos, tons of correspondence, and then that final 1.3 miles up the camp road!  It was pure magic, and it was certainly about time to get to High Rocks.  The new drive-thru… Continue reading Welcome Two Week Campers

To the final minute, we were still sucking every possible adventure out of the time we had left in camp today.  None of this sitting around and not doing anything for two days.  Our final match of the camper-counselor tennis tournament was a big show today.  It takes a full four weeks to get all… Continue reading End Game and Final Campfire

What a full day of fun!  We still had boys out on trips in several activities including paddling, climbing, and hiking. Some of the boys today just made it into kayaking, and several boys just reached their highest rank, the High Rocks Archer, in archery.  In camp, it was a celebration of the sort all over… Continue reading Cabin Night, Upper Senior Dinner, and Wishes!

Wednesday was another excellent day at Camp High Rocks.  Occasionally, I get to take some kids out of camp. Today was one of them.  I had the opportunity to lead a small group of Mini Men down our first river trip of the whitewater progression.  These boys did such a great job.  I was super… Continue reading Camp High Rocks! It’s Good for You!

While the rain was in and out throughout the day, it didn’t stop any of our fun.  We just played in the rain for some of it, but really it was mostly just a few showers here and there.  Most of the activities went on as usual while some just had a few modifications. The weather has been… Continue reading Fun Is Just Part of It

For years down at the paddling docks, there has been a constant theme of what was most important.  It was looking good, of course.  It was the sort of banter you might find when you gather a bunch of guys around each other as they all try to be cool. The jokes would go around,… Continue reading Looking Good Since 1958

Sunday’s are special here at High Rocks.  We want to be sure the boys have some time for reflection and to change it up a little bit.  Rest is important.  We give the boys an extra thirty minutes to sleep in on Sundays and we also share some important lessons down by the lake. Today was a… Continue reading Upper Senior Challenge Sunday