Author: Don Gentle

Today started with a bang, or should I say a guitar.  Jimmy Hendrix belted out the Star Spangled Banner for wake-up.  It has been a tradition for a number of years here at High Rocks. It was a fun treat for the boys coming back fresh from their cabin overnights. When I say fresh, it is sort… Continue reading Freedom Day 2021!

Our first week was a little different this year if you were a returning camper.  The boys rotated with their cabin having an opportunity at ALL the activities three different times this week. While it probably not what they expected, it certainly turned out to be a worthwhile event.  WE felt it was important to… Continue reading Just What We Needed

It sure was another wonderful day here at “The Rocks.”  I have been a little busy lately putting some final touches on our ACA Accreditation.  This is a once every five-year event that requires a lot of upfront work in regards to written documentation and procedures.  All of this is already in place, but it… Continue reading The 1100 Acre Wood

I know I say it a lot, but I really enjoy the morning at High Rocks. I start my day typically just past 6 am. My dog Barley and the coffee pot are typically my first two interactions of the day. I enjoy sitting on the deck listening to the peace while Barley enjoys his… Continue reading Mountain Mornings

Our morning started with a little light rain while we headed into breakfast. A little rain in the mountains must fall, and morning rain is actually quite wonderful. We were greeted inside the dining hall with homemade cinnamon toast, scrambled eggs, sausage links, fresh berries, and assorted cereals. Our first morning assembly of the session… Continue reading The Adventure Begins

It was so incredible to see so many old and new friends today.  I feel like it was a family reunion of sorts.  The best was also all our “new friends” we visited with today.  After months on the phone, Zoom sessions, informational videos, tons of correspondence, and then that final 1.3 miles up the… Continue reading Back At It!

We went all out until the last minute! We still had three trips out of camp this morning! I took the opportunity to join some of the youngest guys on a short kayak float trip! We had so much fun! I really enjoyed watching and helping these guys down the river! It’s hard to believe… Continue reading End Game and Final Campfire

I have enjoyed watching these boys learn and grow, enjoy each other company,  appreciate the differences, and have a blast! Their three weeks at camp have allowed them to forget about their phone, t.v., game console, and even the news.  A little separation from the day-to-day chaos of school, grades, tests, competition, and the past… Continue reading Cabin Night Wish Night

We are definitely in the “norming” part of our group process here at camp. The boys have learned how to work together, accept differences, and even realize that from time to time we all need help. Leaders are not always out in front, sometimes they need to let others earn their wings.  These boys surprise… Continue reading High Rocks Magic

It was off to the races and back in action again this morning with a number of trips out of camp.  In the pictures today, you may notice your son in a new activity.  We have given the opportunity for the boys to pick different activities or stay in the same if they would like. … Continue reading The Best of Times

Another fantastic Sunday here at High Rocks!  After a much-needed sleep-in, the boys worked hard to get their laundry up to the lot before breakfast. We had a great meal, then a little bounce-around time in assembly before service.  Both took place in the gym as the tropical weather moved through.  Zoob led our morning… Continue reading Mud Pit, Upper Senior Challenge, 5-Year BackPacks

I love Saturdays at High Rocks!  We do not typically do any trips, so it is nice to see all of the campers back in camp.  Further, some of the activity areas plan fun events or alternatives to the daily grind during the week.  Today, the big news was in Rocketry! Launch Day was a… Continue reading Launch Day