Author: Don Gentle

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

It sure felt like a perfect camp day at High Rocks.  A nice high-pressure day with a little breeze and plenty of sunshine!  We had trips in all sorts of directions and the boys are just getting into the groove of the session.  It seems like they have been here for weeks already!  I love… Continue reading Feel the Flow

I love our theme days at camp.  If you didn’t notice, yesterday was tie-dye Tuesday (turns out it was Taco Tuesday as well). Today was Waikiki Wednesday.  We don our favorite Hawaiian-themed shirts.  There were some good examples out there today.  I enjoyed that our Aide cabin (our oldest campers) went “all-in” with the theme… Continue reading It’s All Good!

These cool mornings have been a wonderful moment for me this summer.  While some might cringe at a 50-degree morning, I love the cool mountain air!  Just a moment or two out on the back deck to look over the lake and hear the stillness of camp before the chaos begins.  It’s not quiet.  The… Continue reading The Little Things

I enjoyed hearing the first wake-up bell of the session ring this morning.  In recent years it has been immediately followed by an energetic “GOOD MORNING HIGH ROCKS.”  It’s been something of a modern tradition that has caught on over the years.  The most excited person lately has been Nate our Camp Chef and kitchen manager. … Continue reading Enjoying The First Steps

What a fantastic day! This morning felt like a wonderful homecoming for me! After the “fast food” drop-off and pickup of last year, I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with parents and families today. I missed getting to spend time with you all! I enjoy the whole “nervous-excited” morning followed by meetings of… Continue reading Here Comes Our 65th Summer!