The second full session here at Camp Timberlake is a turning point and a challenge: the summer is halfway over, and it would be easy to get tired and ease off the gas, coasting through the next few weeks. But today, campers and staff showed no signs of slowing down. If anything, this session is accelerating toward a glorious conclusion.

After breakfast this morning, six campers set off on a trip to continue learning how to fly fish, and boy, did they hit the jackpot. Fishermen-in-training Pace L, Giancarlo Z, Rhett C, Harrison W, Jacob S, and Ryan S reeled in an astounding ten fish. This was only the second fly fishing trip of the session, so we can’t wait to see how these promising anglers keep improving over the next week-and-a-half.

Out on the Tuck, camp kayakers Gavin W, Graham W, Ford B, Jack V, and Teddy M displayed their prowess and made progress toward advanced trips to serious whitewater. Graham W got his combat roll over the course of the trip, so he’ll be ready to face even greater challenges in the near future.

Back at camp, activities and accompanying achievements continued at an incredible pace — it’s tough to keep up with all that’s going on. At Archery, Fletcher C got two bullseyes(!), a feat to make even Robin Hood jealous, and Charlie V got his Silver Bar. Across the way at Riflery, Aubrey S and Charlie A blew away all expectations by earning their Silver Bars as well as shooting a half-inch grouping; not only is this feat incredibly impressive, but it brings each of them close to obtaining their Gold Bar.

The waterfront had no shortage of talent in Diving today, where Jack W and Will P executed double front flips, and the class practiced gainers and 1-1/2 flips. Gains were also made at Mountain Biking, where Elliot Dwyer put the pedal to the metal and set a new Summer Pumptrack record: 11.76 seconds. Further into the woods, campers faced a brand-new scenario in Airsoft — Hostage Rescue; Airsoft aficionados will also be competing in a team-based tournament tomorrow, so look for a report on that in tomorrow’s article. Then, down at Fencing, the Knights of the Timber Order played King of the Court and learned some footwork to enable themselves to get in-and-out of danger at will.

As the above suggests, to say that things are busy here is an understatement. But, no matter how hectic camp life gets, one thing will always remain central in every camper’s (and staff member’s) mind: food! Bacon at breakfast, croissant ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch, and ravioli for dinner would make for a fantastic day in and of themselves, but the kitchen staff went one step further and sweetened the deal with Brownie Delight. Pictures would not, and can not, do such a culinary wonder justice, so if you haven’t had it before, you’ll just have to come try it yourself.

The race for the banner continues at a furious speed: the Black Bears and Golden Eagles are neck and neck, and the fate of the tribal activity last night — El Presidente — came down to the last few seconds in the third round. The Eagles searched far and wide for the Black Bears’ president, eventually overtaking him and capturing him. Then, to get back with all haste, they formed a human blockade to clear the way. Meanwhile, the Black Bears maintained a furious assault on the Golden Eagles’ president and his bodyguards; after a long, hard-fought battle, they finally broke through and pulled the president’s flag. Both teams sprinted toward the scorekeepers, but the Golden Eagles got there just a little ahead, sealing the victory.

That’s part of what makes the tribal games so fun here at Camp Timberlake; you really never know who’s going to win, so you always have to play your hardest, and that brings out the best in you. Tonight, Junior Camp has a cabin night to enjoy the waterfront, the Slip ‘n Slide, and other activities while Senior Camp plays a tribal game of Ultimate Basketball. Check back in tomorrow to see the results!

Keep running in such a way as to get the prize!

Cameron Haynes

Fencing Instructor

Proud Golden Eagle