You know what time of the day it is….

ARTICLE TIME!!!!!!!

And you know what day it is???

FRI-YAY!!!!!!

But let me tell you more…

It is not just a regular Friday.

It is A LITTLE CHIEF FRIDAY.

Waking up any day at Timberlake is a great day however today we were able to enjoy some delicious brekkie! Not that everyday is not delicious ( because it is) however, this morning we were able to enjoy some MOUTHWATERING, FLAVORSOME, INVITING, FINGER-LIKING, SAPID, SWEET, SCRUMMY, DELISH food. (I can not think of any more words to describe this food!) As we made our way on this sunny morning to the Chapel. We heard a true story from one of our counselors Spencer M. about John 1:9! THEN we sent our counselors and campers to “CLEAN THOSE CABINS TIMBERLAKE!!!!!!!!” Like I have said before, clean cabins are a top priority as we want to ensure safety and health for all of our campers and counselors. All I have to say was the gyros for lunch can be described by the words that I used to describe breakfast. We went on with our days going to some of our favorite activities and Intermediate cabins enjoyed free swim!

I would like to recognize some AWESOMEEEE campers today and talk about their bars that they EARNEDDDD! Lewis was INCREDIBLE in mountain biking today! BP and Jalovec were sending jumps and drops, it was a sight to say the least. IN backpacking today Graham W.  earned his silver. Sam C. got his gold in riflery! Last but not least, Oliver O. earned his Bronze in fencing.

After our lovely four activities, rest and free time, we made our way to the tuck for some scrumptious dinner. Ham for dinner with potatoes OFCOURSE!!! I love the additional food options such as rice or beans for dinner. It truly adds a lot to the meal! As for dessert we had some sprinkle filled cake slices. Now I am about to say something that can be possibly construed as controversial but…. Cake>>>>> Cupcakes

Now let’s move on to the most exciting part of the night… Little Chief! At Timberlake we want to celebrate our boys for their accomplishments. It is so important to be recognized for these things and we want our campers to know just how special they are. Our mission is growth through friends and adventure and we see our campers growing every single day at Timberlake. Truly, just from this first week of these kids being here I have seen so much growth. I see Jesus working through their lives which is part of the goal.

In the first section of this ceremony we focused on the bars in activities. As far as earning bars, there will be a lot more opportunities for more campers to earn bars as the week progresses.

Barrett C, Aubrey S, and Sam C. earned their silver in Archery. Luke B. earned his Bronze in Airsoft. Banks P, Graham W, and Barret G earned their Bronze in Archery. David F and Robbie G earned their silver in backpacking. Elliot A earned his Bronze in Backpacking. In climbing Robbie G earned his silver in Climbing. In Diving we saw Noah J. earn his Bronze and Graham W. earn his Silver. IN Kayaking we had two campers earn their Bronze: Sean A. and Luke B. CJ R. earned his Bronze in Mountain Biking! As well in Mountain Biking Owen M. and Dakota M. earned their silver. Moving on to Wrestling we had both Sam C. and Jack V. earn their Silver and Gold.

Next we move to cabin life where campers who have exemplified the 4 traits of servant leadership: Courage, Humility, Grit and Empathy are recognized by receiving commendations.  Commendations are given by both the counselors and voted on by campers themselves. Tonight the following boys received commendations.

Huckleberry: Camper Commendation- Clarke F. and Campbell N. Counselor Commendation- Will R.

Finch’s Landing: Camper Commendation – Charlie T. and Charlie O. Counselor Commendation- Oliver P. and Aedan M.

Further Up: Camper Commendation- Patrick T. and Henry T. Counselor Commendation- Charlie H. and Hill Wood.

Further In: Camper Commendation- Oliver H, Alex D, and William L. Counselor Commendation- Griggs C, Kieran S, and Anderson V

Tiger Tooth: Camper Commendation- Sawyer S, Elliot C, Alex H Counselor Commendation- Sawyer S, Thomas H, and London A

Hawksbill: Camper Commendation- Grayson B, Ellis W, Jaxson F, and Eric H. Counselor Commendation- Eric H, Ellis W, and Drew R.

Turtleback: Camper Commendation- Reed P, Charlie B, and Charles L. Counselor Commendation- Charlie B, Peter K, and Mason S.

Little Piney: Camper Commendation- Shep R. George de B. and Evan M. Counselor Commendation- Luke B, Lewis S, and Quay B.

Big Piney: Camper Commendation- Pace W, Luke  T, and Grayson W. Counselor Commendation- Pace W, Lewis J, and Nicolas R.

Stomper’s Knob: Camper Commendation- Matthew D, Owen M, and Barron P. Counselor Commendation- RH B, Churchill C, and Patrick F.

Little Slaty: Camper Commendation- Stephen J, Wills W, and Kenny C. Counselor Commendation- Henry L, David F, and Will E.

Big Slaty: Camper Commendation- Henry O and George S Counselor Commendation- Ryan H. and Ryker R.

Greybeard: Camper Commendation- Sam C. Counselor Commendation- Barret C. and Reid P.

Next up, since this was the first ceremony of the session, we also recognized our Sons of Timberlake. We are a family here and every single camper here is a Son of Timberlake. At our Little Chief ceremony, however, we like to recognize guys when they hit certain milestones in their camp journey. Campers in their 1st year receive their skin. 3 year Sons of Timberlake receive a gold pin. 6 year sons of Timberlake receive an arrowhead pendant and 10 year sons of Timberlake receive a personalized mini canoe paddle that is hung in the dining hall as well as a custom Camp Timberlake belt. Tonight we recognized a great group who had reached the next level as sons of Timberlake.

1st year sons of Timberlake 

Sawyer P, John T, Jack W, Thomas B, Owen L, Aedan M, Samuel Z, William B, Gionni D, William C, Finley M, Noah H, Charles B, Clarke F, Harris J, Campbell N, Oliver O, Harris W, Fordham Z, Christian B, Cooper C, Burns H, Barron P, Palmer E, Maddox K, Reid M, and Fitch W.

3rd Year Sons of Timberlake

Luke F, Lewis J, Nicolas R, Luke S, Luke T, Grayson W, Holden B, Barrett G, Ryan H, Noah J, Lucas D, Oliver P, Elliot A, Alexander D, Trip D, Grant F, Oliver H, William L, Asher M, Grayson S, Holden G, Garrett L, Henry T, Fred T, Noah P, Grayson B, William M, Evan M, Jackson R, Stephen J, Henry L, Sam-Henry W, James B, Liam M, Owen G, Alex H, Thomas H, Dominic P, William Q, Sawyer S, Charles B,  Emmett M, Carter M, Will S, Mason S, and Griffin W.

6th Year Sons of Timberlake

Reid P, Bubba L, Will E, Gus A, and Matthew G.

10th Year Sons of Timberlake

Louie F.

The final portion of the ceremony is to award those campers who have received promotions towards Little Chief. Essentially all the different parts of camp life come together to trigger these promotions being earned: Years at camp, bars in activities, cabin commendations received and elective challenges campers can decide to try on their own (things like lighting a fire with just one match, catching a bullfrog at least 8 dots long or spending a solo night in the woods). These promotions are rare and exciting when they occur. Below are the promotions we awarded this week.

Junior and Intermediate Camp Promotions

Scout:

Alex D, Logan D, Lucas D, Hammon F, Thomas H, Miller K, Emmet M, Will R, Sully R, Kieran S, Grayson S, Mason S, Patrick T, Charlie T, Fred T, Anderson V, and Hill W.

Guide:

Elliot C, Emmett C, Jaxon F, Owen G, Alex H, Asher M, Oliver P, Nic R, and Ellis W.

Pioneer:

Charles B, Elliot G, Will M, Reed P, Haile S, Hayes T, Sawyer S

Ranger:

Eric H.

Senior Camp Promotions

Tracker:

Nolan B, Charles F, James B, Churchill C, George de B, Patrick F, Landon F, Evan M, Jackson R, Whit T, and Nicholas R.

Hunter:

RH B, Louie F, Sam H, Henry L, Liam M, and Pace W.

Warrior:

Phillip H.

It’s a lot to pack into a short ceremony, but we think it’s important (and we’ve mastered ceremony efficiency so it doesn’t drag). And while lots of boys get the chance to be recognized, we know that not every camper will, which is why after the ceremony our cabin counselors take time back in cabins to sit down with each camper and encourage them in the ways they have been growing here at camp. It’s the most important piece on the puzzle and one that is sure not to be missed!

At Camp Timberlake we are so proud of every single camper for their growth during this session. This is truly such a special group of campers we have this session! As I close out tonight I hope you can rest easy knowing your boys are going through one of the most incredible life-changing experiences by being here! Ciao! Adios! Au Revoir! Aloha! Arrivederci! Auf Wiedersehen! That is all I know Timberlake! Tata for now!

Alexandra Gayton

Finch’s Landing Cabin Mom

Pottery Enthusiast

Timberwoman

Proud Black Bear