The first day of a new session is always a blast at Timberlake! Everyone awoke to the
sound of reveille rolling through camp, and made their way to the Tuck to kick start their
day with an outstanding breakfast of breakfast potatoes, biscuits, and eggs. After
everyone was ready for the next part of the day, we made our way outside for the
morning yell, where we raised our voices to the heavens. At this point, some
adventurous fishermen at camp (Heath B, Thomas R, Aaron S, Alec F, John Isaac H,
and Bo O) embarked on a fly fishing trip to the North Toe River. Along with them,
several of our kayakers (Bay J, Oliver G, Geo P, Hutton S, and Thomas R) took to the
river for an amazing day of boating on the Tuckasegee, making their way down some
technical rapids. Everyone else made their way to the chapel where we sang some
camp favorites (Pharaoh Pharaoh, Isaiah 43). After coming together and singing the
camp hymn, we heard a true story from John Menendez about What Man Is.

With a new session beginning comes a fresh start in the race for the Golden Plunger!
Following the end of chapel, campers headed back to their cabins to clean. Today, first
place was a tie between Tigertooth and Stomper’s Knob, with an impressive 9.75! This
session is shaping up to be a close race for the highly sought after trophy. After the
cabins were looking brand new, the boys headed to their first two activities of the day.
Safety comes first, so after some safety talks we got straight to the fun. The disc golfers
today learned proper putting form as well as practicing longer distance throws on hole 7
of the course. Mountain biking learned all about braking, gear shifting, and proper riding
stance, and spent some time shredding on the pump track. Lego Builders SHATTERED
the camp record! The tennis courts this morning held a fierce game of king of the court,
in which Oliver H came out victorious.

After morning activities concluded, the boys headed to lunch, which happened to be
delicious mini corn dogs and mac n’ cheese, paired with the best soup at camp, which
was none other than chicken tortilla soup. After getting all cleaned up, we were all
itching to know who won Sock War last night… THE BLACK BEARS!!!! A hard fought
victory in an exhilarating first evening activity at camp. Following the best time, rest
time, everyone headed down to the beach for Trading Post, Junior Camp had a free
swim and Senior Camp had the option to do some shopping in the clothing room. Some
competitive matches of pickleball took place during free time as well. Our friendly
neighborhood camp director John challenged campers to Connect Four at the beach,
where Thomas M won a tough matchup!

As the bugle sounded, the boys made their way to their afternoon activities. Kayaking
worked on learning how to wet exit, as well as practicing their hip snaps. Along with
these skills, Jason F learned his roll!

After the conclusion of 4th period, we all headed down to a scrumptious dinner of
country fried steak, mashed potatoes, and rolls. This was topped off with ice cream
sandwiches. You really couldn’t go wrong with this meal. After the Evening activity
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE was announced, tribal leaders were elected. These are crucial
decisions to make when competing in the tight race for THE BANNER. Hard fought-over
for decades, who will have their name written down in history?

For the Golden Eagles, Grant S was elected Chief, along with his Elder Thomas M.
The two Junior/Intermediate Camp lookouts that were chosen to assist them in their
efforts are Rocca M and Luke R.

The Black Bears chose Davis O for their Chief and their Elder is Wes D. Robert R and
Richard F were elected for lookouts.

The boys are out there right now fighting to secure stations against the opposing tribe
around camp. Some of these include canoe races, beach volleyball, basketball, archery,
and Gaga ball. Be sure to check in tomorrow to find out the victor of tonight’s tribal
game!

Until next time,

Ben Coggins
Golden Eagle
Canoeing Instructor
Turtleback Counselor