As the hot sun tore through the foggy veil of mystic loveliness that blanketed our majestic mountains, sounds of campers stirring signified the start of another great day here at Timberlake. Breakfast was a delicious duo of cinnamon coffee cake and breakfast casserole, and campers fueled up for the long day ahead. At chapel, Will Fritz talked about how God meets us in the mess of our sin and washes us white as snow. After chapel, it was time to clean those cabins, and the day got off to a roaring start!

The boys were busy in activities today, with many bar requirements being met! Down on the ranges, Tyler S. and Thomas M. got groupings towards their Archery silver,  Weston E. got a bronze grouping in Riflery, and Ethan C. and Marco L. earned their bronze in Riflery! In airsoft, the boys in first period found Turtle!

We had 3 trips go out today, all of which were nothing short of awesome sauce. Rocco M., SJ G., Knox W., Walker F., Finley R., Keefer M., Sawyer S., Owen S., Richard R., Joel H., Scottie H., and Steven C. all set out on an overnight climbing trip to Table Rock! Shredding out on the Old Fort mountain biking trails were Luke M., Aaron S., Landon K., Kellan P., Cullen S., and Christian C. Slaying some hogs out on the fly fishing trip were Drew F., Fisher H., Parker S., Blake M., Harris R., and Richard R. Yes sir boys!!

After a packed morning, everyone made the trek to The Tuck for lunch, only to find that it was PIZZA!!! Campers fuelled up once more and waited in suspense to find out who won last night’s tribal game… THE GOLDEN EAGLES! As the Golden Eagles celebrated, the Black Bears could taste revenge in the air. After lunch, everyone got some well-needed and deserved rest, and the afternoon began. 

In the Timberlake Space program, G P. finished his silver rocket and started his gold. Up on the fencing courts, Tyler S. was unbeatable as he won 4 bouts in a row! Down in the lanes, Alex C. and Cormic P. earned their silver in swimming. In the best activity at camp, Grant S. and Carson M. earned their climbing bronze, and Bay J., Davis O., and Matthew A., all began their quest for climbing gold. Pretty work boys!

As activities came to a close and tummies began rumbling for dinner, Big Slaty enjoyed their long-standing tradition of a steak dinner, and the rest of camp had a lovely pork tenderloin with potatoes and peas. After an amazing dessert of chocolate chip cookies, the evening activity was announced (drumroll please)….. BATTLE FOR MIDDLE EARTH!!!!! Boys rushed back to their cabins to throw on a tribe jersey and ride to the front lines, for they know: “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” As I write this, I can hear the battle cries of Black Bears and Golden Eagles alike, as they yell: “LET THIS BE THE HOUR WHEN WE DRAW SWORDS TOGETHER. FELL DEEDS AWAKE. NOW FOR WRATH, NOW FOR RUIN, AND THE RED DAWN. FORTH TIMBERLAKE!” As another great day comes to a close here at Camp Timberlake, I bid you a goodnight from The Shire.

Brayden Collins

Proud Black Bear