RISE AND SHINE- THE MORNING’S FINE- GIVE GOD THE GLORY GREYBEARD- WOOOOO!!!!”  was how Greybeard, our oldest cabin was awakened and fired up to take on the day this morning like they have been most days this session, by my co counseler (I wish my vocal chords were that ready at 7:00 am sharp) . This Wednesday at camp is the last day of session 2 for our campers to earn bars and tie a nice bow on all their hard work and growth from their time at camp this summer making it a particularly great chance for them to use their gifts to give God the glory- WOOOOO!!!

We were more ready and fueled to take on the day after a nourishing breakfast of sausage, eggs, and shredded hashbrowns, with additional options at the oatmeal and yogurt bars. After breakfast Greybeard’s campers lead camp in the morning yell before sending us off to chapel.

This was also when our trips departed as we had a rafting trip with Riggs C., Drew D., Gabe G., Dhilan M., Harris N., Zade B., Xavier B., Ward C., Levi G., Mick L., Levi G., Noah B., and Harrison B., take on the French Broad River section 9. We also brought a group to one of our campers’ favorite day hike spots, Upper Creek Falls. Charlie G., Tinsley D., Theo K., Jack W., Thomas C., CJ R., Billy-Luke I., Trip L., Jackson H., Haran R., Cooper W., Jack B., Sam C., Jay N., Ayaan M., Griff J., and Jack H., all hard a blast exploring the waterfalls, swimming in the swimming falls, hiking the trails, and sliding down the natural rock slides at Upper Creek Falls.

Back at chapel, we had blast singing songs and our camp hymn together before hearing a true story from Luke Robinson based on Galatians 2:20 and his time doing work in wildlife conservation in Africa and the faith he had in his tour guide that is the same faith required of us as followers of Christ. Then Luke sent us to GO CLEAN THOSE CABINS! Today the stakes are especially high for cabin cleanup as there are just 2 days left and at least 6 cabins in direct striking distance to snatch the heralded golden plunger.

We left our clean cabins to enjoy our morning activities where Silas S.earned a bronze in climbing and Luke H. earned Gold. Over on the courts, Levi Murry completed his Gold, Charlie C., Axel B., and Knox. B earned their silver, and Penn Charles D. earned his bronze. Aaron C. also had a phenomenal day in basketball as he defeated his counselor in a 1v1 with the result of the matchup being announced after lunch. Gary M. earned his gold in cricket and the mountain bikers were also able to ride some awesome trails without having to leave our property by shredding down our spyglass trail.

At Lunch we were met with chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and canned pears, which is a meal that has to be in the conversation of the best lunches at camp. As we were 20 to 25 minutes into lunch we were all expect John to grab the mike and say “Let’s start cleaning up Camp Timberlake, Lets start cleaning up.” But something was different today; minutes were ticking by where John was not grabbing the mike. Then some faint music started. And seconds later it got loud enough to be recognized as “Come on Eileen” and suddenly everyone shirts were off and being swung like a singular helicopter blade above our heads, a camp tradition when this song is played after lunch about once a session. Once we all settled down, John did grab the mike and we cleaned up and found out that Big Piney had won cabin cleanup with a score of a 9.75 to close the already narrow gap between them and the leaders with one day remaining. Finch’s Landing and turtleback also secured a 9.5 to maintain strong position heading into their final cabin cleanup. We also found out the winner of Age of Empires, Can I get a drumroll please…… The winner…. Of Age of Empires…. Is…. THE GOLDEN EAGLES!!! The Golden Eagles are flying high into their last tribal game tonight that could decide who takes the banner, while the black bears are hopeful the redemption really is just a few hours away.

But for now onto rest time and free time, where campers had the options to hang out at the beach, enjoy a free swim, shop at the clothing room, run the crooked mile, or wrap up progress made throughout the session in activities. George D. and Jack G. did just that by earning their golds in airsoft. Gary M. earned an elective mark by starting a one match fire during free time and Francesco P. also earned an elective mark by completing his 6th crooked mile.

In afternoon activities, our pickleball players had their best afternoon of the summer as Ryan D. and Lucas B earned bronze bars and David Allen B., Gary M., Evan M., Emerson F., Giancarlo Z., and John W. all earned their silver after tremendous growth in the activity throughout the past two weeks. Giancarlo Z. also became the first camper this summer to get a perfect 10/10 on drop shots from the baseline into the front half of the kitchen, which is the hardest disciple required for bars in our pickleball program. Over at the ranges, Kess A earned his bronze and James A earned his silver in riflery. Cam M. and David Allen B. also earned their gold bars in riflery meaning they will get the privilege and honor of naming one of the rifles. After a full afternoon of activities, we reunited at the Tuck for a delicious dinner of chicken alfredo, breadsticks, and broccoli with confetti cake for dessert.

Now we are headed to senior camp for the great escape, where the Golden Eagles and Black Bears will meet in possibly their last chance to determine who will secure the banner. Join us tomorrow to hear who takes home the golden plunger and hear a piece of all  the growth in activities and cabin life we will be celebrating at our Little Chief and Final campfire ceremonies.

 

Until tomorrow,

Ethan Wattles

Greybeard counselor

Proud Goldan Eagle

Oreo Dream Devour-er

Opener of the Crooked Mile