The first full day of Session 3A has arrived, and what an adventure it’s already been! The excitement around camp was electric long before the sun peeked over the mountains. We kicked off the morning with a hearty breakfast of biscuits, sausage, and fluffy scrambled eggs. And never forget the all-important glass of water to fuel up for the day ahead. 

Energized and ready to roll, campers launched straight into the morning yell, which echoed across Timberlake like a rallying cry you could probably hear all the way down in Black Mountain! Chapel followed shortly after, complete with the ever-popular “Pharaoh, Pharaoh” that had everyone singing along. 

Next up came one of camp’s fiercest daily competitions: cabin clean-up. Today’s reigning champs were none other than the mighty men of Greybeard! Well done, boys—you set the bar high! 

The morning continued with campers diving into their first activities of Session 3. There were plenty of standout moments: Ryan H nailed a 40-yard grouping in archery, Asher C and Arturo B earned their first groupings of the summer in riflery, and Harrison C crushed the gold route on the climbing tower! Lots of fun adventures were had all on the first day of camp! 

Lunch kept spirits high with cheesy slices of pepperoni and cheese pizza, crisp Caesar salad, and fresh fruit. As plates emptied, the results of last night’s tribal sock war were announced: the Black Bears took the victory! Don’t worry, Golden Eagles, redemption is just around the corner. 

After lunch, during tribe meetings, campers discovered who would lead their tribes this session! Representing the Black Bears, Matthew A was named Chief, Jack S was chosen as Elder, and Robert R and Jack C stepped up as Lookouts. For the Golden Eagles, Oliver G will serve as Chief, Cian M as Elder, and Eddie K and Ford C will take on the role of Lookouts. These leaders are ready to inspire their tribes in the epic competitions to come! 

As the afternoon continued, Senior campers enjoyed a refreshing dip in the lake while the rest of camp enjoyed gaga ball, tether ball, and other exciting free time activities! We also sent out some exciting off-property adventures today. A group of campers took on a whitewater rafting trip, including Wesley G, Fox R, James A, Turner B, Eli B, Sam H, John Isaac H, Bo O, Finley R, Grant S, Wes W, and Elliot A. Meanwhile, our fly fishing crew: Ben B, Jameson S, Cooper W, Hayden D, Drew F, and Knox W enjoyed a day out on the river! 

Dinner was the perfect way to end such a big day, with barbecue pork sandwiches, corn casserole, and baked beans, followed by a delicious chocolate cookie. With bellies full, senior campers gathered for a high-energy game of tribal basketball! Who will emerge victorious in this fast-paced challenge? Tune in tomorrow to find out! Meanwhile, junior and intermediate camp enjoyed a fun filled cabin night! Huckleberry and Finch’s Landing had fun riding the slip-n-slide, Further Up went on a scavenger hunt to Trading Post, Tiger Tooth and Tomahawk had fun free swimming and making s’mores on the beach, and last but not least, Hawksbill and Turtleback had a competitive pickleball tournament followed by s’mores! 

From conquering rapids to hitting bullseyes and discovering new strengths, Timberlake campers are off to an incredible start. Here, every challenge turns into a triumph, and every laugh shared brings us closer together. The magic of camp is just beginning, stay tuned for even more adventures and memories to come!

Until next time, 

Enley McCollum 

Proud Pottery Instructor Proud Golden Eagle