“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24

Sundays are a special day here at Camp Timberlake. We take a break from our usual packed schedule of classes to slow down and enjoy a day of rest. Kicking off our day was an extra hour of sleep for an 8am wake up, followed by a breakfast of cinnamon rolls and sausage patties. Our very own Hunter, Senior Camp Cabin Area Director, gave the morning yell to get everyone fired up for the day. Chapel was a little different, with an extra song before the Camp Hymn and no True Story. Instead of hearing a True Story, one counselor from every cabin, from Huckleberry to Greybeard stands up and prays for his cabin and passes on the prayer requests of the campers. It is a very special time, everyone joined in a longer period of prayer and everyone’s intentions and requests being lifted. 

After being dismissed from the Chapel, campers cleaned their cabins and took cabin photos. As soon as the bugle released them, they rushed into the slight misting rain to get to the beach for tetherball, gaga ball, and sandcastle building; the Supply Drop for fort building; the Outback for Sunday at the Masters (our friendly disc golf competition held every Sunday); the Chapel for card games; or the Mark for basketball and soccer. Fun was had all the way until the lunch bugle rang and continued into the Tuck as campers enjoyed lunch. 

Lunch today was chicken wraps, with tortilla soup at the Neighborhood Table station. We also celebrated two birthdays today, Liam B. and Jonah N., always an exciting time at camp. Staff announcements brought lots of cheering, with the winners for sandcastle building (a creation dubbed “Bowser and Peach’s Castle”), fort building (“the Juves” emerging as the victorious team), and Sunday at the Masters (with Reed S. and Theo T. taking home the green jacket) announced. Sadly for my fellow Golden Eagles, the song and hymn of the Black Bear tribe filled the Tuck following their victory in the inaugural round of Jedi Wars. Fear not Golden Eagles, for redemption is only a few hours away. 

Following the best hour, rest hour, was a 2.5-hour free time, complete with an archery tournament, a basketball tournament, and a free swim open for junior, intermediate, and senior camp. We may rest, but the fun never stops. We also had a great fly fishing trip go out today as Gus M, Baine B, Will W, Walker F and Cole T had a great time out on the rivers rustling up some wild trout. 

This evening is still action packed, with dinner being a cookout at the Mark and a show from Timberlake’s very own Black Mountain Oysters performing at Vespers, along with skits from the talented campers of Fran’s Improv class. After coming together as a camp community, camp was once again divided into the powerful Black Bears and the mighty Golden Eagles battle it out in tribal basketball and tribal soccer. Tune in tomorrow to find out the victors. 

While there is less than a week left here at camp, our counselors and campers are determined to pack as much fun and adventure into the time we have together. We value every minute we get to spend together. 

John G

Proud Golden Eagle

One of the Big Piney Trio

Mandolin Master