It was a terrific Tropical Tuesday here at Camp Timberlake! Even though the clouds still lingered overhead, the rain abated for most of the day, giving us a great chance to really enjoy every bit of our final Tuesday Thursday Saturday activities.

But before the activities could begin we needed to fuel up with a delicious breakfast of pancakes, bacon and grits. We then headed to chapel where snag some of our favorite songs and heard a true story from counselor Charlie V. After that is was off to cabin clean up where Big Piney, Little Slaty and Big Slaty are locked in a tight battle for cleanliness supremacy and the Golden Plunger. 

We also had two great trips leave property this morning (and another that left after lunch). Right after breakfast, Sam H, Liam T, Jonas M, Sean A, Ben C, Wilson F, Baxter L, Matthew H, Stephen G, Owen C, David L and Nick Q loaded up for a fun full day of whitewater rafting on the French Broad. All the rain the past few days has been absolutely perfect for river running and Section 9 was absolutely perfect today for a big day in the rafts. Also hitting a different river were our kayakers. Cian M, Radford W, Reid S, Chris J, Reynolds A and Geo PC got to kayak the mighty Tuckaseegee river enjoy the final “Tuck Tuesday” of the summer. 

Back at camp, the guys were getting after in in morning activities. Oliver G finished up his silver bar in Archery and James N received his bronze in Basketball. Additionally, Bo S was able to finish up all the requirements for his silver in Fencing a and Liam B and Will N got silvers in Field sports. 

Roars of approval greeting the menu announcement for lunch today. It was Stromboli! Accompanied by red grapes, caesar salad and vegetable soup at the neighborhood tables it was a fantastic midday meal. We also got the chance to serenade Russell M who turned 11 today. After all the plates were cleared the cabin inspection scores were announced and Little Slaty emerged victorious with a perfect 10! Tomorrow is the final day of cabin clean up so stay tuned to see which tribe earns the Golden Plunger for session 3B. 

After the best time (rest time) and some delicious trading post (my combo of choice being cheez its and a yellow gatorade) the boys enjoyed some free time. Some guys hung out at the beach while others did some extra work in activities. The highlight, however, had to be free swim where our camp nurses all got blobbed! The guys were all very impressed. 

In afternoon activities David C got his Gold in riflery while Oliver G earned his silver. Down at the lake Harry K earned his gold in swimming and Kaito T received his bronze. At the chapel Steele G and Glenn S both earned their silver in Improv. 

Completing the river trifecta today was our voyager canoe trip to Lake James. Powers T, Chance M, Henry D, Gus M, Titus W and Cole G took advantage of the rain free skies to enjoy an afternoon paddle on the lake in our giant canoe before returning to camp in time for some delicious dinner. 

Speaking of dinner, tonight we feasted on mac and cheese, ham and broccoli with rice and beans available at the neighborhood table. After a yummy dessert of brownie delight, the Sultan of Fun himself emerged wearing his red helmet and running around the dining hall to announce tonight’s tribal game…Commando! With over 9,000 water balloons in play, Commando is a water war unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It also represents the final opportunity for the tribes to win points towards the banner so the boys were giving it their all. 

As the sun sets on another fantastic day here at Timberlake it’s hard to believe we are so close to the end of the session, but rest assured we are going to make our last full day here at Timberlake our best one yet!

Until tomorrow, 

John

Director, Camp Timberlake

Former Climbing instructor

Former Big Slaty Counselor

Proud Golden Eagle