And we’re off!

Session 1B is off and running and what a start it was! The sun broke over the mountains bright and beautiful this morning as the gates opened and campers began rolling in. Shouts of “Welcome to camp!” echoed throughout property as camper both new and old were welcomed to Timberlake. It was so much fun seeing so many familiar faces and meeting new ones as well during check in. 

After check in wrapped up, the cabins enjoyed a picnic lunch of italian subs, chips, apples, granola bars and chocolate chip cookies. Delicious! The picnic style lunch also gave our cabins a chance to get to know each other better and start off the session strong. We had a North Carolina thunderstorm roll through in the early afternoon, and in typical North Carolina fashion it rained hard for 20 minutes and then the sun came back out. Once the sun emerged some of our senior camp cabins did their swim check in Lake Doris before we headed back to the council ring for our tribal initiation. Tribes are an important part of building community here at Timberlake. The Black Bears and the Golden Eagles compete each night in legendary games for the ultimate prize at camp, The Banner. The two tribes not only give us the opportunity to model and teach healthy competition, but they also give our new campers an immediate sense of belonging when they are welcomed into either the Black Bear or Golden Eagle tribe on their very first day of camp. Camp is a place where every boy get to feel like an insider and tribal initiation is one of the first ways that happens. This afternoon we initiated a great group of new guys, ready to bring glory to their tribe. 

Our new Black Bears are: JP B, Keegan W, Luke Y, William I, Covington I, Slater S, Dylan S, Hugh A, Harvey B, Gus E, Thomas M and Everett T

Our new Golden Eagles are: Henry B, Jack B, Bennett F, Charlie F, Ryan R, Liam R, Barret T, Harley T, James R, James A, Jarvis D, Bo D, Harrison M, Roen D, Hatch D, Smith L, Owen B, Henry M, Jack P, Ben C, Lucas F and Roman S

After initiation we devoured a delicious dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, along with broccoli and breadsticks. The salad bar and rice and bean bar were also popular options tonight and everybody was fired up for the cookie ice cream sandwich desserts! Once we’d finished dinner and our dining hall fire drill we got to play our first evening activity of 1B: Sock War!

Sock War is one of the most famous games played here at camp and it’s easy to see why. Picture a giant capture the flag style game (with two flag bases per side) where you throw balled up at each other to tag opponents out. The 1A competition was super close so the banner is absolutely hanging in the balance these two weeks. I can’t wait to see who comes out on top! 

We are so excited for all the memories and friendships and growth that is in store for our boys here at Timberlake this session. Thank you so much for sharing them with us and be sure to check back in each night for updates on all of the adventures happening at Timberlake. Until next time!

John

Director, Camp Timberlake

Former Sultan of Fun

Former Big Piney, Big Slaty and Greybeard counselor

Ozzie Albies enthusiast

Proud Golden Eagle