CAMP TIMBERLAKEEEEEEE,

Welcome to this first Wednesday of Session 1B!

We started the day strong with a delicious yet nutritious breakfast, after which we ran (not on the grass) to the chapel where we sang glorious songs that are most likely still stuck in everyone’s head until they put their head on the pillow tonight. Following our joyous chorus, one of the best Associate Directors, Winston H, delivered a wonderful True Story that had campers laughing, listening, and thinking about how God is our rescuer when we find ourselves lost in the dark. Chapel continues to be one of the highlights of each day, giving us a chance to slow down, sing together, and start our morning focused on what really matters.

Greybeard (our oldest and sometimes wisest cabin), which included Duke A, Jayse B, Harrison C, Henry C, Tucker C, Kenneth C, Emerson F, Eli F, David F, Wes H, Luke H, Philip H, Ben H, Stephen J, Henry L, Tucker L, Ashton M, Sam-Henry W, and Wills W, went on their fantastic Greybeard cabin trip! These campers spent the day enjoying a special adventure away from the main camp schedule, making memories together and taking advantage of one of the unique traditions that comes with being among the oldest campers at Timberlake. Trips like these are a great opportunity for campers to grow closer as a cabin while experiencing a little extra adventure.

Some of the achievements today included Ellis T tearing up the pump track in Mountain Biking, demonstrating excellent ready position and control while navigating lap after lap. Mathew S showed incredible range in Disc Golf by throwing a disc almost 300 yards for an eagle on a par 6. Bennet F launched himself into an impressive role of leadership and creativity in Improv by helping create and perform a skit that had everyone laughing. Grant W showed prodigy-level wrestling skills with minimal wrestling experience under his belt (for now). Throughout camp today there were dozens of moments like these as campers challenged themselves, learned new skills, encouraged friends, and stepped outside their comfort zones.

The morning activity periods flew by, and before we knew it lunch had crept into our minds. We all enjoyed a scrumptious chicken sandwich and waffle fries meal that hit the spot after a busy morning. This was also when we found out who won cabin cleanup (well done, Hawksbill!) and learned the results of the intense game of Search and Destroy from the evening prior… THE MIGHTY BLACK BEARS!! BEAR DOWN! Tribal competition continues to be fierce, with both tribes bringing incredible energy and enthusiasm to every game. Every point matters, and both the Golden Eagles and Black Bears are battling hard as the summer rolls on.

After a long morning, everyone enjoyed their well-deserved rest time and free time before heading off to finish the day with their final activity periods. Free time brought plenty of opportunities to cool off, relax with friends, grab a snack from Trade Post, shoot some hoops, or simply enjoy a few moments in a hammock before the afternoon adventures began.

One cabin’s day was a little different than any other, though. While everyone else was eating a delicious breakfast in the Tuck, the campers of Little Slaty—Nolan B, George de B, Oliver F, William F, Charlie F, Elliot G, Adams H, David Luke H, Sam J, Peter K, Bubba L, Emmet M, Evan M, Reed P, Penn S, Griffin W, and Fitch W—were cooking theirs over a fire. For the entire day they have been competing in Slaty Survivor challenges while fighting to stay in the game and see who would be the last camper standing. The competition has featured teamwork, strategy, perseverance, and plenty of unforgettable moments. As I type, the final votes are being cast to determine who advances to the final challenge. Tune in tomorrow to find out who wins it all!

After an energy-filled and eventful day, everyone finally came together for the evening meal: amazing marinara pasta with breadsticks to finish the day strong. With full stomachs and plenty of excitement still left in the tank, campers headed off to their evening activities. Junior and Intermediate Camp squared off in Sockwar, while Senior Camp enjoyed Cabin Night featuring Battle Ball, slip-n-slides, and s’mores all around. There is no better way to end a summer day than laughing with friends, competing together, and making memories that will last long after camp ends.

As the sun sets on another great day at Camp Timberlake, campers are settling into their cabins tired, happy, and already looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures. Session 1B is off to a fantastic start, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store!

Until tomorrow, and in case I don’t see you, good evening and goodnight.

Henry W. Jones-Worth

Proudest Black Bear

Yak Master

Future Zoologist

GO GRIZ