It was a day full of celebrations and happy endings here at Timberlake. “See you next summer” was the call that echoed between all our boys as we closed out an amazing first session of camp. We invited all our families to join us for a special closing ceremony this morning in The Chapel. Our hope is that this ceremony offers our parents a glimpse into the world that their campers have experienced throughout the session. While we know that a short ceremony could never capture the full picture of the growth each camper experienced here at camp, it is fun to take some time and share a few highlights. Below are the awards that were recognized today. 

Activity Most Improved/Outstanding

Airsoft

Improved: Bo D

Outstanding: Tucker C

Archery

Improved: Kenny C

Outstanding: Tucker L

Backpacking

Improved: Gus A 

Outstanding: Churchill C

Basketball

Improved: William Condon

Outstanding: Reed Pennington

Beach Volleyball: 

Improved: Harrison C

Outstanding: Charles L

Canoeing

Improved:Harris W

Outstanding: Reed P

Climbing

Improved: Myer S

Outstanding: Garrett L

Cricket

Improved: JB S

Outstanding: Henry L

Disc Golf

Improved: Sam S

Outstanding: Henry L

Diving

Improved: Michael C

Outstanding: Luke S

Fencing

Improved: Wyatt M

Outstanding: Tucker C

Field Sports: 

Improved: Miller S

Outstanding: Eli F

Fishing 

Improved: JP B

Outstanding: Grant W

Fitness

Improved:Ashton M

Outstanding: David F

Guitar

Improved: Sawyer S

Outstanding: Bronson P

Improv

Improved: Kenny C

Outstanding: Luke H

Kayaking

Improved: Peter K

Outstanding: Kenny C

Legos: 

Improved: Ashton M

Outstanding: Tobias C

MTB: 

Improved: Ellis T

Outstanding: Jayce B

Paintball

Improved: Everett T

Outstanding: Rhodes R

Pickleball

Improved: Sam S

Outstanding: Sam J

Pottery

Improved: Sutton G

Outstanding: Alex H

Riflery

Improved: Juelz A

Outstanding: Charles L

Rocketry

Improved: Wyatt B

Outstanding: Wes H

Swimming

Improved: Oliver O

Outstanding: Logan D

Tennis

Improved: Stephen J

Outstanding: Peter K

Wrestling

Improved: Trevor S

Outstanding: William L

Honor Camper 

Huckleberry: Andrew S

Finch’s Landing: Hugh A

Further Up: Roen D

Overall Junior Camp: Wesley S

Tiger Tooth: Smith L

Bull Run: Owen L

Hawksbill: Fred T

Turtleback: Grayson S

Overall Intermediate Camp: William C

Tomahawk: Grant W

Little Piney: William Q

Big Piney & Stomper’s Knob: Eric H & Sawyer S

Little Slaty: George dBr

Big Slaty: Andrew K

GreyBeard: Eli F

Overall Senior Camp: David F

Tribal Elections

Black Bears: 

Chief- David F

Elder- Tucker L

Lookouts- Fred T & Sam S

Golden Eagles:

Chief- Stephen J

Elder- Wes H

Lookouts- Will M & HIll W

Little Chiefs

David F, Stephen J, Tucker L, Phillip H, Kenny C, Henry L

At the end of the ceremony we make the most anticipated announcement of all, the winner of the first session banner. It was a back and forth battle all session long but in the end only one tribe emerged victorious…The GOLDEN EAGLES! Congratulations eagles!

As our campers packed up to head home, I was struck by how many took time to give their families tours of their cabin and favorite activities, or to introduce them to their new friends or favorite counselors. The evidence of session’s worth of friendship and adventure could be seen encapsulated in these small moments and interactions. And while there is always sadness when closing a great chapter in any story, the overwhelming emotions of the day for the campers were pride from all that they’d accomplished, and excitement as they already began anticipating the great times that will be had next summer. 

It’s the kind of day that makes you wish you could slow down time to let it all soak in just a little bit longer. We as a staff will miss this great group of guys, but as we sing in our camp hymn “we’re Timberlake one and all”. 

Thank you for sharing your sons with us this summer and we can’t wait to see you back at camp next year!