Another incredible week here at camp! Today was our last full day with this group of campers, and what an amazing session it has been. It has been exciting to watch these guys grow over the past two weeks, and today was a wonderful way to celebrate all they have accomplished.

This morning our campers enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading to chapel. We lifted our voices together in worship and heard a true story from the director himself John M. 

Throughout the morning, campers spread across camp enjoying everything from time on the lake to adventures on the trails, sharpening skills in their favorite activities, and making memories with friends. Two trips went out today-a day hike & rappel  to Toms Creek Falls and river snorkelers went to the Linville River. Before long, the bugle called everyone together for lunch and another delicious meal from our kitchen staff.

Congratulations to the Black Bears for winning Age of Empires last night! Congratulations to the winning tribe for their hard work throughout the session. We also recognized the cabin that consistently kept their space the cleanest during cabin clean-up. The coveted Golden Plunger for Session 2 goes to Stomper’s Knob! Their dedication and teamwork paid off all session long.

Campers enjoyed some well-earned rest time, Trading Post, and free time before heading to surprise… COMMANDO!! One last tribal game for these second session boys!

After another fantastic dinner (and, of course, dessert!), we gathered together for one of the most meaningful traditions at camp: our Little Chief Ceremony. This ceremony gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments our campers and counselors have achieved throughout the session.

We began by recognizing our counselor and camper commendations.

Huckleberry
Counselor: Mac B., Coleman L.
Camper: Whitt S., James B.

Finch’s Landing
Counselor: Aiden R., Pierce F.
Camper: George Y., Logan B.

Further Up
Counselor: Hayes A., Ford F.
Camper: Collier V., Stephen D.

Tiger Tooth
Counselor: Landon V.
Camper: Callen W.

Bull Run
Counselor: JB W.
Camper: Billy I., John B.

Hawksbill
Counselor: Pim BR
Camper: Jack H., Jay N.

Turtleback
Counselor: Ayrton P., Will C.
Camper: Ryder S., Kess A.

Tomahawk
Counselor: Sam C., Liam T.
Camper: Brooks B., Hall W.

Little Piney
Counselor: Calvin W., Charlie H.
Camper: Alex H., Henry D.

Big Piney
Counselor: Ward C., Aaron C.
Camper: Theo K., Haran R.

Stomper’s Knob
Counselor: William N., Henry S.
Camper: Grant C., Harris N.

Little Slaty
Counselor: Ethan C., Hayes D., Barnes Z.
Camper: Evan M., Bobby D., George D.

Big Slaty
Counselor: Max G., Matthew R., Teddy M.
Camper: Charlie C., Patrick F., Hayes C.

Greybeard
Counselor: Cam M., Emerson F., Brody R.
Camper: Jake O., Levi M., Benjamin P.

Next came the presentation of activity bars. Throughout the session, campers have worked hard to earn bronze, silver, and gold bars in their activities, building toward future promotions.

This week’s activity bars were:

Airsoft: 

Archery: 

Backpacking

Basketball

Canoeing

Climbing

Cricket

Diving

Field Sports

Fitness

Guitar

Improv

Kayaking

Pickleball

Rocketry

Swimming

Tennis

Wrestling

The final portion of the ceremony was promotions. By earning marks through activities, cabin life, and participation, campers can advance through the ranks of camp.

Our promotions for tonight are:

Scout

• Logan B
• Alec BB
• Pierce F
• Dowell F
• Ayrton P
• Landon V

Guide

• Ford F
• Jack H
• Henry O
• Callen W

Pioneer

• Hayes A
• Kess A
• Will C
• Stephen D
• Winton F
• Jay N
• JB W
• Nolan Y

Ranger

• Penn Charles DP
• Billy I
• Ryder S

Tracker

• Sam C
• Henry D
• Charlie H
• Alex H
• Mick L
• Will N
• Henry S
• Hall W
• Ben W
• Cooper W

Hunter

• Arnold A
• Charlie C
• Grant C
• Riggs C
• Thomas C
• Charlie C
• Will G
• Kolson M
• Jake O
• Finley S
• Dane T

Warrior

• Ethan C
• Barnes Z

Pathfinder

• Quay B
• Patrick F
• Levi M

The highest promotion a camper can earn is Little Chief, an honor reserved only for campers in their final year at camp. This recognition is not awarded every session, making it especially meaningful for those who earn it.

Tonight, we are thrilled to recognize our newest Little Chiefs:

• Harrison C
• Emerson F
• Luke H

Congratulations to every camper who earned a commendation, activity bar, or promotion this session. We are so proud of each of you and the courage, humility, empathy, and grit you have displayed throughout these two weeks.

As Session 2 comes to a close, we are thankful for the memories made, friendships formed, and growth we’ve witnessed in every camper. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store!

Molly Callaway
Timberwomen
Red Wolf