As the sunlight rose across the hills of the dewy Timberlake wilderness, the entire camp rose from their deep and wondrous sleep and rushed down to the Tuck for a camp favorite breakfast…Pancakes. After an exciting morning yell from Robert S. and a meaningful True Story from Wells F., all of camp headed back to their cabins to continue their efforts to earn the coveted Golden Plunger.

After working to make their cabins spotless, camp headed away from their cabins to begin some of their morning activities. During these periods, Max S. and Max C., both achieved their Kayaking rolls on the lake, edging ever closer to receiving the elusive Kayaking silver. But over at the ranges, one man completed an extremely difficult requirement as David C. finished his silver groupings over on the Archery range, needing only a few smaller requirements to achieve his silver.

While these activities were taking place, many trips left off camp property to explore the depths of the North Carolina wilderness. Ben B., Jameson S., Michael B., Braxton B., Christian C., and Carter S. went to the North Toe for some Fly Fishing where Jameson S. successfully caught a large fish. Now on a different river, Parker S., Reynolds A., Thomas R., Kellan P., Henry L., and Thomas R. went Kayaking on the Tuckasegee where the water was high and the rapids made their adrenaline even higher. Now, a trip that also went to the water but not quite the same way, Becket A., Davis O., Franco G. Pipe RC., Pick D., and William B. all traveled to Lake James for some epic Mountain Biking where they even were able to take a break and enjoy swimming in the lake.

Campers reminisced over an excitable morning as they rushed to the Tuck for some delicious Ham and Cheese Croissants. After the meal, it was finally time to learn whose cabin was the closest to being spotless. Continuing their overwhelming streak for this session, the winner of today’s cabin cleanup is……………….STOMPERS KNOB!!!!! What masters of cleanliness this cabin is. Can anyone else compete? We’ll have to see. On another note, yoooooooouuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr prooooobably wondering…who won Trench Warfare last night. The winner…of Trench Warfare… THE GOLDEN EAGLES!!! We’ll see if they can keep this up, or if the Black Bears redeem themselves tonight.

After the campers had left and enjoyed everyone’s favorite part of the day, Rest Time, they hurried out across camp as some ran to the ranges to go for bars, some headed to the mark for basketball and pickleball courts to play, and others headed down to the beach for some Trading Post and some Chapel Yoga. It was a busy free time with many activities open, and the entire camp took advantage making sure they did whatever was most fun. Such as Fox R. and Reid L. who went down to the lanes and earned their Swimming silver.

As free time ended, campers rushed off to their afternoon activities. Back down at the lake, Climbing took the afternoon to brave the Rock Wall on the dive tower, something different and exciting than the normal tower. And up around camp in the activity of Disc Golf, Beckett B., Reid S., James N., and Luke R., got their bronze and Baine B. and Jack S. got their silver.

As the afternoon comes to close, the campers yet again shared stories of new accomplishments and adventures had, and all headed to dinner for another delicious dinner of Chicken Alfredo. AAAAANNNNNNDDDDDD NNNNNOOOOWWWWW. The Entire Camp erupts in screams as the Sultan of Fun bolts across the dining hall, puts on the iconic Red Helmet and yells…JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE CAMP CABIN NIGHT!!!! SENIOR CAMP ULTIMATE BASKETBALL!!!!

Now, while Junior Camp heads off for Slip’n’Slide and S’mores, Intermediate Camp heads off for some indoor hockey, trivia, karaoke, and cereal, and the Senior campers head off for one of my personal favorites, Ultimate Basketball, Christian C., Thomas R., John H., Richard F., Charles M., Duncan M., Baine B., Michael B., and Michael B. embark on a night unlike any other, a Solo 13, where they will spend the night…alone…in the woods. 

As I write this, the sun is setting over the hills as the entire camp calms down for bed and prepares themselves for an exciting Sunday Funday tomorrow. 

Until next time,

Richard “Why are you so Fast?” Burrow

Runner of the Crooked Mile

The Disc Golf Guy

Tomahawk Counselor

Proud Black Bear

Little Chief