Our final session of the summer is off to a flying start! Overcast skies and a light drizzle couldn’t dampen our spirits as we threw open the gates and campers came streaming into property. It was so much fun seeing old friendships being renewed and new friendships being formed today as shouts of “welcome to camp!” echoed all throughout our mountains. After checking in at the chapel, each of the cabins had lunch together and spent some time getting to know each other. The cabin is the most foundational part of camp life here at Timberlake, and establishing a safe and fun environment in the cabin is crucial to a successful session at camp. Today cabins got to connect with each other and begin or continue the process of making friends and settling in. Our counselors explain how we’ll work together as a team in the cabin, expectations for living in community and, of course, why their cabin is the best.

Afterwards the sun broke through the clouds creating a perfect afternoon for a dip in Lake Newcomb. Each of the cabins headed down to the beach for a swim check (and a little beach volleyball too). After the swim check we all gathered at the council ring for our tribal initiation ceremony. 

Initiation is another important way that a boy is welcomed into the Timberlake family On your first day of camp you are initiated into a tribe you will be a part of for life. Today we initiated an outstanding group of new warriors, faithful to their tribe. 

Our new Black Bears are: Joshua B, Joshua A, Connor P, Palmer D, Henry H, Trevor P, Wren H, Logan M, Walker R, Monty H, Jackson P, Cameron R and Alek K

Our new Golden Eagles are: Preston C, Wells H, Ben R, Jack C, George F, Cohen L, Bob E, Jack M and Ben F 

After initiation we had our first tribal competition of the summer, the tribal chants. Both the Black Bears and Golden Eagles showed their passion as they belted out their tribe chants. All that tribal spirit made us hungry and thankfully there was a delicious dinner waiting for us in the Tuck: Spaghetti and meatballs, broccoli, Breadsticks, rice and bean bar, salad bar, and my personal favorite dessert, cookie ice cream sandwiches. 

After dinner and a quick talk on the rules of camp with yours truly, we hit the true highlight of the day: SOCK WAR! Picture over one hundred and fifty staff and campers running all over camp in a capture the flag style game where we throw socks at each other to score points, and you can sort of get the idea. The game was closely contested so we’ll all have to wait until lunch tomorrow to find out who emerged victorious. 

As the sun sets over our North Carolina mountains, it’s hard to imagine a better first day of the session. Catherine and I are truly thankful for the opportunity to work with such a fine group of guys. Thank you for sharing them with us and we’re looking forward to a great session!

Until next time, 

John

Director, Camp Timberlake

Sultan of Fun Emeritus

Diego Pavia advocate

Former Big Slaty counselor

Proud Golden Eagle