Good Morning Camp Timberlake! The revelry probably didn’t need to go off this morning as the boys were up and raring to go with their first day of activities laid ahead. Our kitchen staff are amazing at providing the boys with food to fuel them for their busy days. This morning the menu consisted of french toast and sausage patties. 

After a loud and enthusiastic morning yell, we raced up to the chapel for it was “time for another true story” with the main man himself, John Menendez. Everyday a staff member recounts a true story from their life, linking it back to the word of the Bible and God’s goodness. Today John spoke about a time he went caving and relied heavily upon his flashlight to guide him through the dark caves. Without his light, John would have been lost and stuck. John reminded the boys that Jesus is the light for our lives, helping us to see clearly just like his flashlight did. 

One of the songs we sung at chapel this morning really set the tone for the day: 

“And the wind sprang up. 

And the sky grew dark.

But they were safe in the ark. 

And it rained, rained. It rained rained rained rained.”

Because not long after cabin cleanup, rain clouds descended on the camp (a taste of home for your British author). We didn’t let that dampen our spirits though…

Two trips headed out this morning. Taking advantage of the fun rapids, Parker. S, James. A, Turner. B, WIll. C, Hampton. C, John Isaac. H, Fox. R, Finley. R, Alejandro. G, Mateo. GV, Rodrgio. RC and Sam. H went rafting. The boys paddled down the rapids and enjoyed swimming in the river. Smith. B, Eddie. K, Tripp. R, Julian. S, Jack. T, Preston. R enjoyed the river from a different perspective on their fly fishing trip. 

Despite our first day focusing on safety talks, there was still a chance for the boys to get bars in. Down at the beach in fishing, Franco. G learnt how to cast for the first time and then caught a 2 pound fish! Tommy. F also caught a fish and in true Timberlake fashion kissed it before returning it to the lake. In pottery the boys showed off their creative skills, creating their own pieces including a pretty impressive duck sculpture. 

As the rained continued to pour, the boys headed into the dry safety of the Tuck for lunch- a fan favourite, Taco in a Bag! The question we’re all wondering is, is it better in the bag or poured out on your plate?

Not only are the boys competing to win the banner for their tribe, they are also in pursuit of the coveted Golden Plunger. Tiger Tooth and Big Piney started their bid strong with a strong score of 9.5 in today’s cabin cleanup. Can they do it again tomorrow though? 

You’re probably wondering who won Sock War last night… Taking an early lead is the GOLDEN EAGLES who dominated last night’s game. With the race for the banner underway, our tribes selected their leaders to help guide them to victory. 

The Golden Eagle tribe with be led by Chief Theo. T alongside Elder Becket. B and supported by Lookouts Oliver. M and Micah. A. 

The Black Bear tribe has selected their Chief Jack. S with Elder Reid. S and Lookouts Stewart. W and Liles. F. 

With tribes assembled the Sultan of Fun grabbed the red helmet and rampaged through the dining hall AAANNNDDD NOOOWWW….. We’re playing Battle for Middle Earth. The world of the Hobbit has taken over camp with Gollum prowling around and spells being shouted from the trees. Will the Black Bears get redemption or will the Golden Eagles continue their winning streak? Check back tomorrow to find out.  

For now, as the clouds part and the sun begins to break through, it’s clear that session 3A will be filled with competition, friendship and laughter. For no rain can dampen the spirits of Camp Timberlake. 

Until next time, 

Flora Hadfield

Proud Golden Eagle

Timberwoman

Kiln Resident

Brit Abroad

Milk, no sugar