Campers arose this morning expecting another typical day here at camp, but little did they know today would be far from a typical camp day. Breakfast, however, was delicious as always, featuring a scrumptious meal of breakfast casserole and blueberry muffins. Having had our fill and celebrated our brotherhood accordingly with the morning yell, we made our way to chapel, where the normalcy of the day would come to an end.

A group of adventurers skipped out on the morning’s games, but they weren’t missing out on any fun because they were going on a blissfully serendipitous day hike to Wilson’s Creek. Those campers were Titus W, Tommy W, Ford C, Marshall S, Tyler T, Alec K, Jack C, Patrick H, Charlie C, George C, Charles M, and Duncan M.

Back at the chapel—once we’d sung some songs and heard a true story from our very own Caleb O., we were completely taken by surprise as “AAANNNDDD NOOWWWWW” echoed through the hills, and shouts of excitement shortly followed. TODAY IS TRIBALPALOOZA!!! That’s right, it’s a day full of nothing but evening activities and tribal passion. Our trusty Sultan of Fun, Jake H, had planned a day full of evening activities, and we couldn’t wait to jump into the action.

Our first order of events was to announce the tributes who would be taking part in the legendary Hunger Games. Campers from Greybeard and Big Slaty were selected to compete for ultimate glory in a last-man-standing battle all across camp. Armed with socks, battle balls, foam swords, and flags, they dispersed around camp in hopes that they would claim ultimate victory.

Meanwhile, the rest of camp was gearing up for a camp classic: Age of Empires! The competition was fierce, and campers fought valiantly to capture as many empire bases as they could to try to win for their tribe. Before we knew it, the morning had come and gone, and it was time for lunch.

Today’s lunch was one of my personal favorites—mini corn dogs, mac and cheese, and those oh-so-refreshing orange slices! To say we enjoyed it thoroughly would be an understatement. While at lunch, we received the exciting news of today’s cabin cleanup winners (Big Piney and Stomper’s Knob, both with a 9.5!) and last night’s game of Senior Camp Bandits Rancheros (the Golden Eagles!).

Having eaten to our hearts’ desire (me probably a little too much), it was time for a much-welcomed rest hour. For a select few, though, it was off to Lake James for a mountain biking afternoon adventure of fast-flowing fun. Those shredders were Davis O, Reynolds A, Zimmer W, Mateo G, and Cameron R.

Having let our food settle, we enjoyed a little free time, but campers couldn’t wait to find out what game we were playing next… Battle for Middle Earth! A more recent but much-loved addition to our slate of games, the game had campers competing in various challenges across Middle Earth to earn points and searching for the One Ring in hopes of destroying it and claiming 300 points for their tribe. The real question in this game is whether to use the Ring’s powers to gain invincibility or destroy the Ring immediately and claim the points for your tribe. A difficult decision that one ring-bearer would have to make…

Having left it all on the battleground, campers rallied around the tennis courts to witness the final showdown of the Hunger Games. As the dust settled, there stood the lone victor, Jack S. All of our tributes fought with honor and bravery and congratulated Jack on a well-earned victory.

Just when you thought the afternoon couldn’t get any more epic, it was time for one of the most anticipated games of the session—EL PRESIDENTE! We rehydrated and geared up for this absolute banger of a game. It was a close one, with only a few flag pulls between the winner and loser, and truly anyone’s guess as to who won when all was said and done.

Having given our all out on the fields and across camp, it was time for a much-welcomed dinner of BBQ chicken, delicious warm rolls, corn, and a delightful dessert of banana pudding. We were also enlightened as to who claimed victory in Age of Empires that morning (the Golden Eagles!!) and El Presidente just moments prior (the Black Bears!!). The race for the banner is red-hot here in the heart of 3B.

Before too long, our plates were clean, and we couldn’t wait to find out what the final event of the evening would be. The Sultan donned his trusty red helmet, circumnavigated the dining hall a few times, launched, landed, karate-chopped, and screamed, “Copa Del Rio and Tribal Trivia!!!!”

That’s right, two games at once. We never run out of surprises here at Timberlake. Junior/Intermediate Camps made their way up to the Mark for an exciting competition of four-way soccer, and Senior Camp rallied in the Tuck to put their wits to the test in a stimulating, multi-round tribal trivia night led by our very own Camp Director, John M. I can hear the shouts of rejoicing at correct answers as I sit here and type.

And so concludes another epic day here at camp. Whether we’re throwing socks at each other, searching for a giant inflatable golden tube, or exploring trails and creeks, every adventure here is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories together. What a blessing that is.

Until tomorrow,

 

Winston Horn

Sultan Emeritus

Proud Golden Eagle

Dad in training