Greetings Camp Timberlake friends and family! On this amazing and whacky Wednesday, the mighty campers of Timberlake rose to yet another wonderful morning in these North Carolina mountains. While last night’s storms threatened to disrupt the peace and serenity of a sleeping Timberlake, the campers were delighted to wake up to a fresh and rejuvenated camp ready to take on every adventure. Wednesday was truly the day of adventure, but to start any good day, breakfast must come first. This morning our amazing kitchen staff provided an assortment of French toast and sausage to provide the energy everyone needed to hit the ground running.

Immediately after breakfast the adventures began as most of the campers raised their voices to the heavens during the morning yell. However, a select group passed right by, continuing on to the bewilderment of the counselors around them. “Where were they going?” they wondered. The rising sun?… The distant horizon?… Trading Post?!?!?! No! They were going on an Adventure. Not to the Mines of Moria or a far-off planet, but to Wilson’s Creek Swimming Hole and Upper Creek Falls. As they made preparations for their distant journey, the rest of the campers adventured all the way to the chapel to build community through song, for we are indeed “Timberlake One and All!”

Then it became time for the trips to set out. One headed northeast to slay the dragon at Wilson’s Creek Swimming Hole, while the other headed northwest to seize the fortress at Upper Creek Falls. The dragon fell fast to the mighty men Pierce S, Jack M, George S, Grant B, Trevor P, and Wren H. To celebrate their victory the campers swam, dove, and slid down the many natural rock slides while exploring the swimming holes in the Wilson’s Creek Gorge. On the other side of the Linville Gorge, the fortress proved hard to seize, so we will have to come back to that one.

Back at camp, the campers set out to their normal Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. Enjoying activities on the lake like kayaking, canoeing, and diving or learning through activities like riflery, archery, and mountain biking. Even in activities like improv, the campers pushed the boundaries of human skill as Ross M, Titus W, and Trevor P made one of the best skits the world has ever seen. Lunch came and went and a great challenge was set out as the World Cup came to Timberlake. While some campers went to get their sugary treats at Trading Post, the best of the best set out to compete. Connor T set the stage with an early goal, followed soon by an incredible, Messi-rivaling bicycle kick goal to keep his team going. Ultimately, Beckett B and Theo T took home gold, leading their team to victory in the Timberlake World Cup. In another neck of the woods, a small group of mighty men continued their adventure after a close encounter with a looming and dangerous enemy on the Crooked Mile. Today they didn’t only complete the Crooked Mile, bringing them one-sixth of the way toward earning their Crooked Mile elective mark, but they defeated the bees of the forest, seizing victory for the campers.

Speaking of seizing victory, the fortress seemed to stand tall at Upper Creek Falls, but the mighty men of Hawksbill: Liles F, George F, Dhilan G, Rigby K, Russel M, Mason L, Stewart M, Davis O, Todd Michael Powers, and Bo R, were not deterred. They hiked in and conquered the rushing rapids that formed the fortress. Their reward was great, and they spent the day exploring the swimming holes, racing down natural rock slides, and soaring through the air on the rope swing. By the time they returned with the spoils of war they were ready to sleep. But sleep would not come immediately.

They were awakened. . . . . . AAAAAAANNNNNNDDDD NOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!! The campers’ next quest was given and junior and intermediate camp set out to play Behind Enemy Lines, a new tribal game in which either the Mighty Black Bears could turn the tide or the Powerful Golden Eagles could cement their victory to sweep the banner this summer. Senior camp was given a much different task as they set out to cabin night. While junior and intermediate camp got one task, the senior cabins each got their own to celebrate community and brotherhood within their cabins tonight.

Soon the campers will return to their cabins, gaining rejuvenating sleep after their adventures. However, not all will return as two hidden quests were carried out. Tonight, the bravest of the campers 13 and older set out on their solo thirteens. A harrowing adventure in which these men camp out in the woods, setting up their own shelter and bedding before spending the night beneath the stars. Christian M, Jackson P, Bob E, Owen C, Chase O, McGinn M and Walker Froelich are ready to test their mental strength, their camping skills and to enjoy to peace of a solitary night under the starts.

Deep within far-off Linville , the brave men Owen H, Gage S, Steele G, Liam T, Gus M, Powers T, Connor P, Ben F, and Cameron R have set out into an overnight climbing journey. Only time will tell what challenges they may face, but tomorrow morning will reveal stories of mountains climbed, camps made, and adventures well earned.

Good night campers, and good night families! May your adventures, successes, and joy shine ever bright!

Aubrey Seay
Hawksbill GOAT Counselor
Proud Aggie
Enjoyer of Longwinded Stories