Good evening, it’s a glorious Wednesday my dudes! Today was a wonderful and action packed day at Camp Timberlake yet again, but it all began with a cool and misty morning in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. The lingering clouds and cover helped the boys get from their cozy cabins to the Tuck for breakfast without breaking a sweat, where breakfast sandwiches along with hashbrowns and sausage were waiting for them, with a selection of premier cereals. After breakfast and the morning yell led by our very own Counselors In Training, we headed to chapel where we sang banger after banger like my personal favorite Blind Man, followed up by a true story by our very own Junior Cabin Area Director, Jake Highfield, and how we as man, like a scattered flock of sheep needs a shepherd, need Jesus to be saved.

After the boys went back to clean their cabins and compete another day for the coveted golden plunger, they went on to have an eventful rest of the day.

First and foremost our guys on trips- Tommy F, Steele G, Simeon T, Will M, Stephen G, and Liam T. embarked on the first day of their overnight bouldering trip, which I can tell you firsthand is two whole days of action and adventure in the form of climbing massive rocks. Kayaking on the ever so beautiful Nantahala river were Oliver G, Bay J, Geo P, Thomas M, and Wilson F, who absolutely torched some whitewater rapids. Joined by some shredders from our sister camp Merri-Mac, they conquered and overcame the river with their paddles. Last but certainly not the least despite being our youngest group of campers, the cabin of Huckleberry with William B, Matty C, Abel F, Peter M. and George S. went on a day hike starting at free time to explore the crooked mile trail where they enjoyed their trading post candy and drink at the shelter! I’ve heard from these guys just how awesome the adventure was, they killed the hike AND the candy!

For lunch the boys enjoyed some chicken patty sandwiches and my personal favorite type of french fry, waffle fries. Broccoli Cheddar Soup appeared at the neighborhood table once again, adding to what is already a stacked lunch lineup. As the meal came to a close, the Tuck was shaking as everybody awaited the sultan of fun to announce who won junior camp stealing skins. Drum roll please……STAFF!!! I’m proud to say staff has gone unbeaten in stealing skins yet again, but who will get the point towards the banner? Well fear not parents, for it shall be rewarded to the tribe that came atop the other, which was the BLACK BEARS!!! Well done Black Bears, well done. Senior camp was awaiting to hear from John who reigned supreme for Senior camp cabin night…Little Slaty!!! They absolutely crushed last night with the slip ‘n slide and smores. Now that’s a night every boy wants to have here at camp.

Back on property rested and very free, the boys picked up the pace in their activities, taking big steps towards their bars! In the ever so popular activity of archery, Gage S. shot his first ever archery bullseye. Congrats Gage! Cash K. also got a 20 yard grouping towards his silver, and David C. completed 5 groupings at 20 yards, moving his next target back to 30! Not only that, Theo T. who recently finished his 30 yard groupings, took his first attempt at 40 yards, a requirement for Gold in the activity. What an action packed day for the guys in archery!

Moving less than 100 feet from the archery range, Riflery saw Declan Q. get his final requirements for his Gold in the activity, something that rarely gets earned at camp. As a reward for this fantastic feat, he got to name his gun. Say hello to “Freeze Ray”!

After all of this taking place just before dinner, the boys were glad to see Cheese Tortellini on the menu, a classic and delicious meal to give these guys the energy they need for evening activity. As the sultan of fun was getting ready to announce the game for tonight, there were screams and chants which seemed louder than crowds cheering on the US olympic teams over in France. Junior and Intermediate Camp Cabin Night…Senior Camp Olympic Games!!! Some of my favorites in Cabin Night are Finches Landing’s free swim to slip ‘n slide, Huckleberry’s firefly catching, and Further Up’s Ice Cream and Improv skit battle! These younger guys are having an absolute blast with their cabin while senior camp takes on the Olympic games, an activity where the two tribes pick campers to represent the tribe in different events, ranging from canoeing relays to basketball shoot-offs! As I’m writing this article I hear chants and screams coming from the lake of the two proud tribes cheering on their representatives, and I just know these boys won’t be able to wait until lunch tomorrow to hear which tribe reigned supreme!

As the boys get ready to go to bed and get some rest for tomorrow, ANOTHER SURPRISE, FIREWORKS!!! Our very own friendly neighborhood camp director John has set up a mesmerizing display of fireworks for all of camp to see, and the glimmering lights of mini-explosions have all the campers awestruck. They’re all so excited for the coming day after such an event-packed Wednesday, as am I! That’s it for today folks!

Signing off,

Eiji Tsukamoto

Proud Golden Eagle

Little Piney Counselor

Swimming Sensation

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Enthusiast