Summer 2026 is officially underway! Welcome to the Camp Timberlake daily blog. Each night we will post a short article detailing some of the great things that happened that day at camp. Our goal is to be able to give all of our families a glimpse into the world their boys are experiencing here at Timberlake. You’ll hear about exciting evening activities, out of camp trips, special events, and probably some very detailed descriptions of our delicious camp food. 

Opening Day is like Christmas for camp directors and today certainly did not disappoint. We had the opportunity to welcome back so many familiar faces and also got to meet lots of new families too. After check in, the boys headed down to the lake for a swim check. Even though it wasn’t a particularly hot day here at camp, the water still felt great. 

As I watched the different cabins cycle through the swim check, I was struck to see so many of our returning campers chatting with and engaging boys who were here for the very first time. What makes camp special is hard to articulate, but those interactions come closest to capturing it. Timberlake is special because everybody here belongs. No matter if it’s your 1st year or 11th (yes, we have a camper in his 11th year), the moment you step on property you are ‘in’: a part of the camp family. 

Another way we’re able to welcome boys in at Timberlake is through our tribal initiation. 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: Hasmukhal T, Aedan B, Huck H, Rivers H, Lukas L, Sammy C, Lane C, Logan S, Knox P, Cole S, Waylon P, Tommy L, Elias H and Lukas R

Our new Golden Eagles are: Sam S, Sam R, Remy H, EJ W, Peter D, WIll G, Bennett W, Pranay A, Carter S, Jackson T, Austin S, Parker B, Krady K, and Stone C

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 biggest 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 summer. 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!

John, 

Director Camp Timberlake