The Story Tells Itself It was a strange cloudy wake-up this morning. The air was still a little warm as I headed up to the dining hall for our morning meeting. Boys were assembling outside to eat early so they could head out on their trip.  During our morning meeting, the “mini men” continued to wander in from the wilderness stillRead More »

Waikiki Wednesday -Again Another Waikiki Wednesday was upon us.  Many of the boys broke out their favorite Hawaiian-style shirts and took part in the fun! Our Mini II boys were tearing it up in their second full day of activities. It was a beautiful day.  Our cloudy morning moved to slightly cooler weather and sun throughout the day!First Time Parents,Read More »

Tie Dye Tuesday This third week is off and running with trips flying out of camp while our new group of Mini II fellas settle into the camp rhythm.Today was another warm start to the day. A nice breeze coming in off of the lake made for an enthusiastic ringing of the bell and started the slow build up ofRead More »

Welcome Mini II Campers After a festive Sunday the crowds appeared a little winded this morning.  There was not the typical stampede at the door as the boys were just sauntering up after the bell rang for breakfast. There was still plenty going on including many trips out today. Hiking, climbing, canoeing, and mountain biking all had trips out the door.Read More »

Sunday Reflection and Illahee Day A perfect Sunday for our four-week boys to ease into the day and take a breather for a bit. Breakfast kicked off with doughnuts! Of course, it was combined with assorted cereals, scrambled eggs, sausage, oatmeal, and an extended fruit bar with yogurt. A great way to kick off a Sunday.I like to think aboutRead More »

Mini I Close and Illahee Dance It was a perfect morning to say goodbye to our Mini I campers and parents. We wrapped up assembly with a big send-off as they all made their way back to their cabins. Zoob and I were able to greet every family as they arrived. The boys were excited to see their parents butRead More »

End of the "Work" Week This second Friday is the midpoint of camp for some, and the last night of the session for our Mini I guys. The day got a great start with cooler temperatures encouraging people in for breakfast. Many went down to a rocking assembly afterwards with movement songs aplenty to get that cinnamon toast moving throughRead More »

It was another fantastic day here On The Rocks.The two-day climbing trip took off today.  Mountain bikers hit the sweet slick rock section in Dupont called Big Rock.  The hikers (featured above) spent the day up in High Pisgah.  This short from Black Balsam was amazing!  Paddling had some little guys hit a local section of the French Broad River.Read More »

Wonderful Wednesday It was another warm sunny day here at High Rocks. Trips were a little lighter today with mountain biking having two trips out and then the climbers also had a trip out.  Hikers and paddlers were in camp today. The big event of the day, was our senior rafting trip.  All of age group four headed out afterRead More »

A Day for the Lake Today was a hot and sunny one on the mountain. By the start of activities, it was clear that shady trees and water bottles were going to be key afternoon freetime ingredients. The continued dry weather also meant everyone hit the ground running from morning cleanup on. Trips were cruising out of camp all day. HikersRead More »

HeadingStill Crushing It! Mondays always start with a bang.  It’s like the beginning of a horse race as all these “trip-eager” boys who were all stuck on our 1000-acre facility all weekend feel like they need to get out and do something. I know, it sounds awful being “stuck” here! Anyhow, we tend to have all sorts of boys headingRead More »

Taking A Break Sundays are special here at High Rocks.  We want to be sure the boys have some time for reflection and to change it up a little bit.  Rest is important. For our four week guys, it is important to understand that this session is an expedition.  There is plenty of time to take it all in andRead More »

Pancake Saturday I love Saturdays at High Rocks!  In the 29 (now my 30th) summers I have been here, there have always been pancakes on Saturday. It’s just what we do.  Our Chef Lee makes the recipe in one of those giant Hobart floor mixers and always uses real eggs and real buttermilk.  It does make a difference.  It wasRead More »

Independence Day It was great to see so many of the guys who brought festive items for the Independence Day celebration. The dining hall was covered with red, white, and blue.  We brought up our own basket of “flair” the guys to use as well. We belted out “freedom music” all morning.Independence Day is a great time to be atRead More »

It's All About the Lesson The flow of camp is already in full force.  Boys are heading out on trips, learning new skills, and making this summer at High Rocks THEIR experience.I hope you have enjoyed some of the pictures showing all the instruction going on here at High Rocks.  These boys are really learning a lot of new thingsRead More »

Waikiki Wednesday I know the four-week parents have heard this a bit, but I love the mornings here at High Rocks! The cool air in the 60s (63 to be exact) each morning is what does it the most. I must be honest the calm and quiet that is the morning might be a little why I like it too.Read More »

Get Ready to Adventure I enjoyed the first glance of the lake this morning as the sun flickered in the slightly rippling water with a few water bugs here and there that looked like rain drops.  I enjoyed an early morning up at the camp house with some coffee and a couple of leftover biscuits that I heated up.  ARead More »

July Sessions Opening Day I love opening day! For me, I am just as excited to see the parents as I am to see the campers. It sure was a wonderful morning. I enjoy meeting new families and connecting with old friends as well. After over 30 years here at High Rocks, I am even seeing my old campers thatRead More »

Last Day and Final Campfire Here’s to another wonderful session and a great June!  When you meet up with your son tomorrow, I can’t guarantee he has a clean shirt left. What I can tell you is that he has had a great time and he is tired. While he may be excited to see you, he is also thinkingRead More »

Upper Senior Dinner and Cabin Night It was another sunny and warm day today.  The breeze kept it tolerable as the last of the trips were heading out this morning.  Boys headed over to the Nantahala River for paddling. The climbers took off to The Nose of Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah.  Mountain biking and hiking were home today.Tonight, mostRead More »