Settling in

June 8, 2010 by Hank

 Pictures from June 8, 2010 (password required)

Now that we’re a few days into the session, the campers are settling in to the High Rocks routine.  The cabin is home, the bed is theirs, and a routine has begun.  Things are beginning to be familiar.  A community is forming.  Skills are on the rise in the activities.  Friendships are developing.  We’re having fun!

In addition to our instructional activities we have “choice period” and evening activities that are geared for all-out fun.  “Canoe fill-ups” are popular.  How can you go wrong when the objective is to “sink” the other canoes (don’t worry, our canoes still float even when full of water).  The water slide is also a big hit!   Tonight we had a few age groups head out on their cabin overnights.  Over the next several days every cabin group will venture into the woods for their overnight.

Woody Noland, one of our Head Counselors, has a few words to share regarding “homesickness”-

Hopefully, many of you will be receiving letters from camp soon. I expect that they will be full of stories about friends, activities, and counselors. It is also possible that letters have been sent home telling of homesickness. Please don’t let those letters alarm you. The first few days of camp can be a challenging adjustment for many children, and some feelings of homesickness are completely normal. A few of the boys were feeling like this during the first couple of nights of camp, but most of them are loving camp now that they are into the full swing of things. Part of my job is to make sure everyone is having the best camp experience possible. I have been checking up on the boys and will continue to do everything in my power to insure that each boy here has a terrific session. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at woody@highrocks.com. I would be more than happy to check up on your child and get back to you. Hank wrote an article on homesickness a few years ago that was published in several periodicals, including the “Blue Ridge Outdoors” summer camp edition. The article can been seen at www.highrocks.com/summer-camp-articles/homesickness.htm

If you do happen to receive a letter from camp that indicates homesickness, here are some suggestions of what to include in your response (we suggest an email or fax so it gets to your son quickly): 

• We understand you are missing home- it is normal
• We are proud of you
• Concentrate on staying active
• Read a book or play cards during quiet times
• Talk to Woody, Dan or your counselor about your feelings
• We’ll see you on parent’s day

Choice period activities today included: Kickball, Bouldering Cave, Fishing, Swimming, Canoeing, Gym Games, Tennis and Game Room (ping-pong & foosball).

Tonight’s age group activities:

“Juniors”– (Hillside & Connestee) are going off the water slide
“Middler 1”– (Lakeside & Foxhollow) are headed out on a cabin overnight
“Middler 2” – (Flattop, Holiday & Chalet) are in the Gym
“Upper Middlers” – (Windswept & Outpost) are participating in “canoe fill-ups”
“Seniors” – (Halfway) & “Upper Seniors” – (Lookout) are on a cabin overnight

Several counselors turned in pictures this evening, so youwill see additional pictures from today in tomorrow’s batch.  Enjoy the pictures & come back tomorrow!

Take care,

–Hank Birdsong