The Coolest
August 3, 2013 by Don Gentle
I think this could have been the best day yet for the guys! Saturdays at camp are just a little different than the weekdays. We do not have any trips out of camp since it is such a busy tourist area during the summer. The activities in camp always change just a little in a fun way. The pictures tonight will tell most of the story, but I will give you a little commentary to go with it.
Starting over at hiking; this is my favorite! Car Camping Day! Cooking over the fire, playing games in the grass, always a car or two around. My favorite is the “redneck hot tub!” Yep, a pickup truck with a tarp in the bed, then filled up with water. Perfect!
Climbing had a little tower siege going on. The campers try to attack the tower by climbing to the top. Meanwhile, the staff are defending the tower with water, a whole lot of it at times! It makes for a fun event the boys really enjoy!
The barn had some pony painting going on complete with a parade and demonstrations. Swimmers were lounging in tubes and trying to “head” the soccer ball off the dock.
Canoeing is another elaborate setup for the day. The staff re-create the movie “Waterworld,” sort of… Really they just create a cool story, pile canoes up, and then scream “Hale Costner” most of the hour. The makeshift slide on the flotilla makes for a great place to jump off as well. It looks as though sailing created their own floating event and joined forces with the canoeing team.
I love this staff! They are so creative, fun, and filled with endurance. The guys have come up with so many cool games and fun things to do in their this past week. Just tonight a couple age group staff asked me about some tennis balls, super soakers, and water balloon launchers. The staff built these forts out of those colorful mats that sort of snap together, and then defended these “castles” with the super soakers. The campers were armed with tennis balls, and balloon launchers. I think I would have picked to be on the camper’s side! There should be some pictures of that in tomorrow’s shots.
I guess my big point is that this incredible group of young men and women have really become incredible mentors for these boys. Leading them on great adventures. Working with them through tasks like making your bed, sweeping the floor, and even a pat on the back or two. We have assembled quite a group of amazing people. While our youngest is 19, our average and median age is much higher. Most of our staff are on their third season with us. Many have been here for more than five years. They continue to make time during the summer to shape the minds of young children. Some of our staff are experts in their fields of climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and even whitewater canoeing. The part I like the best is that the campers think they are the coolest people EVER! I think so too… If you haven’t had a chance to check out our staff, be sure to head over an look at how cool they really are :).
Once again, the fun continued tonight. Check out our evening activities:
- “Questions that don’t need answering.” (Hillside & Connestee) Activity Field (This is the tennis ball siege event)!
- “Green” (Lakeside & Foxhollow) Foxhollow In the gym.
- “Purple Rainbow Unicorns” (Flattop & Chalet) Cabin Overnights
- “Bottom Feeders” (Windswept & Outpost) Waterslide!
- “Red Robin” (Lookout & Holiday) Canoe Fill Ups
- “Channel 4 News Team” (Halfway & Pinnacle)! Out on the soccer field