Journey of Choice

August 3, 2016 by Don Gentle

Today’s Pictures

While it wasn’t the first day of activities, it WAS the first day of activities the boys have chosen for the session.  The boys were super excited about heading out for a journey they created today.  Some were flanked by a few cabin mates, others chose to blaze their own trail and catch up with their cabin mates at lunch. My favorite part of this session is in between activity periods.  Today, the boys were charged with finding their own way to their activities…sort of.  There are several of us posted out at key spots making sure everyone is heading in the right direction with the right gear. I enjoy the look on their face as they proudly head off for their adventure.

After a full day of activities, the boys also had a choice period right before dinner.  Many were enjoying some four square, dodge ball, and some gaga ball.  I really enjoy seeing the guys pick up with a group and move through the disc golf course.  We had several staff guiding the way today for some of the younger guys while other did a great job on their own.

I know many of you parents are wondering how everyone is doing, and I hope the nightly blog and pictures give you a good sense of the daily routine of camp.    In the next day or so the first letters from camp will be arriving in your mailbox.  There is the possibility of letter coming home that may worry you. So let’s talk about homesickness.  It’s not a scary word.  It’s all about growing up one step at a time.  After more than 20 years here at High Rocks, I have some pretty good experience about kids and camp.  That being said, a little homesickness is normal.  More often than not, what you are reading in those letters today has passed and they are on to bigger heights.  Remember, we are professionals. If you feel worried at all just drop us a line.  Don’t forget to do the same for your son.  Give him some encouraging words; tell him how proud you are and how he will be just fine.  Try not to go on about how the dog misses him, or all the cool things you are doing at home.  When you are learning to take some steps on your own, sometimes you stumble.  It’s definitely not a reason to stop walking.  Camp is a super place to step out on your own.   If you do feel like you need to give us a call, we are here to help.  Don’t forget, the boys love mail.  So keep sending it.

Tonight our oldest two age groups headed out for our first cabin overnights of the session.  Boys will head out to one of five different open air shelters out on our 1100-acre property.  They will spend the night relaxing by the fire, cooking pita pizzas, and roasting marshmallows.  They will come back just before breakfast with the results of all last night’s events ground into their shirts like a badge of honor.  The rain was falling as they left, but during dinner, the rain was parting and left us a beautiful rainbow! It’s is a perfect night for a camp out!

Just another day in paradise here at the Rocks.  Enjoy the pictures!

Don