From High Rocks to Hogwarts
July 21, 2017 by Woody Noland
Our week concluded with the hottest day of the summer yet, though it didn’t slow camp down in any discernible fashion.
Climbers stayed in camp and hiked to the High Rocks for a morning of introductory rock experience with some of our newest campers. Mountain biking also hit some classic downhill trails in Dupont with some of our youngest riders to much fanfare and lots of smiles after attaining some serious (but in control!) speeds. The ropes course counselors were joined by the fine fellows of Foxhollow for some time on the high wires, and a large group of campers signed on for a full afternoon of basketball with Elliot Opel.
The paddlers were loaded up and out of camp before many campers were even awake. They had a sizable group of canoers and kayakers bound for Section 3 of the Chattooga. A wild and scenic river set back deep in the woods and forming a part of the state border between South Carolina and Georgia, the Chattooga really feels like you have escaped civilization on a wilderness adventure. Its a long day of rock shoals, extended rapids, and excellent swimming holes. The crew was just in time for dinner back at camp and looking exhaustedly happy with themselves.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our dinner and evening activity as well. Activities were working hard in camp throughout the afternoon to finish ongoing projects, zero in on shooting goals, and enjoying a ride out on some of our trails. In the midst of this action, and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter, the dining hall was mysteriously shrouded from view and magically transformed into the dining hall of Hogwarts! The four houses had their own tables that campers were sent to by the Sorting Hat. They were then served by a host of professors and characters from Harry Potter. Snape and Bellatrix inspired fear while serving drinks and casting evil spells. Harry and friends set things right with wands, owls, and specialty cupcakes made for each house. There were conflicting and enthusiastic chants for Hufflepuff or Gryffindor, music set the mood, and even the oldest guys were transported for a while.
After the rather rowdy dinner, camp set forth on a wizarding quest in search of the horcruxes (various costumed counselors) in an effort to complete a scavenger hunt capped off with a relentless chase of the Golden Snitch. A worthy day to wrap up our third activity week and one that should have all of the guys knocked out early and hard tonight. Enjoy the pictures and we will see you back here tomorrow!
Woody Noland