Wolf Wednesday?
August 7, 2019 by Don Gentle
We had a lot of great events going on again today at High Rocks. Rock climbing had two great trips up to the High Rocks boulders. Mountain biking had a morning trip to DuPont and a small group of guys headed into Pisgah for a two-day backpacking trip.
While there was a lot going on out of camp we were still having a blast on our own 1000-acre wood. Horseback riding played a number of games on horseback that even included some doughnuts on a string. Some of the staff took a turn from the typical Waikiki Wednesday and diverted to wolf Wednesday. It was quite hilarious.
I am sure you have noticed a few pictures of the dogs around camp. I think it’s funny how the boys want to know so much about them. There are two main camp dogs, Tsali and Barley.
Tsali is Hank and Townsend’s black lab. She is about ten years old. She generally goes home only when she is required. Sometimes she makes her way out on a cabin overnight or even a rest hour. She is not as active as she used to be, but still enjoys being around camp.
Barley is my golden retriever. He is about seven years old. He swims most of the time, loves to go on hikes, mountain bike rides, and anywhere there is action. He has the best life ever! Don’t tell your dog what my dog gets to do every day.
What I have come to find out is that I should probably be paying the dogs. It’s no mistake they are here, but sometimes I am amazed at how much they add to camp life. The dogs always seem to know when someone needs a little time. The boys enjoy petting them as much and the dogs enjoy receiving it. I love it when the boys go out of their way to introduce their parents to the dogs on closing day. Anyhow, just a little window into camp life.
Many of us generally shy away from things we are afraid of doing. Most all of the time we feel better once we tackle it. Sometimes we don’t feel better. That’s the kicker. You know what? That is all right too. My father-in-law shared with me wise teaching. The focus was more about your career and find out what you want to do with your life. Anyhow, he felt like it was important to take some jobs you didn’t like. His answer was that ”it will help you understand what you don’t want to do.” His son found out that he didn’t want to own a car wash. Sometimes we don’t like to do what is hard. The boys this week have overcome some things that are not easy. Check out those pictures from the top of the tower. Do you think those boys might have been a little afraid the first time they tried to make it to the top? How about the first time they spent the night outside? How about the first time they were away from home for two weeks? All of these “hard” tasks have been faced and overcome this week. Will there be some things that were not their favorite? Sure! What you will find out is that the joy and learning far exceed the discomfort. I would go as far as to say that the discomfort at times is what will make the best stories. So while these boys have overcome many hard things, they have also had a blast doing it. They are learning a whole lot more important life skills than just climbing the tower. My favorite part is that you believe it is important just as much as we do.
This evening’s age-group activities:
- Hillside and Connestee: Activity Field
- Flattop and Lakeside: Canoe Docks
- Foxhollow and Holiday: Chill Night
- Chalet and Overlook: Games on the Gym
- Outpost, Sprucepine: Waterslide and Rope Swing
I sure do like this group of boys! What a fantastic session! Have a wonderful night.
Today’s Pictures
There are about 100 pictures form age group 2 canoe fill-ups still loading at 9:30. You should play Battle of the Valkerie as you look through them. It was a pretty awesome moment!