High Rocks Magic

We are definitely in the “norming” part of our group process here at camp. The boys have learned how to work together, accept differences, and even realize that from time to time we all need help. Leaders are not always out in front, sometimes they need to let others earn their wings.  These boys surprise me every day with their thoughtfulness and their skill.  This immersion has created something new in these young men that we hope you will see at home.  A first-year boy explains how there are just so many great things at camp every day that you can never be bored. It is all part of this 28-day expedition we call camp. These last few days are some of the best.

I tell parents that it’s not even fair sometimes.  You can never be as cool as our staff. One of the key reasons all of this works is because our camp staff is admired so much by these boys. It gives the staff a precise advantage to handle all that comes their way because the boys want to stay on their good side.  Adult mentors are an important part of every child’s life.  The important part to remember is that these mentors cannot be their parents. It’s that need to impress and desire, and to please these mentors that make it work.  It’s also the kind heart and the ability to expect a lot that adds to that dynamic. It’s a funny dynamic, but it sure is a whole lot more than soccer balls and canoes…  

What makes camp amazing is not just the adventure program but the fact that we are doing all of this away from our parents. Of course, the activities are incredible, but the process, the journey of what we call camp, is where the jewel is found.  While parents want to be the ones to teach them everything, you can’t teach independence, you can only give it. It is something first to experience, then to meld and mold into what it really means.  High Rocks is a great place to learn independence; from making a bed or making it to horseback riding on time.  Independence is found all through the day. Research shows that if we do not allow our children to solve their own problems then our children will begin to believe that they can not. Part of coming to a place like High Rocks allows for the separation for our children to learn just enough independence that requires them to figure it out without mom and dad around.

Another great day at High Rocks! boys were traveling in all sorts of directions. We had a bit of rain on and off this morning, but it certainly needed and did not slow us down a bit. The sun came out and the air cooled off nicely after the front moved on. It made for a nice time on the mountain.

Below is this week’s highlights video. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Don