We enjoyed the cool mountain air and light rain on and off throughout the day. We still climbed, paddled, and did most everything else without a hitch. I think the cooler air made for a nice change. There are some cool pictures from today’s river trips. We also had a climbing trip out today and our first backpacking trip. The backpackers hit High Pisgah where there are several pleasant vistas at elevations approaching 5000 feet. I am sure it was cooler up there as well.
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, desire, and 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.
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 cannot. 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.
I do have some housekeeping notes from Darby. If you are planning on shipping a trunk/duffle home, there are two steps. First, please fill out THIS FORM provided by our local UPS Store in Brevard. Second, please email our office to let us know that you wish to have your trunk/duffle shipped and we will deliver your item(s) to our local UPS store on Closing Day. UPS only needs the form filled out. Please contact Darby if you have questions. Don’t forget to check out Darby’s closing day email that went out yesterday.
Tonight, age group 4 (Sprucepine and Outpost) headed out for Chill Night. An evening at Sliding Rock and then a trip to Dolly’s Ice Cream. It sure does make you chilly. Other groups were on the lake, in the gym, on the soccer field, or playing a cool egg drop game. Counselors gave each group of boys an egg and equal amounts of random materials. Once they were satisfied with their egg protection, it was dropped from the top of the climbing tower.
I look forward to tomorrow already!
Have a wonderful night.
Don Gentle
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