Getting It Done

This final Tuesday of the session had clear skies to start with a strong cool breeze blowing through camp. The sky was a bright blue and no hint of the predicted rains to come later in the day. 

Rain or not, when that bell rings the camper hordes assemble quickly for breakfast and we were off to the races. 

In camp today, it was clear that guys were aware there are only three full days of camp coming. They were working to pass various milestones in activities to achieve goals they’ve set for themselves. At the range, archers and riflemen were shooting with an intensity that really only comes about as they feel a deadline approaching. It is a widespread goal to advance as many ranks as possible and this is the time of the session that most guys do so quickly after all of the session’s practice. They are dialed in and want to take advantage. It is noticeable when archers are voluntarily shooting until their fingertips feel raw, trying to squeeze in as many rounds as possible. We also had some of our younger campers switch their activity choice into Shooting Sports and begin their own journey today. It is always neat to see the various skill levels working side by side throughout camp, and it is a wonderful chance for our older veteran guys to begin offering advice and encouragement.

Hiking classes spent time on orienteering using maps and compasses. The staff had set up a course with predetermined points and distances already calculated. Then camper teams get to shoot their bearing, pace off the prescribed distance, and see how close they come to each spot. The conversations are lively as guys try to determine if their strides are long/short enough, if they’ve accounted appropriately for traversing across a hill side, and if the compass holder is keeping a steady enough hand. 

Down at the barn, our riders on the Drill Team were practicing hard to perfect the various maneuvers that make up the show. With just a couple of days before they perform for camp, the pressure is mounting and they look ready for it. Having the skill and awareness to guide that many horses through some complicated routines, balancing various speeds, directions, and proximity is no easy feat. Camp is looking forward to the display of horsemanship soon.

While camp was busy, the trips out of camp were also numerous. Our climbers took two trips to the High Rocks today, getting a bunch of guys the opportunity to climb on real rock and figure out how to seek out holds as they move up the route. Connestee had their turn at the high ropes course this morning and took full advantage of the fun. Our mountain bikers also took two trips out. An advanced group hit the Big Rock trail in Dupont this morning and another crew got to ride the classic Ridgeline trail in the afternoon. Our boaters took out early in the morning to begin their two day trip to the Nantahala and then the Pigeon. We will look forward to seeing them tomorrow evening with some fun stories from the days on the water. Our last trip of the day was with Age Group 2 heading out on their Chill Night, talking loudly over dinner about how many times they each thought they could slide down. We will see if the bravado stuck when that cold water envelops them for the first time!