This morning I enjoyed watching the guys roll in from the woods after their overnights. The stories of the “grit” these overnights teach us are always enjoyable. They even create the best memories. I enjoy hearing about how late they stayed up, who ate the most pita pizzas, or even how bad the sleeping conditions were last night. While you never quite know exactly how it will unfold you can always count on the stories. What I do notice is that they find their cabin conditions even more enjoyable.
It was another theme day for us today. You will see quite a few sports jerseys out there today. Jersday-Thursday is what we call it! Just another fun thing to do at Camp High Rocks. I had to push up some Thunder love! Max, in the middle, is a HUGE Thunder fan. He’s also a Kiwi, so the excitement back in June while being in The States was so perfect for him. He found some brethren out there as well today.
The best part of my day started in assembly this morning. I need to get upfront from time to time just to remember why I love it so much. What if we all got up each morning and shared a wonderful breakfast with eggs, grits, sausage, fresh fruit, and assorted cereals? Follow that with you and your family heading into the next room to do some motion songs, get goofy, and go crazy. Finally, you go through your options, opportunities, and thoughts for the day. THEN you head off to work or school. Wouldn’t that be a great start to every day? It sure is here at camp. Assembly allows us to loosen up, let go, and be happy! Nobody is cool in assembly. Maybe that is why it’s so awesome. We jump around, we laugh, and we get excited about all that surrounds us. Anyhow, I enjoyed my time in the front this morning…almost as much as the campers.
The boys are picking up some skills in their activities as well. We have already had a couple of climbing trips out this session. The mountain bikers are working through a progression as they set out on our 20+ miles of trails on the property. It is getting better each day these boys practice.
I know many of our parents are wondering how everyone is doing, and I hope the nightly blog and pictures give you a good sense of the daily routine of camp. In the next day or so the first letters from High Rocks will be arriving in your mailbox. There is the possibility of a letter coming home that may worry you. So, let’s talk about homesickness. It’s not a scary word. It’s all about growing up one step at a time. After 30 years here at High Rocks, I have some pretty good experience with kids and camp. That being said, a little homesickness is normal. Often, what you are reading in those letters today has passed. They are on to bigger heights. Remember, we are professionals. If you feel worried at all just drop us a line. Don’t forget to do the same for your son. Give him some encouraging words; tell him how proud you are and how he will be just fine. Try not to go on about how the dog misses him, or all the cool things you are doing at home. When you are learning to take some steps on your own, sometimes you fall and get back up. It’s definitely not a reason to stop walking. Camp is a super place to step out on your own. If you do feel like you need to give us a call, we are here to help. Don’t forget, the boys love mail, so keep sending it.
Check out Biscuit with Outpost. She decided to stay back in camp, but the boys were super excited to have her in the picture. More stories tomorrow.
Age Group 1 (Lakeside, Foxhollow, Flattop): Flattop headed out for their overnight. Lakeside and Foxhollow were in the gym.
Age Group 2 (Chalet and Overlook): Chalet headed out into the woods for the night. Overlook was on the tennis courts.
Age Group 3 (Outpost, Sprucepine, Windswept): Outpost and Sprucepine are out for the night with their pita pizzas and s’mores. Windswept joined in on the tennis court fun.
Age Group 4 (Halfway, Pinnacle, and Lookout): These guys had their Chill Night tonight.
It sure was another exciting day On the Rocks! Thanks for tuning in tonight.
Don
High Rocks is an authorized Special Use Permit Holder by the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Sumter National Forests. • Privacy • Site Map • Camp High Rocks © 2025
