Mini I Close and Illahee Dance

It was a perfect morning to say goodbye to our Mini I campers and parents. We wrapped up assembly with a big send-off as they all made their way back to their cabins. Zoob and I were able to greet every family as they arrived. The boys were excited to see their parents but didn’t want to leave. I was excited to hear how much they enjoyed their time here at High Rocks. We will welcome our Mini II boys on Monday.

Our four week boys continued with their activities throughout the day. We had a little extended rest hour and a shortened schedule so the boys could get ready for the trip to Camp Illahee!

That’s right big event of the day was the dance with the ladies of Camp Illahee.  My two girls grew up at Illahee and loved it.  My oldest, Grace, who is now entering her third year at Davidson, is still working at Illahee.  She is now in her 12th year and is line head for the Hillbrook littles.  Izzie, who is off to Sewanee for her first year went to Illahee for 9 years as a camper and one CIT year.

Several parents have asked me why we do dances.  While I don’t think it is a highlight for all the boys, they definitely enjoy it; at least a little.  As a mentor to young men, I find it important to create appropriate social events where these ladies and gentlemen can learn to interact and at least “practice” acting appropriately.  We purposely do a country dance or square dance, where all of the campers participate at once doing something that is either an event they only do at camp or at least something they do not do at home.  Some of our peers put on a “pop song” social dance that you may be familiar with in middle school or high school.  This event could not be farther from that sort of experience.  The best part is that everyone is moving together and participating at once.  I typically find these events a little like Cotillion class.  A way for our boys to demonstrate some manners and etiquette to our neighbors across town.  I am actually quite surprised at how well the boys perform!  In all of its lovely awkwardness, the event played out very well.  The boys mostly acted like gentlemen and the girls were mostly like ladies.   It was a great time!

Lucas and Gardner hosted all of the High Rock clan at Illahee tonight. It was a super fun event. We did some line dances, a fun Virginia Reel, and then they had a live band that played some bluegrass for the kids while we sipped on sodas and ate cookies.