It almost felt like camp was beginning the work week after such a relaxing Sunday. It was a busy morning with rock climbing, canoeing, and hiking all eating early to get out of camp for an all-day or overnight adventure. We jumped right into assembly and activities as we went back into our normal routine. It was hardly routine for our June Mini boys who were heading to their activities for the first time. June mini parents, you should have received my email about your camper’s schedule earlier today. I couldn’t help but post this group of camp friends. I love it when boys from around the country meet special folks right here at High Rocks.
Speaking of adventure, I thought I would share a little information I was using during our staff training. Adventure is such a key component of a healthy young man’s life. Boys need to have a sense of at least “perceived” risk. Exposure to healthy risks, particularly physical, enables children to experience fear, learn the strengths and limitations of their own bodies, and flirt with uncertainty. Research shows such play is associated with increased physical activity, social skills, risk management skills, resilience, and self-confidence. In today’s world, it’s no wonder that the simulated risk of computer games is so compelling and addictive. The real world seems rather tame and even boring in comparison. A summer camp experience like High Rocks adds a lot of guided adventure to help these boys feel the thrill and even a little fear. As humans we are designed to experience a little fear – manage it out of our lives and boys will seek it elsewhere. This could be on the internet or even with self-destructive behavior. High Rocks keeps it fun, safe, and just at the right level of comfortably uncomfortable. That is my “kids need camp” moment for the day. I hope it makes sense.
I like to say projectiles and adolescent boys go hand in hand… Down at shooting sports, these boys learn focus, practice, repetition, and concentration all in one super-fun activity. They can shoot both recurve bows and high precision competition air rifles. Some boys choose to work on one skill for the summer, but they have opportunities at both. I really enjoy watching the boys where they start with the target just ten yards away. Year after year they get better and better. Watching them shoot at 40 yards is pretty amazing!
Age Group 1 (Hillside and Connestee)
Canoe Fill-ups! Four dudes, a bucket or so, a canoe… Sink the other canoes!!! Put your stuff away and then head to snack.
Age Group 2 (Lakeside and Foxhollow)
Games on the soccer field. Usually something that involves a lot of running, and then we go to snack…
Age Group 3 (Chalet, Overlook, Windswept)
In the Gym. Which can only mean one thing. Dodgeball-o-rama! Balls flying, boys running. And then snack…
Age Group 4 (Outpost and Sprucepine)
Ropeswing and Waterslide. Swing and slide until you cannot anymore! It still involves some running, and swimming. And then…snack.
Age Group 5 (Lookout, Pinnacle, and halfway)
Our oldest boys headed out for their “Chill Night” at Sliding Rock. The chill night adventure will continue down the age group chain, so that all of the boys will get to head into Pisgah’s own natural Sliding Rock (chilly part 1), then head over to the infamous Dolly’s where they can choose from a number of special “Camp” flavors. These are special flavors from area camps that are only available at Dolly’s (chilly part 2). And of course they get to hang out (chill part 3) with their age group and cabin buddies all night. They rolled back into camp around 8:45 pm just in time to head back to the cabin and get ready for another big day at High Rocks! …and they looked pretty chill.
Not bad for a Monday… Sure hope to see you tomorrow night. Woody is on for the blog. Taco, Tie Dye, Tiger Tuesday. Here we come!
You Rock!
Don
High Rocks is an authorized Special Use Permit Holder by the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Sumter National Forests. • Privacy • Site Map • Camp High Rocks © 2026
