On Target

As we near the end of our second week, once again we were treated to a beautiful morning as the bell woke camp up. And wake camp did. From deep slumber to the steady summer hum of (sleepy) camper industry, things began to pick up speed.

As always, trips were at breakfast first and on their way as the rest of camp staggered up to the dining hall. A crew of younger boaters made for the French Broad for an all-day paddle. Our mountain bikers beat the heat and the crowds to Dupont, as they do, and rode hard till lunch. We also had a group of hikers make tracks for the high peaks in Pisgah with a hike up to and over Black Balsam. A little later in the day, our 7^th graders living in Pinnacle departed on their own trip to the French Broad river for an afternoon spent rafting, checking out wildlife, jump-off rocks, and just general fun with their fellows.

In camp, since all are well into their groove, there is a comfortable efficiency about the place. Meals are raucous but effective. Activities were continuing to build on skills, particularly for our Mini I guys looking to put the finishing touches on some progression levels or self-set goals. Even our free times, with their free-wheeling opportunity to do whatever a camper decides in the moment, have fallen into a rhythm as guys gravitate to areas they identify with. It is always fun to feel camp become that community that offers adventures and comfortable familiarity at the same time. I think that is when some of the most growth happens as our people are willing to extend themselves even further, knowing they are supported by the people and place around them.