It sure was a beautiful and cool morning here up the mountain. The sun was poking through some smokey fog that made it look like the sky was on fire. As the warm lake created some additional steam in the cool mountain air, it sure seemed pretty delightful outside for an August day. My dog Biscuit and I just sat on the deck and took in the moment just before 7:30 am this morning. It was time well spent.
After a little productive time in the office, it was up to breakfast where the boys were mostly in their seats and eating. I grabbed some scratch-made cinnamon rolls, eggs, sausage, then made my way to the fruit bar to get some cut strawberries and fresh blueberries, with a touch of greek yogurt over scratch made granola. It sure was a great start to the morning! I feel like these boys can always find something to eat here! Some of the cinnamon rolls were as big as their heads.
It was then off to assembly where the boys got excited about the day, and the latest “cabin of the day” was announced.
The boys rotated through horseback riding, shooting sports, sailing, and fishing. The boys of Foxhollow were on the high ropes course this morning.
After a tasty lunch of fired chicken sandwiches, waffles fries, and all the fixins’. We took a little time to rest and then out for some more awesome activities. Events included canoeing, sailing, climbing, hiking, and swimming.
At the 5:00 Choice Period, campers chose from mountain biking, disc golf, and a favorite of canoe fill-ups. Its like battleship with 3-4 campers in a boat armed with buckets and attempting to sink all other such boats. Needless to say, it was heavily attended and became a raucous, splashy mess of fun.
Speaking of fun activities, I wanted to introcude to you some of our progression and levels that we do in the longer sessions. Our activities are way more than just wee haa. We work through a very specific progression for these boys as they build skills and become competent at these activtities
In our longer sessions where the boys go to the same five activties every day, we have had levels and progression going on in our activties for a long time, we have finally formalized it into a specific level system. Every camper knows what they need to do to complete a level as does the staff member. These boys work hard in their activities and they learn a lot while having a blast. We used the best level designs from many different activites to come up with one consistent sytem that will carry with them from year to year. When they come back next year, their achieved level will show up right next to their name on the activity role sheet.
This summer, your camper will receive one High Rocks Compass Patch during this session. Next summer, if they choose to come to a two week or longer session, there are opportunities for more patches for their level progression in an activity at High Rocks. Completing the first level (Adventurer) is accompanied by the activity specific patch. these patches are the COOLEST looking things you can imagine. Upon completing the next four levels (Explorer, Pathfinder, Navigator, and Trailblazer), rockers will be earned to accompany the patch.
End Game!
After a full day of activities, the evening wrapped up with a high energy event called End Games. With much paint and whooping/yelling, two teams divided and commenced a game essentially of capture-the-flag with several additional layers. It was a hit, and you could hear the noise generated all around camp. Then on to evening snack to let the blood cool down a bit before heading back to cabins for the nightly call-to-quarters routine.
We sure are enjoying your boys! I hope to have you tune in again tomorrow. It’s going to be great!
-Don
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