Tie Dye Tuesday

This third week is off and running with trips flying out of camp while our new group of Mini II fellas settle into the camp rhythm.

Today was another warm start to the day. A nice breeze coming in off of the lake made for an enthusiastic ringing of the bell and started the slow build up of camp noise. 

A morning Dupont ride was on the books for a lucky crew of mountain bikers. A quick breakfast and assembling of gear was all it took to have them rolling out of camp as everyone else was still eating. Canoers were not far behind, bound for a day on the Tuckaseegee river complete with a videographer in tow to capture all of the whitewater fun. Our three day hiking group in Pisgah is in the midst of their trip, with a return planned for late tomorrow afternoon. Not to be outdone, climbing packed up their own three day trip to Hidden Valley in VA and were on the road just after breakfast began. 

A busy day of missions outside of camp, and a big day in camp as well. This was the first full day for our new crew here for the Mini II and there was some of the expected figuring out their new world. Some guys needed redirecting as they confidently marched the wrong direction to the barn. Others were quite surprised to realize that by signing up for Disc Golf, they were supposed to report to a class meeting point instead of begin playing the holes nearest their cabin. Still more felt very saucy to find snack was available throughout the day as they moved from place to place. All expected and part of the fun of embracing a camp day.

It was reaffirming to see our Four Week campers, the salty veterans they are, help with impromptu camp orientation moments. They were quite intentional showing some new guys how the dining hall works at meal time or where the gaga pit could be found. As they were helping, they were also continuing on with activities well-practiced this far into the session. The lake was hopping with so many boats on the water and fish popping a variety of lures. Horseback riders were practicing drill team skills along with lessons in the ring. Swimmers were  learning lifesaving skills and first-time boaters were working through their basic lake test along with how to empty an overturned canoe. Today was Outpost’s turn on the high ropes course for the morning and those older guys were hamming it up!

The afternoon offered a small respite with a storm that passed through, cooling camp off delightfully before quickly clearing and letting the action resume into a fun and noisy evening. As I finish typing this, camp has settled down and is noticeably quiet while guys realize they are quite tired from the day. A solid night’s rest will put us right back on track to enjoy more camp action tomorrow!