It was a strange cloudy wake-up this morning. The air was still a little warm as I headed up to the dining hall for our morning meeting. Boys were assembling outside to eat early so they could head out on their trip. During our morning meeting, the “mini men” continued to wander in from the wilderness still excited from the event. Later at breakfast, I was able to catch up with a few of the guys. As they talked all about their adventures, I could not help but notice the remnants of last night’s events play out almost like a story on his shirt. There was the greasy tomato sauce mark from dinner letting me know he ate well. The grey ash mixed with a little dirt let me know that not only did they get to explore and have fun, but they also got their fire started. Finally, the story came together all at once with the ashen, marshmallow, greasy tomato spot all in one place. You could say they obviously forgot the napkins, but I say it was closer to “Man this is awesome so I need to wipe my face here so I can keep talking while I chew.” Sometimes they don’t even need to tell you how it went. It’s all there already…
Many of the four week guys were still on multi-day climbing and paddling trips with a couple of additional mountain bike trips heading out in the AM and PM. There are some great pictures of Flattop on the High Ropes Course this morning.
How are summers at High Rocks different than home. I think it’s important to note that home is pretty much comfortable and safe. You know it well, and it is always there when you need it. Summers at High Rocks is where joy, challenge, laughter, and growth collide! We learn life skills like making your bed, wiping down your table, and getting to places on time. High Rocks is a place where memories are made for life. I hope they come back every summer and learn new skills, friends, and memories.
While you may not realize it, the Mini Session is a sprint. Go, go, go… The four week session is an expedition. You need to be mindful of your health, hygiene, and pace yourself. Either way, it is definitely important to slow down and just enjoy some time with your friends. Life will throw plenty at you later. Take in the moment!
Age Group 1 (Hillside and Connestee) and Age Group 2 (Foxhollow and Lakeside): Line Dance and Square Dance practice for this weekend’s event with Keystone Camp.
Age Group III (Chalet and Windswept); Chill Night at Sliding Rock and then Dolly’s
Age Group IV (Flattop and Overlook): Were on the tennis courts
Age Group V (Outpost and Sprucepine): Were in the gym.
Age Group VI (Pinnacle, Lookout, and Halfway): Halfway I and Lookout II joined me for some make-up golf this evening. It was a ton of fun. The rest of the boys were returning from a couple of trips and decided to make a chill evening.
I sure hope you find this time helpful, fun, and enlightening. Tune in tomorrow when we all get back on campus for the weekend!
Cheers!
Don
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