A Week at Gwynn Valley: What Campers are Loving Right Now
The hills of Gwynn Valley are alive with laughter, song, and the joyful rhythm of camp life this week. As we settle into the final days of A Session and Mountainside-1A, our campers are basking in all that Gwynn Valley has to offer. From bottle-feeding calves to returning from multi-day off-camp adventures, the days have been full of self-discovery, exploration, and a whole lot of fun! Here’s a look at what campers are absolutely loving right now.
One of the sweetest highlights of the week happened while campers were sound asleep late Thursday night. Farmers JP and Dale were hard at work at the farm helping a mama goat welcome her newborn daughter, Misty, into the world. After a smooth delivery and a little TLC, Misty was ready to meet campers by Saturday morning. Over 80 campers had the chance to visit the days-old kid—so long as they were extra quiet and didn’t attempt to pick her up. Misty quickly became the newest (and cutest) star of camp!
The magic continued on Saturday with a celebration that campers look forward to all session long: the Tajar’s birthday! This beloved Gwynn Valley tradition honors our mischievous, mythical camp creature who’s said to live high in the trees and looks like a mix between a tiger, a jaguar, and a badger. Campers woke up to classic Tajar folly: dining hall tables mysteriously relocated to the lawn, canoe paddles arranged to spell out the Tajar’s name, and SITs (Staff-in-Training) found in their pajamas asleep around camp—even floating on paddleboards in the lake! That evening, the festivities continued with the Tajar Ball. Campers and staff dressed in their silliest costumes, danced to music, played carnival games, and enjoyed sweet treats like ice cream sandwiches and fresh-baked cookies. The slip-n-slide, tractor hayride, and dunk-tank were among the most popular attractions. We can’t wait to bring the magic of the Tajar’s birthday back for B Session!
Sunday morning brought a different kind of excitement as Main Campers seeking adventure headed out on MCATs—Main Camp Adventure Trips. After building their skills during morning Discoveries throughout the session, they put their learning into action on full-day excursions. Paddlers took to section zero of the French Broad in Jackson kayaks, climbers scaled the nose of Looking Glass rock, and bikers hit the trails in Dupont State Forest for a day of thrilling exploration and personal growth. These trips gave campers the chance to prepare for Mountainside, connect with nature, and experience the joy of adventure beyond the bounds of Main Camp.
From new farm animals to whimsical celebrations and unforgettable outdoor adventures, this past week has truly captured the spirit of Gwynn Valley. As we close out A Session and Mountainside-1A, our hills are still echoing with laughter, songs, and stories campers will carry with them long after they head home.
-Kati Tanner, Summer Leadership, Communications Coordinator
