Simple Joys & Trying Something Difficult
Camp is officially underway, and it’s nothing short of magical. All around, you can feel the energy—laughter echoing through the trees, the splash of paddles on the lake, and the quiet pride on a camper’s face after trying something new for the first time. Whether it’s the simple joy of catching fireflies at dusk, the courage it takes to scale the climbing wall, or the friendships forming over shared meals and muddy boots, these moments are what make camp so special. While there’s no shortage of excitement happening across every corner of camp, I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few of our incredible programs and share what our campers have been exploring, learning, and creating during their time here so far.
Our Main Camp A session is off to a fantastic start, with campers jumping headfirst into their first few days of Discovery classes. These are camper-selected activities that allow them to focus on something they’re genuinely excited about—whether it’s learning technical skills, trying something brand new, or honing a craft they already love. Down at the lake, campers are mastering wet exits in their kayaks, building confidence through our Jr. Lifeguard Discovery, and challenging themselves to make it all the way across the traverse line. On my walk to grab a cup of coffee from the Dining Hall, I passed our mountain bikers riding by in a blur, working on their attack position with focus and determination. Just beyond them, the soccer pitch buzzed with energy as campers practiced crisp passes and team communication. Watching these moments unfold—campers discovering new passions, building skills, and growing more confident with each day—makes me even more excited to see what the rest of the week will bring.
Over on Mountainside, campers have spent the past few days immersed in their Mini Adventures—sampling climbing, whitewater kayaking, expedition canoeing, mountain biking, and backpacking. These experiences give them a taste of each activity as they begin to discover which adventure best fits their interests and strengths. After reflection and a bit of spirited debate, they’ve now submitted their preferences and are preparing to set off with their newly formed adventure groups. Together, they’ll explore the stunning landscapes of Western North Carolina, challenge themselves in meaningful ways, and forge deep connections with their peers. I’ll be joining our whitewater kayaking group on the Tuckasegee River, and I’m already looking forward to hearing the bold, funny, and heartfelt stories that each group will share during their adventure skits when they return to camp.
Finally, our oldest campers have been stepping into their roles as leaders while continuing to explore the wonders of the world around them. Our Riversiders set off on Sunday for their climbing adventure at Foster Falls, Tennessee, and we’re excited to welcome them back tomorrow. Over the past few days, they’ve been challenging themselves on the sandstone cliffs of eastern Tennessee and cooling off in the crystal-clear swimming hole beneath the 60-foot waterfall—a perfect blend of hard work and well-earned fun. Meanwhile, our Young Leaders have been making a big impact here on camp. From setting tables before meals and assisting in Discovery classes to engaging in leadership seminars, they’ve embraced the opportunity to lead by example. This afternoon, they took a well-deserved break with a hike and swim in nearby DuPont State Forest. We feel incredibly fortunate to have such thoughtful, energetic, and kind role models in our Riversiders and Young Leaders, inspiring the next generation of campers every day.
As the days roll on, it’s clear that camp is already shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for everyone here. Whether trying something difficult, stepping into leadership, or simply soaking in the joy of being outside with friends, our campers are growing in meaningful ways each day. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the session holds—and we’re so grateful to be on this journey together.
