The Land of Fun! By Grant Bullard

Greetings from the land of FUN! The Tajar visited us last night and there was evidence of his mischief in Downtown GV this morning.  Boats, buckets, bowls, tables, chairs and anything that didn’t grow hair was somehow amiss.  If you don’t know who the Tajar is, just ask your child.  Each session we celebrate his birthday and everyone comes to the party in costume.  This event has been going on at Gwynn Valley for a very long time.  We have a big picnic with burgers and dogs and everyone eats outside and then we all attend a giant carnival.  It was the perfect day for the Tajar because he doesn’t like rain.  When wet he’s not happy and would much rather stay dry.  The carnival consisted of Face Painting, Smack the Rat, Soccer Shootout, Hayrides, Frisbee Throw, free food including ice cream and cookies, Guess the M&M’s, The Penny Toss, Sponge Throw, dancing, and a dunking booth.  There were all kinds of costumes and wacky wardrobe outfits at the Ball and Carnival.

Earlier today Mountainside and Riverside came home and are safe and sound sleeping in their own bunk beds tonight.  Each group had their share of fun, learning, and adventure while out since Sunday.  Although we had some rain, the climbers were able to climb all four days, the bikers biked each day covering 9 miles of mountain bike trails one day, and the paddlers enjoyed the Tuckasegee River today. The hikers completed the Art Loeb Trail and Earth Skills had a great adventure at Wolf Den. They all came back with smiles and stories to tell, memories to remember and that’s what counts. It’s so exciting when they roll back into camp. 

There will be several Main Camp trips out tomorrow with Kayakers and Mountain Bikers. The kayakers will head to the French Broad and the bikers to Dupont State Forest.  They  were doing their final preps today on the lake and getting psyched.

I attended a few activities this morning including the Mill, Pottery, Bong Tree, Horseback Riding, Arborist Climbing and Biking. Tomorrow there will be sign ups in the morning as all of our Discovery Activities ended today.  In the afternoon will be pillowcase day for all of camp when everyone, but Mountainside and Riverside, goes to the pool (not all at once mind you).  There is a method to this madness.  Tomorrow evening will be Friendship Campfire and our last one for the session.  We keep things moving right till the end of the session.  I think the three week campers will need a couple of days of rest upon returning home.  We were up a little later tonight and tomorrow is a big day for us all as we wind down from a very active and fun session.  I wish we could keep them all for another week.  Camp does a world of good.  If you’re feeling a little “campsick” and missing your children we understand.  They’ve provided a great deal of joy in our setting.  Anne and I sent all of our children off to other camps when they were younger and we know how you feel.   We missed them and also knew how it would help them grow being away from home and our familiar setting here.  Camp is a wonderful supportive environment where children can develop authentic relationships, unplug from technology, connect with nature, and participate in human-powered activities. Camp allows children to relax and enjoy just being kids. I truly believe there’s a camp for every child.  Thank you for choosing Gwynn Valley.  We appreciate you sharing your children.