The Turn

Weekends at Camp are special. Camp slows down and campers and staff have the opportunity to rest. Also known as “The Turn”…the halfway point of a two week Session.

While we had a normal morning of Individual Competition activities, after Rest Period, campers and counselors put on Chacos and Tevas and headed a half mile down the Camp road to the infamous Carving Trees, a shaded spot surrounded by the Pinson Creek and names etched in the bark dating back to the 70’s. Muddy hair and smiles covered in watermelon are highly encouraged and laughs could be heard all throughout the creek. If you weren’t muddy, you most definitely would be by the end of the afternoon.

After hosing off and showering, campers began getting ready for Cookout, Storytelling and Wild Woman Hunt. I can’t speak for Boy’s Camp but I know in Girl’s Camp, getting ready for Cookout (or any event) is a big deal. Walking through Girl’s Camp, you can hear the chitter chatter throughout each cabin as girl’s pick out what they’re going to wear and walking to and from the bath houses.

Once gathered on the Front lawn, hot dogs, baked beans, chips and cookies were on the menu as they traditionally are every Saturday night. Campers of all ages interacted and sat in lawn chairs, listened to music and played catch. As the night and sun began winding down, we huddled up and listened to TJ tell the story of the Blue Wolf, Joe Shields and the Wild Woman. We often get asked why we do Storytelling and what the significance of it is and how that plays a part in Camp’s mission. As mentioned earlier, during the weekend we want our campers to take everything in and slow down. Storytelling provides just that. Sitting…taking everything in and reflecting on the last week of fun while listening to one of Camps most rooted traditions.

Staff ended Storytelling with none other than “This Old House” and as soon as we yelled “Ready! Break!”, campers sprinted to their prospective trailers and the Wild Woman Hunt commenced! Honeysuckle Hollow swears they saw her running through the trees off of the Camp Road. Some campers say they didn’t see her at all (probably because it’s been said that she runs 99 mph).

Campers are currently at Sing Song inside the Pool gates winding down on this restful but full Saturday. Tomorrow, Campers get to sleep in until 9am (yay!) before we all head over to the Little Red Church. We’re expecting some rain in the forecast tomorrow afternoon but will you keep you updated on the latest.

Alumni, what are some of your favorite moments from weekends at Camp?