Hello from Camp Pinnacle!
We got off to a bright and energetic start when the 7:30 a.m. wake-up bell echoed across camp. As cabins came to life, campers jumped into their morning routines, working together to complete cabin chores like making beds, sweeping floors, and preparing their creative roll calls for Lakeside. There’s always a sense of pride and teamwork in these first moments of the day as campers take responsibility for their shared spaces and help their cabins get ready for the adventures ahead. With chores complete and spirits high, everyone made their way to the dining hall, where the smell of french toast sticks, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit and the promise of a new day brought plenty of smiles around the breakfast tables.
Each morning before breakfast, our Associate Director, Amanda, shares a quote to inspire campers as they set their intentions for the day. Today’s quote, from Nicole Richie, was: “True friends are like diamonds – bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style.” This quote will be carried with our campers by building friendships that shine through kindness, trust, and shared experiences. Whether they’re encouraging a friend on the climbing wall, laughing together around a campfire, or supporting one another through a new challenge such as the SkyPark, campers learn that strong friendships are one of the most valuable parts of camp. Just like diamonds, these connections are formed over time and often become treasured memories that last long after the summer ends!
Lakeside brought more classic rollcalls, plenty of singing, a camper birthday celebration and of course – a nature nugget. Today’s Nature Nugget focused on simple ways we can care for the environment through our everyday choices. Campers learned the importance of “letting leaves live” by leaving fallen leaves where they are, allowing them to provide nutrients for the soil and habitat for small creatures. We also talked about sticking to hard surfaces and established paths whenever possible instead of walking on grass, which helps protect plant life and prevent erosion.Finally, campers were challenged to use just one paper towel when drying their hands in the bathroom. While it may seem like a small action, using fewer paper towels helps conserve resources and reduce waste. By making thoughtful choices throughout the day, campers discovered that even the smallest habits can have a positive impact on the natural world around us.
Squirrels were still buzzing from last night’s in-camp overnights which were filled with s’mores, stories, sleeping under the stars, and a surprise visit from the mysterious Noodle People (though our tap team and pool noodle supply can neither confirm nor deny their involvement) – however, it’s time to jump straight back into activity rotations.
At lunchtime, everyone enjoyed Chef Connor’s cheeseburger sliders, homemade chips, salad, pineapple chunks and homemade ranch dressing.
One of the exciting traditions at camp is earning activity patches during Hypetivity! Patches are announced at the end of lunchtime and awarded to campers who complete special challenges designed to test their skills, perseverance, and growth in a particular activity area. Each patch has its own unique requirements—for example, campers pursuing the Climbing Patch must successfully complete all of the climbing walls in eight minutes or less. Whether they’re on the climbing wall, at the range, or in another activity area, these challenges encourage campers to set goals, push themselves, and celebrate their accomplishments along the way.
With the sun shining all afternoon, campers were equipped with plenty of sunscreen and bug spray for more activities galore. Right on time, our backpacking crews returned from their amazing overnight trips and pulled into camp for some well needed showers and rests!
Our returning backpackers, amongst the rest of our campers, were happy to report to the dining hall for a delicious dinner of teriyaki chicken thighs, vegetable fried rice and stir fry veg.
Tonight’s evening program, Trashion Games, puts a creative twist on the Hunger Games as campers compete to transform their counselors into runway-ready tributes using only recycled materials, trash bags, and funky flair. Teams will showcase their imaginative designs in a fun-filled fashion showdown, celebrating teamwork, creativity, and sustainability. May the most stylish tribute win!
After fun evening programs, everyone made their way to their cabins for evening circles and cozy lights out.
