It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second week of Session 1! The days seem to be flying by, but when every day is packed from morning until night with activities at Camp Pinnacle it’s easy to see why. Campers are constantly on the move, exploring new opportunities, building confidence, and creating memories that will last long after summer ends.
The day began with the wake-up bell ringing across camp at 7:30 a.m. Soon cabins were stirring, campers were getting ready for the day, and excitement was building for everything ahead. Breakfast was served at 8:15, and today’s menu was a camper favorite: pancakes with syrup, home fries, scrambled eggs, bacon, mini muffins, and plenty of other options to ensure everyone was fueled up for a busy day.
After breakfast, the entire camp gathered at Lakeside for morning roll calls. These gatherings have quickly become one of the highlights of camp life, bringing everyone together to start the day as a community. Campers sang camp songs, cheered for their teams, and took part in Color Captain challenges as the race for the Pinnacle Cup continued. The enthusiasm and camp spirit on display each morning are incredible to see, with every color team eager to earn valuable points.
While many campers headed off to activities around camp, our oldest cohorts, the Bears and Otters, set off on exciting adventures beyond camp boundaries. These groups have been embracing some of the unique opportunities available to our older campers, including canoeing trips, creek stomping adventures, mountain biking excursions, mountain snorkeling experiences, and even backcountry cooking. These trips challenge campers to step outside their comfort zones, work together, and gain a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.
Meanwhile, our Year 1 Wolfepack campers embarked on one of the signature experiences of their session: their three-day backpacking trip. This adventure gives campers the chance to develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and outdoor skills while experiencing the beauty of the mountains firsthand. It’s often one of the most memorable experiences of the summer.
Back at camp however, campers jumped into another exciting day of activity periods. With Week 2 underway, many new activities have been introduced, allowing campers to continue exploring new interests while also returning to some of their favorite experiences from Week 1. One particularly popular new activity has been Gnome House Building at Holly Flats, where campers use creativity and natural materials to construct imaginative woodland homes. Field Games brought plenty of energy and friendly competition, while many campers were thrilled to revisit activities they had been looking forward to all week.
Before lunch, the entire camp came together for a Hypetivity. These camp-wide events are designed to get everyone moving, laughing, and connecting with campers from different cabins and age groups.
Lunch featured another classic camp menu with hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, a selection of cheeses and fresh salad options, and refreshing watermelon slices. Vegetarian patties were also available, along with gluten free hamburger and hotdog buns. Meals continue to be a wonderful opportunity for campers to gather with friends, share stories from the morning, and recharge before the afternoon’s adventures.
Downtime brought a special surprise for our youngest campers. The Squirrels were treated to a secret “Squirrelfest” sneak-out event, complete with face painting, nail painting, and plenty of fun surprises. The excitement on their faces as they discovered the special event was priceless. These moments of unexpected joy often become some of the most treasured memories for our younger campers.
The afternoon continued with Activities 3, 4, and 5, giving campers even more opportunities to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and spend time with friends. Whether they were participating in sports, creative arts, waterfront activities, outdoor adventures, or specialty programs, campers remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day.
At 5:30, campers gathered for Fruit Break in the gym, providing a healthy snack and a chance to cool down before the evening’s activities. Afterwards, campers enjoyed Gym & Swim, one of the most anticipated periods of the day. Along with swimming and gym activities, campers could enjoy games in the lodge and spend time at Putt Putt Valley, our camp mini golf course that continues to be a favorite destination.
Dinner brought a Mexican special: Tamales, elotes, yellow rice, homemade guacamole and salsa. Tables were filled with conversation, laughter, and excited discussion about the evening ahead.
As daylight began to fade it was time for evening programs. Our younger campers participated in Think Tank and our older campers had fun at Pinguard. Think Tank is a quiz-style event where cabins answer questions and do minigames to earn points for their teams. Pinguard is where color teams earn points by eliminating the other team’s pins across the gym.
For our Squirrels, the adventure didn’t end there. Tonight marked their in-camp overnight experience. These overnights provide younger campers with an age-appropriate taste of adventure while staying within the comfort and familiarity of camp. Across camp, overnight groups gathered around campfires, roasted marshmallows, enjoyed s’mores under the stars, shared stories, sang songs, and soaked in the magic of a summer evening in the mountains.
By the time lights out arrived, campers were tired in the best possible way—full of stories to tell, memories to cherish, and excitement for everything still to come.
As parents, we know that sending your child to camp is an act of trust. We hope this glimpse into a single day shows just how much your campers are experiencing each day. From building friendships and confidence to trying new activities and exploring the outdoors, your children are growing in ways that are both fun and meaningful. We are so proud of all they are accomplishing and grateful to be part of their summer journey.
Week 2 is only just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what adventures tomorrow will bring!
