Hello Camp Pinnacle!
Today marked our final activity day of Session 2, and what an incredible day it has been! Over the past two weeks, our campers have embraced every adventure, made lifelong friendships, and created memories that will last long after summer ends. Today was the perfect opportunity to enjoy many of those favorite activities one last time alongside our amazing counselors.
Our day began bright and early at 7:30 a.m. with the ringing of the camp bell. Some campers headed straight to breakfast as we kicked off our second day of rafting trips. These trips give each cabin the chance to get off-site, experience the beauty of Western North Carolina, and spend quality time together before the session comes to a close.
Today, our Squirrels (our youngest girls’ cabins), Otters (our oldest girls’ cabins), and Bears (our oldest boys’ cabins) set off for a day on either the Pigeon River or the Nantahala River, two rafting locations that have become Camp Pinnacle favorites. They returned just in time for dinner with huge smiles on their faces after an unforgettable day on the water.
Meanwhile, the rest of camp gathered for breakfast at 8:15 a.m. This morning’s menu featured sausage, potatoes, eggs, fresh fruit, and cereal, providing everyone with plenty of energy for another action-packed day.
At 9:00 a.m., campers gathered at Lakeside for one final morning with everyone’s favorite host, Rick the Stick—or, making a special appearance today, his father, Brick the Branch! Cabin roll calls once again filled the lakeside with laughter, creativity, and plenty of camp spirit as campers proudly showed off their performances.
Congratulations to Eagle Rock, who claimed today’s Lakeside victory with an entertaining and enthusiastic performance celebrating the story of the bald eagle in America over the past 250 years. Our third-year WolfePack members also had the opportunity to participate in “In the Lake,” adding to an already memorable morning.
The excitement continued with another round of Captain’s Challenges as the race for the Pinnacle Cup heats up. The Green Team showed incredible teamwork and speed during the Human Wheelbarrow Race, earning valuable points and plenty of cheers from around camp. Well done, Green Team!
After a busy morning, lunch was a welcome chance to refuel. Campers enjoyed deli meat sandwiches and fresh salad after spending their final activity periods participating in favorites such as Waterfront, Mountain Biking, and Skypark.
Our campers have been incredibly appreciative of the meals they’ve enjoyed throughout the session. With hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and delicious dinners each day, everyone has stayed energized for activities, backpacking trips, and all the adventures camp has to offer. We’ve loved hearing so many positive comments about the food over the past two weeks.
One of the things that makes Camp Pinnacle so special is our tech-free environment. While many campers spend much of their time at home connected to phones, tablets, and other devices, camp provides the opportunity to unplug and fully engage with the people and world around them. Whether they’re exploring the outdoors, trying something new, or simply talking with friends around the cabin, campers build stronger connections, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of being fully present.
Dinner was a little different this evening as we celebrated the end of another fantastic session.
Our youngest cabins enjoyed a family-style meal of BBQ chicken wings, sweet potato mash, and green beans before gathering to watch a special slideshow created by our media team. Looking back through photos from the past two weeks gave everyone the chance to relive so many wonderful moments shared with both new and old friends.
Meanwhile, our older cabins and WolfePack members dressed up for a special formal dinner. They enjoyed steak, garlic potatoes, asparagus, and red velvet cake while reflecting on everything they have accomplished this session—from completing longer backpacking trips to developing their leadership skills and growing as individuals.
The evening concluded with one of our campers’ all-time favorite programs: Rainbow Tag!
Each Pinnacle Cup team raced to collect every color of the rainbow while avoiding the mischievous Greeny Meanies, who could steal all of their colors and send them back to the beginning. The game was full of laughter, teamwork, strategy, and plenty of running, making it the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
Pinnacle Cup continues to be one of the highlights of every session, bringing together campers from Hillside and Village to compete alongside one another, build lasting friendships, and learn the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and healthy competition.
As the sun sets on our final full day of Session 2, campers are heading to bed for a well-earned night’s rest before tomorrow’s exciting finale. The Pinnacle Cup Relay awaits, and our team captains have been working hard to ensure every camper has the opportunity to contribute their strengths as each team gives it their all.
We can’t wait to see how Session 2 comes to an exciting close tomorrow!
