Staff were up bright and early at 7:00am, making the final preparations around camp to ensure everything looked its very best for the arrival of our Session 3 campers. Cabins were given a final tidy, activity areas were spruced up, and the excitement could be felt across camp as everyone eagerly awaited the start of another incredible session. After breakfast, staff spread out across camp to welcome families, ready to greet returning campers with familiar smiles and first-time campers with an unforgettable first impression.
Throughout the morning, more than 260 campers rolled through our front gates, filling camp with excitement, laughter, and plenty of reunions. Families said their goodbyes as campers settled into their home away from home, reconnecting with old friends while meeting many new ones who will soon become lifelong memories. Our counselors then escorted campers to their cabins, where they unpacked their bags, organized their bunks, learned cabin expectations, and spent time getting to know their cabin mates and counselors.
At 12:00pm, everyone gathered in the dining hall for their first meal together of the session. Lunch featured a delicious buffet of crispy chicken tenders, fries, fresh fruit, and a salad bar.
Following lunch, our Wolfe Pack Year 1 campers headed off to DuPont State Forest for their first day hike of the session. This annual experience marks the beginning of their leadership journey at Pinnacle, providing time to reflect, set personal intentions, and challenge themselves as they prepare for the season ahead. Throughout the session, the Wolfe Pack program encourages campers to grow as confident leaders who positively impact those around them, strengthening not only our camp community but also the communities they return to long after the summer ends.
After lunch, campers met with their neighbourhoods for one of the most important parts of opening day. During these meetings, Head Counselors welcomed everyone and covered everything campers need to know to feel comfortable around camp, including dinner procedures and announcement songs, where to find the bathrooms, showers, and Health Centre, housekeeping expectations, and how to send and receive letters from home. It was a great opportunity for campers to ask questions and become more familiar with their new surroundings.
The afternoon was packed with activities designed to help everyone settle in and start making new friendships. Cabins gathered for their first official cabin photo together before rotating through a variety of team-building activities. Campers took part in Sky Park Olympics, where they learned how to correctly fit their harnesses and helmets in preparation for climbing adventures later in the session, while others enjoyed energetic field games with their cabins. Although heavy rain arrived during the afternoon, the fun didn’t stop. Activities were quickly moved into the gym and the Shadium, where campers continued playing games and getting to know one another under cover. Swim evaluations were postponed due to the weather and will be completed as soon as conditions allow.
At 6:00 p.m., the entire camp gathered to learn about our emergency procedures so everyone understands how we keep campers safe throughout the session. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a refreshing fruit break before heading to dinner at 6:30pm. Tonight’s menu featured chicken and broccoli Alfredo pasta, homemade garlic knots, roasted mushrooms and peppers, and a delicious serving of tiramisu for dessert. As always, our kitchen team prepared vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options to ensure every camper had something they could enjoy.
The excitement continued into the evening with our first all-camp evening program, Toy Story Trial. Campers dressed up in their best Toy Story-themed outfits before heading around camp with their cabins, exploring different locations and taking part in fun mini-games and challenges. It was the perfect way to break the ice, laugh together, and begin building strong cabin friendships.
Before heading to bed, each cabin gathered for their very first Evening Circle. This special time allows campers to reflect on the day by sharing their highs and lows, funny moments, and appreciating one another. Counselors also completed nightly safety checks and helped everyone get settled in for bed.
With lights out at 9:45 p.m., campers were ready for a well-earned night’s sleep after an exciting first day. Tomorrow the real adventure begins with a full schedule of activities across camp, along with the first day hikes of the session. We can’t wait to share more of the memories your campers will make over the next two weeks!
