Our first full day of Session 4 officially got underway, and what an exciting day it was! Camp came to life at 7:30 a.m. as campers woke up in their new cabins, surrounded by new friends and ready for the adventures ahead. For many of our campers, this is the very first time they have woken up away from home on their own. Watching them grow in confidence from the moment they wake up is one of the many special parts of camp, and we are so excited to be part of their journey this session.
Before heading to breakfast, each cabin worked together to clean their living spaces according to their cabin contracts. While this may seem like a simple morning chore, it plays an important role in camp life. Working together to make beds, sweep floors, tidy shared spaces, and organize belongings helps campers learn responsibility, teamwork, and respect—not only for their own space but also for everyone they are living alongside. These small daily routines help build lifelong habits while creating a welcoming environment for the whole cabin.
By 8:15 a.m., the breakfast bell rang, and campers eagerly made their way to the dining hall. Every morning at Camp Pinnacle, we enjoy breakfast family-style around our cabin tables, giving everyone the opportunity to catch up on the morning, share stories, and prepare for the exciting day ahead. This morning’s breakfast featured fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, scrambled eggs, and plenty of fresh fruit from our salad bar, giving everyone the energy they needed for a busy day of activities.
At 9:00 a.m., camp gathered for one of our favorite daily traditions—Lakeside! This energetic morning gathering brings the entire camp community together to start the day with excitement and enthusiasm. Campers participated in creative roll calls, sang camp songs, learned some hilarious new dance moves, and filled the morning with plenty of laughter and cheering. Every cabin put incredible effort into their performances, making the competition for the coveted BOSS (Bag of Some Stuff) award especially tough. Today’s winners were Hiwassee, who wowed everyone with a creative parody of a popular song, rewriting the lyrics to celebrate everything that makes their cabin special. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork earned them a well-deserved victory! We also officially welcomed every cabin to Session 4 as our Head Counselors and co-hosts introduced themselves with an entertaining dance battle that had the entire camp laughing and cheering.
After Lakeside, our Squirrels cabins had an especially exciting adventure today as they headed out on the very first day hikes of Session 4. Guided by our fantastic trip leaders, these four cabins explored the beautiful mountains of North Carolina surrounding Camp Pinnacle. Along the trails, campers enjoyed breathtaking scenery, discovered native plants and wildlife, and experienced the beauty of nature firsthand. For many campers, this was their first mountain hike, making the experience even more memorable. These trips provide opportunities to build confidence, encourage one another, and appreciate the incredible natural environment that makes Camp Pinnacle such a special place.
Back at camp – it was time for our other cohorts to get involved with their first two activity periods of the session, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Cabins traveled together with their counselors to experience both new and familiar activities across camp. Whether climbing, creating, exploring, or learning a new skill, these first activity periods are about much more than simply trying something new.
Every activity begins with fun name games and icebreakers, allowing campers to get to know not only their fellow cabin mates but also the incredible counselors leading each activity. With staff members representing six different continents, campers have the opportunity to learn about cultures, traditions, and experiences from around the world. These shared experiences help cabins grow closer together and begin building friendships that often last well beyond the summer.
At 12:30 p.m., the lunch bell rang, and campers made their way back to the dining hall. Lunch is served buffet-style with free seating, giving everyone the chance to branch out and sit with campers, staff, or siblings they may not normally spend time with during the day. Today’s lunch was grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade tomato soup, tater tots and fruit salad on the side. The kitchen also offered a yummy gluten and dairy free alternative.These meals are another wonderful opportunity to build new friendships and strengthen our camp community.
After lunch, campers headed to their cabins for some well-deserved downtime, where they can chill out with friends, make friendship bracelets, read a book or even take a nap to recharge.
At 2:30 it was time for activities to kick start once again, where cabins shot arrows at archery in the sun, climbed to the top of our brand new climbing wall and played disc golf at our amazing camp wide disc golf course. Activities continued until 5:30 where it was time for ‘Gym and Swim’, this is the time for campers to hang out with siblings, old and new friends from other cabins and cool off in the lake or play games in the gym before dinner.
Dinner brought one of Camp Pinnacle’s favorite traditions—our famous cookout! At 6:30 p.m., campers enjoyed a delicious buffet-style meal featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon, and all the favorite cookout fixings.
Instead of eating inside the dining hall, everyone spread out across the front lawn overlooking the beautiful Wolfe Lake, enjoying the cool evening air while sharing a meal with friends both old and new. There was plenty of laughter, conversation, and excitement as campers reflected on everything they had already experienced during their first full day. To top it all off, our wonderful WolfePack members served delicious ice cream for dessert, making an already fantastic evening even sweeter.
As the sun began to set, the entire Camp Pinnacle family gathered for one of our most meaningful traditions—the Opening Campfire. Held in our historic Council Ring around our nearly 100-year-old fire pit, this special evening marks the true beginning of each session.
Together we sang camp songs, laughed through entertaining skits performed by our counselors, listened to stories, and reflected on the exciting journey that lies ahead over the next two weeks. Campers were encouraged to think about the people they hope to become by the end of the session—whether that means becoming more confident, trying something new, making lasting friendships, or stepping outside their comfort zones. These personal goals remind us that camp is about much more than activities; it is about growth, community, and discovering our best selves.
After one final stop for milk and cookies, campers returned to their cabins to get ready for bed. As lights went out across camp, everyone drifted off to sleep after an incredible first full day, already looking forward to everything tomorrow has in store. Session 4 is off to a fantastic start, and we cannot wait to see what the rest of the session brings!
