What a wonderful way to kick off our final session of the summer! Session 4 is officially underway, and today we welcomed 248 incredible campers through the Camp Pinnacle gates. While opening day always comes with plenty of excitement, today’s weather decided to keep us on our toes. Thanks to the hard work, flexibility, and enthusiasm of our staff, the day was filled with smiling faces, new friendships, and the perfect start to two unforgettable weeks.
The day began bright and early for our staff, with everyone awake by 6:30am before gathering at 7:00am to put the finishing touches on camp. Cabins were cleaned from top to bottom, activity areas were prepared, luggage stations were organised, and every corner of camp was made ready to welcome our newest campers. After breakfast at 8:30am, staff headed to their opening day positions, ready to greet families with plenty of energy.
Just before arrivals, Mother Nature had other plans as heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings rolled in. Safety is always our highest priority, so we quickly adjusted our arrival procedure. Instead of walking across the bridge to meet their cabins on the front lawn, our first campers were escorted under shelter to the Shadium, where counselors were waiting to give them a warm Camp Pinnacle welcome. We also had campers flying into the local airport, where our fantastic trip leaders were ready to greet them and bring them safely to camp. To avoid families arriving during the worst of the weather, cars were briefly held before making their way through camp.
At 9:00am, arrivals officially began. Campers checked in with our nurses, handed over any medications, completed a quick lice check, received their name tags, and found out which cabin would be their home for the next two weeks. Families had one last opportunity to browse the camp store, snap a final photo together, and share those heartfelt goodbye hugs before campers began their adventure.
The best surprise came just half an hour later when the rain cleared, the clouds parted, and the sunshine made its appearance! We were able to return to our usual opening day tradition, with campers walking across the bridge to meet their cabins on the front lawn. It was wonderful to see everyone laughing, playing games with their new cabin mates, learning names, and racing inside to choose their bunk beds. Within minutes, strangers were becoming friends, and camp already felt like home.
By midday, all 248 campers had arrived, and everyone gathered for their first meal together. Lunch featured a buffet of crispy chicken tenders, fries, mixed stir-fry vegetables, homemade honey mustard and ranch, fresh pineapple chunks, juicy orange slices, and a fully stocked salad bar with plenty of options for every camper. Before everyone tucked in, Camp Director JG Moss introduced new campers to our dining hall traditions and etiquette. Once lunch was finished, the famous clean-up song filled the dining hall, and campers and counselors worked together to clear every table and carry dishes to the dish pit, helping out our amazing kitchen staff while showing that teamwork begins from day one.
After lunch, campers met with their neighbourhoods for the first time. These meetings helped everyone learn where important places around camp are located, including bathrooms and the Health Centre, while also introducing housekeeping expectations and each cohort’s unique call-and-response cheer. These first meetings are a great way to help campers feel comfortable and confident as they begin settling into camp life.
Our Leadership campers headed off on a day hike shortly after lunch, spending quality time together while building friendships and getting to know one another away from the bustle of main camp. Meanwhile, our Hillside campers gathered for their very first cabin photos before rotating through team-building games, cabin sign making, and field games that had everyone laughing together. At the same time, Village campers completed their swim evaluations at the waterfront. At 4:00pm, the groups swapped activities so everyone had the chance to experience both parts of the afternoon.
As the day began to wind down, campers enjoyed a refreshing fruit break at 6:00pm before gathering in the Shadium to learn about Camp Pinnacle’s emergency procedures. These important conversations help everyone understand how we keep camp safe while ensuring campers feel comfortable and prepared throughout their stay.
Dinner at 6:30pm gave everyone another chance to recharge with a hearty creamy broccoli and chicken pasta meal before the excitement continued with our very first evening program of Session 4. This year’s opening game, Inside Out Expedition, brought colourful energy across camp as campers dressed in their funkiest flair and travelled to different activity areas completing Inside Out-themed mini games. Along the way, they explored camp, learned where key locations are, and became even more familiar with their new home.
To finish an incredible first day, cabins gathered together for their first evening circles at 8:30pm. These special moments give campers and counselors time to reflect on the day, celebrate new friendships, share favourite moments, and prepare for all the adventures still to come. By 9:30pm, lights were out, and after a busy day full of excitement, laughter, and new beginnings, camp was quiet as everyone settled in for a well-earned night’s sleep.
We know saying goodbye this morning wasn’t easy, but we hope today’s recap gives you a glimpse into just how quickly campers are settling in. From choosing bunk beds and learning camp traditions to making new friends and sharing plenty of laughs, Session 4 is already off to an amazing start. We can’t wait to share the next two weeks of adventures with you!
