We might call it a “regular” day around here, but for the girls who just arrived, today’s first full day of Rockbrook activities was anything but ordinary. Today was the first day to jump feet first into camp life and all that it offers. And compared with life at home, this meant jumping into all sorts of new experiences.
New places to wake up— in a rustic wooden cabin, cooled by mountain air, and filled with the sounds of forest birds and drowsy cabinmates stirring. New things to eat— the warm bowl of secret-recipe oatmeal with fresh berries, nuts, granola and brown sugar for breakfast, and the surprise mid-morning snack, a freshly baked cookies and cream muffin. New creatures to find on your walk down to the lake, like the tiny ring-neck snake dashing off to hide under some leaves. New smells— the earthy leather saddles on horses, the smoky campfire ready for marshmallows, and fresh mint growing in the garden. And so many points of natural beauty all around us— the bright granite face of Castle Rock high above camp, the sparkling creek tumbling behind the weaving cabin, the massive trees, delicate ferns, and blooming wildflowers popping up, just to name a few. Camp life is new and wonderful.
It’s also packed with action, with nearly 30 different activity options. After making their selections, every corner of camp seemed to hum with the energy of girls flipping in gymnastics, climbing the alpine tower, and zipping through the trees on the zipline. They were smacking tennis balls, bouncing basketballs, and swinging tetherballs. They were swimming and paddling kayaks in the lake. They were weaving on looms and stringing colorful beads onto necklaces. They were shooting arrows and aiming rifles. They were painting, gluing, and collaging paper, exploring what they might make with simple materials. They were hugging horses and chickens, jumping off the diving board and gliding down the waterslide during the free swim period. At other times, they were simply relaxing and soaking it all in.
Most remarkable, and wonderful, is all the laughter of the day. Being surrounded by all these new experiences and activities, and being joined by so many easy friends, we can’t help but laugh and smile. We’re chatting all the time, telling stories, and whooping at every success (nice cartwheel!). We’re enthusiastic about wearing a costume whether it’s diamonds or denim. When kindness sets the tone— and it does at Rockbrook —it’s easy to be silly and find yourself having fun in the moment, laughing and singing, clapping along to whatever the group is doing. Meals in the dining hall are a daily example of this with hilarious cheers, dance numbers, and songs with hand motions. Yes, we’re eating, but it’s also a party, three times a day.
By the end of the day, camp life is already feeling good, less new and more familiar. The girls seem to understand better that this place is different. It’s beautiful and relaxing, thrilling and silly, playful and friendly, here for them to explore.
It’s very different from home. But that’s entirely the point.
Great description. I loved reading this. In every pic I’ve seen, my daughter has a smile. Thank you!