Weekends during a camp session divert from the usual days full of skill classes and evening games. There are still games, including Sunday afternoon’s epic Sock War. This is basically a gigantic game of Capture the Flag played all over camp, where each tribe hides their flag on a side of camp. Strategies are created and scouting and attacking parties are sent out to find and bring home the other tribe’s flag while avoiding being hit with sawdust filled socks. If hit, they are out and have to report to home base to become alive and eligible to play again. We see ghillie suits (where kids basically look like walking shrubbery and trees!) and tons of camo for Sock War.
Another awesome weekend activity is camping out. Girls camped out last night and guys are in the woods this evening (Saturday). As with all Strong Rock Camp program elements, camp outs are purposeful, and of course, fun! Many kids never get the opportunity to sleep outside, and though some are reluctant, even if they don’t find that it’s their favorite camp activity, they’re proud of themselves for doing it! The majority do love it, because there’s something magical about cooking your own dinner and then sitting around a fire, hanging out with friends. Often a counselor will bring a guitar and song time will ensue.
There are shelters at every camp site in case of rain, though they are open, and they allow hanging of hammocks or a raised, dry space for a sleeping bag. The sounds of the night are good for the soul. One of my favorite stories is when a middle grade age camper asked her counselor, Buttercup, if the sound she was hearing was a moose. Buttercup told her she was okay, it was just a bull frog! The time cabin groups spend together camping out and playing with each other solidifies relationships, and I always look forward to the increased din in the dining hall Sunday afternoon and evening. There really is a noticeable difference in the volume of laughter and noise in general week one over week two. These kids really know their cabinmates and counselors now and have had a chance to get used to life without technology. A lot of the good stuff happens in week two!
All is currently quiet on the walkie talkie, which bodes well for a peaceful night of guys camping out. Tomorrow we’ll look forward to having church together, and then on to SOCK WAR!!