Trip Day Update
Below is an update from Ben Kenna, who coordinates our Trip Days. First a few words about our day today. It’s been hot but a bit more breezy today, so more pleasant. This morning we slept late, getting up just in time for breakfast, a much needed extra rest after a full day out. With the late Reveille, we attended Morning watch after breakfast and then two activities before lunch. For lunch we enjoyed meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, steamed broccoli, and cornbread.
This afternoon brought Block periods! Age groups were scattered about camp playing various team games and also getting to spend time at the Waterfront or pool. Tonight the Kitchen Boys had a break so we picnicked outside with a hamburger buffet, baked beans, and all the fixin’s.
After a long Trip Day, a Friday night all camp movie was the perfect way to end our day tonight. Plus, we are resting up as we just might be hosting a special party tomorrow night! (Details tomorrow night).
Here’s Ben’s update:
Yesterday morning six big charter buses rolled into Camp.
The Hunters loaded their bus for a day full of fun activities in Chattanooga. They started their day at the beautiful Rock City Gardens. There they enjoyed walking the trails through the gardens and took in one of the most scenic views in the entire southeast, as they were able to see seven states from the overlook at Rock City. From there they headed down into the valley of Chattanooga. After enjoying a delicious hamburger from Cheeburger Cheeburger, the Hunters spent the afternoon rock climbing at High Point Climbing & Fitness, and finished the afternoon by watching the IMAX movie “Humpback Whales” at the Tennessee Aquarium. After their IMAX experience, the Hunters enjoyed some delicious pizza from Mr. T’s and headed home.
The Hunters weren’t the only ones who had a full schedule of trip day plans. The Trappers headed out to Atlanta and spent the morning touring Turner Field. There they were able to sit in the Braves dugout, take in the view from the press box, and even got see some historical artifacts such as the bat and ball Hank Aaron used to hit his 715th homerun. After eating a sack lunch, the Trappers headed to tour the World of Coke. They were able to open happiness as they entered the vault of the Coca-Cola secret formula, got a behind the scenes glimpse of the bottling process, and were able to taste different soft drinks from around the globe. If you have a Trapper, be sure to get his thoughts on the Italian drink Beverly. From the World of Coke, we then headed next door to the Georgia Aquarium. The boys were amazed at the big size of the whale sharks and manta rays. Who knew a Manta Ray can grow to be 23 feet wide?! After the aquarium, the Trappers enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner on the way home.
The Scouts spent the day in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee as they enjoyed their day at Dollywood, seeking all sorts of fast thrills. Campers returned proudly exclaiming that they’d ridden rides like the Tennessee Tornado and the Wild Eagle!
It was off to white water raft for our older age groups. The Warriors headed to the Nantahala River for their rafting trip. After enjoying a sack lunch, they were briefed with safety instructions and off they went. The Nantahala is near Murphy, NC and is a perfect beginner rapids course. The river is cool and refreshing and Nantahala Falls, at the end, provides a big thrill. On their way home they enjoyed a piping hot pizza dinner at Papa’s Pizza in Murphy, NC. For most boys, whooshing down the river rapids was the highlight of the day. Others couldn’t stop talking about how delicious the pizza was.
For the Braves and first year Chiefs, it was down the Ocoee River. They enjoyed floating down the river, surfing the rapids, and riding the waves. The Ocoee is a dam controlled river with more adventurous runs. After their rafting adventure, they headed to The McCallie School in Chattanooga for some swimming and Mr. T’s pizza.
All in all, it was a great day and the boys had a lot of fun.
