For Rapids that Flow
I was going to post the below blog last evening when we lost internet during a nice summer storm. I’m guessing many of you had the same storm blow through as it swept across most of the Southeast region. I’m happy to report that all campers were in the Dining Hall for the duration of the storm and everyone is fine, no worse for the prolonged Taco buffet. It was one of those grand camp nights where spontaneity reigns. Counselors led songs, stories, and even a Scavenger hunt for items within the Dining Hall. It will probably be one of the most memorable nights for many of your boys that would have never happened if not for a stormy inconvenience.
We are off to bed early tonight because tomorrow is Trip Day!!! We’ll rise early, eat a hearty breakfast and be off on chartered buses for our adventures. Probably won’t have another update tonight. We’ll give you all the details of our fun trips upon our return. I’m also happy to report that we’ve had no news from our Appalachian hikers, which is good news. They did have the same system move through yesterday afternoon - our Higher Ground guides are very adept at seeking safe shelter. Having not heard from them, we know they are once again on the move today, enjoying a cool, crisp day in the mountains of NC.
OK, here’s last night’s post:
The Little River flows atop Lookout Mountain for it’s entire course, holding the distinction as the longest river in North American that flows completely on top of a Mountain. It eventually empties into Weiss Lake near Gadsden, AL but not before carving out the largest canyon east of the Mississippi River. Little River Canyon is located south of us, and south of where the two forks of the river merge to create such a natural wonder. We are located on the west fork of the river. With a dam at our waterfront we are grateful to claim one of the widest portions of the river, perfect for swimming and canoeing.
When I was a camper all we did was swim in the river. Over the years camp has added quite a few “toys” down there. It started with a tower, a necessary launching point for a 100 foot water zipline. Holding onto bike like handle bars, the zip carries you on a gradual descent into the river. Boys get to enjoy two Wet Willie Water slides, both 50 feet in length and made out of canvas. We pump water from the river in a hose up to the top to slick it up for a fun ride before a fast plunge into the river. All campers and staff wear PFD’s during any river activity.
Last summer we replaced our old Aqua jump and Blob and added a rope swing. The swing is attached to the Aqua jump (a trampoline like circle anchored in the middle of the river).
Below the dam are rapids that flow over rocks and around boulders. They create a wonderful backdrop for the boys who live in the Canyon cabin area at night, yet another natural noisemaker. And for the boys who take Waterfront as an activity, there is nothing quite like the day when they get to visit the rapids. In Waterfront, boys get to do all the above mentioned activities to their heart’s content. And what still holds the number one place is the day they get to visit the rapids. I love that we have all these nice man made elements and yet the boys’ favorite is still what God has made below the dam. For the past few days boys have been venturing below the dam to check out the scenery and swim in the rapids.
Adam Webb directs our Waterfront, Canoeing, Kayak, and pool activities this term. Adam is a teacher, formerly at St. Nicholas School in Chattanooga. He is soon to be the new Admissions Director for Day students at the McCallie School. Adam checks the rapids every day before the boys go down to make sure the levels are safe. He sets up very clear boundaries and takes lifeguards to surround the area. And of course boys are in PFD’s. You’ve probably seen some great photos of your boys enjoying their time below the dam over the past few days.
