For Rapids that Flow
This afternoon the Warriors (rising 7th graders) visited one of the most beautiful spots in camp, the rapids below our dam. If you haven’t been to camp, our usual waterfront and canoeing classes all happen above our dam. It really creates a small lake like body of water, smooth like a lake but much more clear due to the moving water. Below, the moving water flows over the dam and tumbles over rocks and ledges. A little farther down several deeper spots create perfect little pools for swimming. The Rabbit Run trail (creatively named because it heads off behind Rabbit Run cabin) meanders parallel along the river. At one point an offshoot trail leads down to a sandy beach area providing easy access to the rapids. By the way, we call them rapids because that’s traditionally what they’ve been called. They are very calm and in no way large, dangerous rapids, waist deep in most places. Our waterfront director checks them out before each trip and lifeguards each time along with several other lifeguards.
A couple times a week our program director, Roderick Russ, announces a “block” schedule at lunch. In lieu of regular activities each age groups gets to do a special activity. Hence the rapids for the Warriors. Other groups swam at the pool, played floor hockey, and a few other field games.
I’ve mentioned our program director and waterfront director. I think our people are what make Alpine so special so I’d like to tell you about a few over the term. Roderick Russ lives in Nashville with his wife, Tricia, and his five children. His three boys have all been campers, his youngest Mac still camping now. Roderick teaches and coaches at Montgomery Bell Academy. He’s an elder at his church. He also runs faster and farther than most anyone else I know. He’s been around Alpine for many years, beginning with his first two summers, 1992 and 1993, when he was my counselor at camp. The program director plans and executes the daily schedule. In other words, Roderick brings the fun every day!
Bailey Adams is our 2nd Term waterfront director. His wife Rachel is one of our camp nurses for part of the summer. They have three children and live on campus at the McCallie School where Bailey teaches in the middle school. Bailey is one of my oldest friends from growing up in Jackson, MS and is a large reason I began camping at Alpine.
Tonight the Braves (rising 8th) are camping out under the stars by cabin, in our various campsites on the outskirts of camp. The weather looks great for them. A fire with friends, roasting hot dogs and s’mores, is one of life’s small pleasures I think. My guess is that someone took a guitar and they’ll sing a little bit, laugh a lot, and sleep to the rhythmic sound of the cicadas.
Other groups are out in camp enjoying various night activities with their age group. Earlier this evening we enjoyed a taco night buffet. We filed through two buffet lines complete with chips, ground beef,rice,grated cheese,lettuce,sliced tomatoes,salsa, and sour cream. Then we carried plates outside the dining hall to eat with friends. It cooled off nicely and made for a great dinner out.
All is well at camp. Thanks for reading and good night for now, Glenn
