Alpine Opens Gates for 60th Summer!
Subtropical storm Alberto could not dampen the spirits of 241 campers and 70 counselors as Alpine opened it’s gates for it’s 60th summer high atop Lookout Mountain. At 8AM a line of cars, trucks, and SUV’s poured into camp for several hours this morning, boys excitedly jumping out of vehicles. These junior campers hail from 70 different cities and towns, from New York to Florida, DC to Texas. Many returned as veterans, anxious to reconnect with old friends. Even more unpacked trunks for a first time at Alpine, a little bit nervous, a very normal feeling.
By 8:30 gladiator balls were being slapped and tetherballs spun, even through a light drizzle that sometimes turned more intense for a few minutes. As parents said goodbyes, hugged momma one last time, and made promises to write, counselors began to talk about all the fun plans they have in store. Jr. Camp had begun.
My name is Glenn Breazeale. My wife Carter and I operate and direct Alpine. We are a 2nd generation family run camp. Carter’s parents, Dick and Alice O’Ferrall, no strangers to many of you, operated camp forever and ever. Dick opened Alpine’s first summer on this very property (at least some of it) in 1959 with a few counselors and about 50 campers, mostly from his hometown of Jackson, MS. The Lord has graciously blessed this place over 60 years. And Dick will be the first to tell you that it has been a work of the Lord, not him or anyone else.
I myself am a 2nd generation Alpiner. My dad camped in the early 60’s. I spent 6 happy summers under these same trees in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Carter and I have twin girls, age 12, who love camp as well. We are so grateful that you would entrust your sons with us over these next 9 days. With this blog we hope to give you a small peak into what we are doing each day. And perhaps a little more insight into Alpine and why we do what we do.
First things first, food. We take our meals seriously around here. The first lunch is a camp tradition. Today held true, as we feasted on homemade chicken and dumplings, steamed corn and peas, green salad with chopped tomatoes, and flaky, hand formed, butter basted bite size biscuits (they are as good as any biscuit you’ve had, I promise!). Mrs. Gail, our head cook, served red jello for dessert on this first day, just like her mother Mrs. Crow did for over 40 summers. Mrs. Crow always told Dick that the jello helped settle nervous boys’ stomachs. She’s probably right! This evening we enjoyed turkey sandwiches with all the usual toppings, chips, apples, and brownies.
The rain continued in the afternoon in much the same way as this morning. Light drizzle for a while, a few minutes of downpour, and then a reprieve for a while. Late this afternoon the sun even came out!! As I walked out of the dining hall I actually spotted a few patches of blue sky and white, puffy clouds, a welcome sight.
And guess what your boys did this afternoon? They played in the rain and the mud. Outside, with new friends and no electronic devices. And had a blast! And then they took a warm shower before dinner. As I type this all of camp is cheering each other on in 2018’s inaugural summer games of Slaughterball. This is Alpine’s version of dodgeball.
We also accomplished a few housekeeping items throughout the day. Each cabin met with our camp doctors, Josh and Ginger Menendez, to talk about how best to stay healthy during the term. Josh is a neurosurgeon, Ginger a pediatrician, in Birmingham. Josh camped and worked at Alpine for quite a few summers. They even logged one summer as newlyweds on staff before starting med school years ago.
Each cabin stopped by our camp store to pick up the Alpine gear you ordered for them. Our store staff checked sizes and penned names in all items. Carter and I posted ourselves at the store all afternoon knowing it would give us a chance to greet every camper. For the record, we didn’t see one tear all afternoon. No doubt there will be boys who are a little homesick these first few days. We actually met with the whole camp after lunch to discuss that and a few other things. I told them that missing home was perfectly normal (it’s great you have someone or something at home to miss) and that the best cure for homesickness was to talk with their counselor about it. We also talked about Alpine being a safe place, a place where we don’t keep secrets, and a place where every boy can feel comfortable being who he is. I emphasized that if anyone in camp ever says or does anything that makes them uncomfortable or seems inappropriate they should tell an adult. Pretty soon your boys will make their way back to cabins for a Bible devotional led by their counselors and a good night’s rest. Thanks again for making this investment in your boys. Thanks for reading and good night for now, Glenn
