Weekend News from Alpine
I haven’t posted in a few days - we’ve been too busy having fun out in camp! As far as night programs go, this weekend exceeded expectations. Friday night we brought sleeping bag or blanket and a pillow to the gym for an outdoor movie showing of the Incredibles (in anticipation of the sequel when they get home!). It was a perfect break after a full 3 days of activities. And to top it off, a mid movie snack of good old fashioned Moon Pies. Saturday night held the evening everyone waits for: Mission Impossible!!
Mission Impossible is what boys look forward to all year. For those of you wondering why we have camoflauge on our packing list, this is why. It’s an all camp game of spotlight, played by cabins. The head counselors serve as Maxes, doling out each cabin’s first assignment and password.The ultimate goal is to find whatever has been stolen from camp earlier that day. I should mention that the stealing takes place in an elaborate skit that is almost as anticipated as the game itself. It’s all a surprise so the skit brings elated screams. In this case the camp’s store of Moon Pies were taken, a terrible travesty!
Once the game begins, cabins are trying to get clues from the good agents and avoid being spotted by the bad agents. Get caught by a bad agent and the cabin must start over at their Max for a new mission. Eventually we all rejoice as the stolen camp item or person is recovered!
Thankfully Sunday’s plans are a bit slower, again much needed after a full weekend. We finish off our Sabbath evenings with Vespers services in each cabin area. Tonight the Hunter 1’s will meet at the O’Ferrall’s home and Mrs. O will give a devotional, followed by milk and cookies before bed. At Alpine Sundays are a beautiful respite from the normal routine, a day set apart. I’ll try to give you a brief taste.
Sunday breakfast is the stuff of legends. Mrs. Gail (and her mom, Mrs. Crow, before her) have a coveted pancake recipe. Arriving at the dining hall to a piping hot stack of pancakes, sausage, fruit, etc is a great way to start a Sunday morning. Lane Park, a professional photographer and friend from Chattanooga, arrived just after breakfast, multiple cameras around her neck. She shot each cabin, with counselors, and then individuals for each camper. You’ll receive those prints on closing day as a keepsake from their time. Boys dress in Alpine whites, complimented by a red or blue neckerchief, bound together by a leather Alpine slide. It’s a throwback for sure, but boys look sharp when they’re all in uniform together for church and the cabin picture. At least for an hour or two until those whites turn various shades of dirt and mud.
This afternoon boys enjoyed some special activities, selected by our Program Director, Malcolm Saxon, within their age group. Capture the Flag, Extreme 4 Square, an afternoon at Little River and more! We finished off a fine Sunday afternoon with fresh cut, cold watermelon on the Team sports field.
In between photos and afternoon games we squeezed in church and lunch. Our open air church service in the gym is accessible for all ages. Our goal is not so much that boys will see or hear some amazing service and remember every word, a mountain top high so to speak. But more that they will see church as a normal, healthy part of life, fellowship with other believers. And that if these cool, college age counselors think it’s important then they will too. Another tradition is our after church Sunday lunch, fashioned after a Sunday lunch you might have had at your grandmother’s after church back in the day. Fried chicken, green beans, rice and gravy, sliced pears, water and sweet tea filled our plates.
Be on the lookout in your inbox tomorrow for an email from camp with Closing Day Information for this coming Wednesday, June 6. Thanks for reading and good night for now, Glenn
