A New Week Begins

Glenn Breazeale | Jun. 21, 2021

We enjoyed an action packed weekend at Alpine. Saturday brought a full day of regular activities. We are well into our term schedule at this point so boys are getting into the meat of activities. They are learning and challenging themselves in many, from climbing to shooting, and physical training to the ropes course. Confidence is gained as they learn new skills and feel good about mastering activities that maybe they haven’t done before. Best of all, it’s unplugged from any electronic device!

Saturday afternoon brought the remnants of the tropical depression from the Gulf. Thankfully we only got a steady sprinkle until supper - activities could carry on as normal. And we had been planning a Saturday evening all camp movie in the gym all week. So as the rain quickened we were grateful to be under cover enjoying the sights and sounds of Space Jam. A mid movie snack of milk and Moon pies was enjoyed by all.

Saturday night we all slept to the sound of hard rain on our tin roofs. Sunday we happily awoke to blue skies, reminding us that God’s mercies are new every morning. A late wake up call of 8AM provided for some extra snoozing after a busy week. Sunday morning we attended church in our open air gym. The breeze blew through as we sang hymns and listened to camp minister, William Bondurant, share a sermon from God’s word. Sunday afternoon is reserved for cabin time. It’s a little like family time you might have at home. Believe it or not, this is really the only time of the week where each cabin gets to do something with just their cabin. Some cabins hiked, others played on the field. Our Chief 2’s, rising 10th graders and the oldest in camp, had an important task Sunday afternoon. They spent their time with guides from Higher Ground packing for a 4 day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. They will carry everything they need to live for these next three days - cups, tents, sleeping bags, pots, summer sausage and cheese, stoves, water bottles, and more.

This morning they hiked their packs the first leg, from the cabins to the Dining hall, where a bus awaited them. After fueling up on scrambled eggs, hot grits, sausage, and buttery biscuits they set off on their adventure. The bus would transport them to Winding Stair Gap in Standing Indian, NC where they would disembark and split off into their 4 hiking groups. Over the next 4 days they’ll traverse around 30 miles. They’ll enjoy some beautiful views, eat surprisingly delicious meals, and make some memories that will last a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to make this trip as a camper and as a counselor. There are moments from both that I’ll never forget.

Back in camp the sun was shining and we were off on another great week at camp. By lunchtime we were famished. Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, fried squash, and green salad with diced tomatoes and ranch dressing renewed us. The cool, refreshing bowl of rainbow sherbet was an added bonus! Tonight we dined on spaghetti with meat sauce, buttered toast, and another fresh green salad.

The Hunters (our youngest boys)have an especially fun night program tonight. Richard is sending them on a night hike. They’ll take flashlights and see what sort of bugs and critters they can find along the trail.

Thanks for reading and good night for now, Glenn

Glenn Breazeale
Glenn Breazeale

Like his own father, Glenn grew up as a camper at Alpine for six summers, coming from Jackson, MS each summer. He has served on staff at Alpine since 1997, working full time as Assistant Director from 2003 to 2005 and Director since 2006. Prior to that he gained experience serving in various capacities including cabin counselor, Head Counselor, Head of Project Adventure (Ropes course), Horseback instructor, and Program Director. Glenn’s love of camping and his desire to preserve the traditions of Alpine drew him back to camp to offer young boys the same opportunities he experienced. He met and fell in love with Carter during a Square Dance with Camp DeSoto.