Term Ending Traditions

Glenn Breazeale | Jun. 25, 2025

Tonight will be our last “regular” night program. Age groups will be scattered all throughout camp playing spotlight and capture the flag and extreme 4 square. Tomorrow night we’ll have our Final Banquet program in the gym, a special camp tradition for sure. We will hand out activity awards for many of the term ending tournaments and competitions.

Speaking of which, I served as the honorary starter for the Alpine Disc Golf Masters this week, sadly slicing one to the right of target. I think they just asked me because I’m old. Age groups have been competing all week for low scores on the course. Carter and I even followed a Chief class for the last several holes and got to see one camper shoot a very special -15 (It’s an 18 hole course and every hole is a par 3).

Tennis classes have been whittling down to the finals for each age group in the Alpine Open. It’s fun to watch cabins and friends out on the courts cheering on their buddies in these hard fought matches.

On the other end of the spectrum, Minor Sports is hosting a Petanque tournament. It’s a gentlemen’s game and collared shirts are encouraged :) Petanque is Bocce Ball, we just like the “fancy” term better. The last two teams standing will play the finals tomorrow during Store period on the Dining Hall lawn. There is usually quite a large crowd of onlookers.

Many other competitions are taking place around camp. Climbing awards will be given. Alpine’s strongest man will be named from among the older campers who take physical training. Team sports will give awards for sportsmanship. Several other activities will give awards for non competitive traits like integrity and humility.

Last night Carter and I hosted our Chief 2 campers at our home for a steak dinner and fellowship. We so enjoyed our conversations and laughter with these boys discussing their years at camp. I particularly love asking them about their trip on the Appalachian trail and hearing the various tales.

I also love this last week for the ease of pace that camp takes on. Boys are comfortable. Friendships are secure. It feels like this is the reason we host a month term. Camp feels like home at this point, the good and the bad. Counselors have built strong relationships with their campers and can speak into their lives in unique ways.

Tomorrow we ask for no visitors in camp. We have some special activities planned for the morning and some cabin times in the afternoon. We’ll also take care of some of the necessities like packing and doling out lost and found. Parents, we look forward to welcoming you Friday morning at 7:30 when the gates open.

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.