In 2021, current Junior Head Counselor Mike Simone came up with an idea. Mike wondered, “Since the Tents have the 100-miler and the 10th graders have the Grand Owegan, what if we created a special “tripping” experience for our youngest Hi-Seniors?” And the 9th grade overnight hike, or “Mike Hike,” was born.

This morning, our 9th graders set out on this long-distance hike, with just the packs on their backs to sustain them for the next 2 days. They are drinking creek water that they filter themselves! How impressive is that? Today, they covered 12 miles of the Thunder Swamp Trail loop. They set up camp for the night, and will wake up bright and early tomorrow morning to trek another 8 miles! It’s summertime, but we still did the math. That’s a grand total of 20 miles! This is a tough hike, but we know these 9th graders can do it. We’ll be cheering them on!

Back in camp, it was a Canteen day — the first one for our second session campers! Everyone lined up, letters in hand, and waited to step up to the door. Eager campers handed over their letters and scurried up to the table to select their snacks. While Canteen is always a highlight for these boys, now is a good time to remind you that Visiting Day is less than 3 days away. If you’ve received lists requesting tons of candy, keep in mind that these boys have not gone without sweet treats for the past month!

Tonight’s evening activities were: Running Radios for Juniors/Inters, Speed Ball for Seniors, and a Cooking Challenge for Hi-Seniors (at least the ones not currently in the midst of a 20-mile hike)!

With Visiting Day so close on the horizon, full session campers are beginning to get very excited to see their families. We have had a string of beautiful days this week, and we are hopeful that Sunday brings more sunshine. Truthfully, though, we know it will be a lovely Visiting Day no matter what the weather brings!