We came across an interesting document the other day while doing some research for the Rockbrook archives that features Nancy Carrier, Rockbrook’s founder. We have mentioned in a previous blog post that Nancy Carrier was instrumental in the creation of The Brevard Music Center and served on it’s board of directors until her death in 1977. Here is a copy of the Music Center’s very first summer series from 1946, featuring a great picture of Mrs. Carrier.
We found some wonderful pictures of Nancy Carrier, Rockbrook’s founder, and her family on a road trip. The photographs are dated from the 1930’s. Nancy is pictured on the left in the first photograph and second from left in the middle photograph. She is also pictured at right taking a photograph. We can only imagine the adventures they had as they all piled into the car and hit the road. Other pictures we found show the same group camping out on a mountain top with a gorgeous view, riding in the car, taking photographs and hiking. It looks like quite an adventure! Nancy Carrier’s adventurous spirit continues today at Rockbrook!
It’s hard to believe the color that has appeared at camp in the last few days! Fall has definitely arrived. We hiked around a bit today and were so impressed with the display of Fall in all it’s glory. The crunching of leaves underfoot as we walked down the line and the sparkle of color reflected in the lake was magical. It’s a special thing to get to watch our beloved Rockbrook as it prepares for it’s winter hibernation.
This past summer, at our spirit fire, a beloved Hi-Up counselor delivered a beautiful speech. The message was summed up as this,”You ladies may wonder if Rockbrook is changing, but girls, I can assure you, it is you who is actually changing.” Returning to the place of our girlhood dreams summer after summer with an ever-evolving eye may suggest a transformation of place. The brush may grow thicker and directors come and go, but the spirit of camp remains constant. Just as Rockbrook changes lives, life changes Rockbrook.
The world can teach us so much. During our last Alumnae reunion, Phyllis Shaw, former hiking guide and “CT”, lead a hike to Quinton Falls. The ladies trekked into lush landscape and toward cascading mountain water. Nature reveals to us a parallel between the wonders of the natural world and who we are as Rockbrook girls. Just as water grooves its own path in the earth, year after year, Rockbrook sends girls into the world, confident and inspired to forge their own way in the world.
Our friends from Camp Carolina dropped by the office the other day with a wonderful gift- a Rockbrook Camp record! These records were made in the 60’s and 70’s and were mailed out with the Rockbrook Catalog. It features 11 popular camp songs of the era. All of the voices on the record are the winners of the old song contest. We still sing most of these songs at camp today!
To listen to some current camp songs visit the song section of our website. Have fun singing along!
During the recent Rockbrook reunion there were several sets of Mothers and Daughters in attendance. It was such a special experience for Moms and Daughters to finally get to be campers together, sharing bunk beds, singing camp songs and dining around the green tables in the dining hall.
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During the activity portion of the reunion there were lots of Mother and Daughter sets spotted sliding into the lake on the water slide, hiking together, playing tennis or making crafts. Overall though, the favorite experience for everyone was just sharing time with their loved ones in such a special place. Sharing the gift of Rockbrook with your daughter is definitely the gift that lasts a lifetime.
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The years drifted away during the recent Rockbrook Reunion weekend as old friends reconnected in the heart of a wooded mountain. For some women it was their first trip back to Rockbrook in more than 40 years but it did not take a moment to find a friend and jump right back to where they left off. The joy on everyone’s faces as they saw their old friends was magical!
We will post more stories and memories from the reunion soon. It was a spectacular weekend filled with fun!