Part of the recipe that makes Rockbrook a “place of their own” for our campers is the free time they enjoy each day. There are three blocks of time, before lunch, and both before and after dinner (the two “free swims” and “twilight”), when there are no required, scheduled activities. Instead, the girls can decide for themselves how they might spend that time, perhaps hanging out with their friends, finishing a craft project, exploring the creek by “Curosty,” writing a letter home, playing tennis, chatting with a counselor, or just reading under the big walnut tree on the hill. This is important because the rest of the year is often so tightly scheduled for kids, with school, sports, and other commitments keeping them on the run from one thing to the next— at an almost “job-like” pace. Thank goodness for summer and for camp when our girls can pursue their own interests, at their own pace, and develop their own sense of fun. Of course, it’s pretty easy to enjoy this free time when they are surrounded by the natural beauty of Rockbrook, have tons of good friends to do things with, and can turn in almost any direction for an idea or option to try. But getting in the habit of independently “finding something to do” is a great skill for kids to develop, and something that will certainly help them throughout the year.
The fantastic weather we’ve been having these last few days has kept the equestrian staff happily working hard with lessons every activity period. Some of the afternoon lessons were rained out earlier in the session, but no longer, and there are some great riding skills being shown in the rings. Likewise, we’ve been sending out a lot of adventure trips this week… kayakers to the Green River with Clyde, the Hi-Ups to Dupont Forest for waterfall hopping with Jeff, and shorter day hikes to Rockbrook Falls and Castle Rock with Michelle and the other outdoor adventure staff counselors. These warm and sunny afternoons have also made the lake a popular place to be, and it seems like there are a bunch of girls trying to set a record for trips down the water slide. Add to that all of the regular sports going on— tennis, archery, riflery, gymnastics, alpine tower climbing and gym games —and there are a lot of sweaty girls heading to the lake for the second free swim before dinner.
Tonight after dinner is was time for Disco Mania, a 70s dance party for the whole camp down in our gym. When the word went out to dress up (naturally), the campers and counselors started showing up in their best 70s garb. A few bell-bottoms and platform shoes really set the tone, but we also saw plenty of tie dyes, bright colors and sun glasses. Basically, wearing anything crazy seemed about right. With pumping disco beats, everyone really danced. Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, Blondie, Roxy Music, Diana Ross, and the Jackson Five all made an appearance on the playlist. This was all Rockbrook, all girls (no boys), and definitely all fun.
