Yesterday morning, seven chartered buses arrived at Alpine Camp, ready to transport eager campers across the Southeast for their highly anticipated trip day. The excitement was palpable as the boys prepared for a day filled with adventure and new experiences. For many, simple pleasures like a Chick-Fil-A lunch felt like a luxurious treat after weeks of camp life.
As the day drew to a close, the campers returned with stories of their adventures, their faces flushed with excitement and their spirits high. The Chief 2’s in particular, had just returned from a challenging but rewarding hiking trip. Despite their tired feet and perhaps a bit of an odor, their enthusiasm was infectious. The weather had been perfect for hiking, with cooler temperatures and no rain, making their journey through the Appalachian mountains all the more enjoyable.
The Hunters’ thrilling day in Chattanooga
The Hunters cabins spent their day exploring the vibrant city of Chattanooga. Their adventure began at the iconic Rock City in Lookout Mountain, GA, where they marveled at the stunning gardens, giant boulders, and breathtaking vistas. After working up an appetite, they descended the mountain to Coolidge Park, where a catered Chick-Fil-A lunch awaited them by the Tennessee River.
The afternoon was dedicated to indoor climbing at the High Point Climbing facility in downtown Chattanooga. With dozens of auto-belayed climbs catering to various skill levels, the boys found their new favorite activity. The day concluded with an IMAX movie downtown before they headed back to camp for a well-deserved pizza supper.
Trappers and Scouts’ adventure at Dollywood
The Trappers and Scouts cabins embarked on a longer trip to the famous Dollywood Amusement Park. The wait was well worth it as they spent the day riding thrilling roller coasters like the Tennessee Tornado and the Wild Eagle. They also braved water rides such as Daredevil Falls and the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, thankfully without any rain to dampen their spirits.
Warriors’ whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River
The Warrior cabins experienced the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River near Murphy, NC. After a sack lunch, they received safety instructions and set off on the cool and refreshing river. The Nantahala Falls provided an exhilarating finale to their rafting adventure. On their way back to camp, they enjoyed a hot pizza dinner at a local park in Murphy.
Braves and Chiefs’ rafting on the Ocoee River
The Braves and first-year Chiefs cabins chose the Ocoee River for their rafting adventure. This dam-controlled river offered more adventurous runs, allowing them to float down the river, surf the rapids, and ride the waves. Both rafting trips were expertly guided by the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) one of the oldest and most reputable guide companies in the Southeast. After their rafting excursion, they headed to The McCallie School in Chattanooga for some swimming and to enjoy Mr. T’s pizza, a local favorite.
A night of dinner and dancing
The fun continued into the night as the ladies from Camp Desoto invited the Hunters, Trappers, and Scouts for a dinner and dance. The boys, ever the gentlemen, reciprocated by hosting the older age groups at their own camp. Mrs. Gail served a delicious buffet dinner featuring chicken fingers, lima beans, mashed potatoes, yeast rolls, and a green salad with diced tomatoes.
Following dinner, everyone made their way to the gym for a good, old-fashioned dance hosted by Thomas Gallagher and Merrick McCool. The duo played a mix of modern dance tunes and classic camp line dance favorites, including Rockin’ Robin and Elvira. The tennis courts were transformed into a social hub with benches and yard games, providing a perfect setting for the campers to mingle and enjoy some water and cookie breaks. It’s safe to say that tomorrow’s outgoing mail will likely include a few more than usual envelopes addressed to PO Box 432 in Mentone!
