timberlake Newsletters

It’s a magical time at Timberlake – it’s Small Camp! We have two adventures going on – the older half of camp (12, 13, & 14 year olds) are out on trips while the younger half (9,10, & 11 year olds) are in camp experiencing a bit of camp magic.  

Out on the trail, the older campers are hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing. They left Thursday afternoon and we expect them back on Sunday. Trips can always be a wave of emotions for our campers – a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. Campers spend almost 36 hours preparing for their trips, from their first evening of bonding with their group to physical pack out. We talk a lot about how trips are a mix of type 1 and type 2 fun: 

• Type 1 fun are things that are just fun in the moment 
• Type 2 fun are the things that are not fun in the moment but make great stories later. 

Trips have opportunities for just pure fun – seeing an epic view, playing games after dinner, exploring areas campers have never seen before. It’s also an opportunity for type 2 fun – their feet might be a bit wetter than they’d like, they might be a bit more sore and tired, and they are going to the bathroom in the woods. This mix is classic TL – big adventure with a dash of discomfort that makes all our campers stronger and the accomplishments sweeter.  

Here in camp, the younger ones are enjoying more space in the dining hall, more time with Atlas, and a feeling of being the “big kids.” Last night we played Stagecoach, an All-Camp-Game with so many painted “gold” rocks and an epic competition between bandits and prospectors. After campers got to use their winnings to bid for great prizes like first in line for dessert last night, a sleepover with camp dog Atlas, and the ability to choose the songs we sing in the morning. Tonight is cabin cookout – classic hot dogs and s’mores with some cabin time.  

This session has been a bit drier than last, and we’re appreciating every minute of it! So many adventures left to have here at Timberlake in the coming weeks! Camp magic is real, y’all.  

*Read more about our official storm update HERE*

The Vermont weather has been an even more intense version of "Vermont Weather." While the world around us has been swirling (literally and figuratively), Timberlake has remained true to itself. The rain has been steady, but our spirits remain high. We have encountered a few more streams than we're used to and enjoyed a few more slip 'n slide adventures around camp (including a great pre-breakfast one today). The rain has given us opportunities to test our shelter building skills (which, for some, continue to evolve), splash in the ponds, build small dams, and dance and play in the rain. We are adjusting our activities to keep the camp magic alive, and after our rainy play, we ensure that all Timberlakers have cocoa, towels, and dry clothes to stay healthy. 

This morning, our activity areas have adapted tothe rain. Campers are: 

• Climbing the chimney in Ken's Lodge and bouldering in our bouldering room. 

• Learning about food systems in our new barn and possibly making ice cream. 
• Creating pinch pots and throwing pots on the wheels in Arts. 
• Playing a very on-brand card game, GoFish, at the waterfront with their crew. 
• Engaging in shelter building near our main lodge, close to a big fire and snacks. 

Our staff have adjusted their plans to minimize running on our trails and keep the campers engaged. I'm looking forward to heading up after this to update our songbooks with a few campers.This morning, we sang rainy classics like "Unwritten" and "Umbrella" during Silent Meeting in the Upper Lodge while Atlas kept a few campers occupied. Timberlake feels like Timberlake. 

On a different note, I've been with Timberlake since 2007 and have experienced rainy summers and unexpected challenges. Rest assured that my staff are well-trained, our systems are efficient, and we are taking good care of your children. Farm &Wilderness is fully equipped to support Timberlake and all the other camps. This unexpected adventure is one we have prepared for. While I know that all my Timberlake campers are not my own children, I want you to know that right now, they are mine on your behalf. I will ensure they are well-fed, warm, laughing, and supported. Camp Magic is real, even when the weather feels less magical.

What an incredible first day. After weeks of preparation, campers FINALLY arrived at Timberlake and begun their incredible journey. Staff spent nearly three weeks cleaning camp, learning our traditions, and gaining the skills needed to take care of our kiddos. They were more than ready when the first car rolled up! 

Arrival day is always a bit of a whirlwind. Our counselors were eagerly waiting at the Trading Post singing camp songs and gearing up to welcome each and every camper. After settling into their cabins, campers participated in a series of ice-breaker activities and team-building exercises, touring the camp and learning the structure of a TL day. These activities helped them get to both know one another and the camp itself, fostering a sense of camaraderie and a feeling of home.  

After sharing a hearty pasta dinner, campers returned to their cabins to roast s’mores and write cabin contracts: an agreed upon list of rules and credos to share for their time living together. They went over camp vocabulary, had a peak at the schedule, and laid the foundation for a great time in their cabin.   

On their first full day, campers rotated through each of our activity areas: Arts, Barns & Gardens, Outdoor Living Skills, Rocks & Ropes, Waterfront, and Work Projects. We call this day “The Hook” because it’s up to staff to prove to each camper why their area is the best and a place they would want to spend time in.  

I say this every summer, and every summer so far I’ve been right: this is going to be the best summer yet. Thanks for your partnership and trust and remember: camp magic is real, y’all.  

Chat Soon,

W