TimberTales

Picking up speed for summer

2008-03-13T14:02:00.003-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - This is going to be awesome!

It dawned on me today that though I have mentioned a lot about the improvements to camp that have been done this fall and winter I still haven't posted any pictures on the blog. So if you will look up to the corner of this post you will notice some really cool shots of our new cabin, Greybeard (Can't you just picture Will Byrd or Bubba duck hanging out on the front porch?) Then I have some great pictures of Spencer's Green (and the rock at Spencer's green which is really cool). Our plan is to build a huge, multi-sided climbing wall right behind the rock so the folks waiting to climb can hang out on it. Spencer's Green actually has another little field above it (which has a fantastic view of the southernmost mountains in Black Mountain). Then there is the new archery range and pavilion. No longer will archery have to stop when the rains come. Oh no, they will be able to continue the shooting while remaining nice and dry. The range is actually extended as well! Then we have a new riflery range cleared and ready to build a new pavilion. Strangely enough It looks almost exactly like the old riflery range at this point though I am sure a new pavilion will change that because the old one was starting to show its age. We have done some other stuff as well: Bobby made a cool Japanese style bridge over on the other side of the lake, he removed all of the rocks and planted new grass in front of the Mike, and we are adding another brand new walk-in freezer to our kitchen which will be chock full of chicken patties for you when you get here.

Your fearless leader!

Dan

Timberlake questions for you

2008-02-14T15:40:00.001-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Camp anyone?

Here are some good camp related questions for you: In the history of Camp Timberlake who is the Battleball master? (and you can't vote for yourself...or Dan though thanks to any of you who thought it) Who was the greatest counselor that you ever had? What is the best camp activity that we presently offer? What is your greatest camp memory ever? Who is your favorite cabinmate ever? And finally, how much can Mike Denoia benchpress?

Snowballing momentum at Timberlake!

2008-01-18T16:42:00.001-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Who nellie!

A new year is finally upon us, and things here at Camp Timberlake are shifting into high gear! We have the the cabin, Greybeard, pretty much ready to roll (minus some new paint). All of the property is in a nice holding pattern, and staff are flocking to us like we are South America in the wintertime. And ohhhhh is it ever wintertime. I am talking cold people! It snowed four inches yesterday. And tomorrow calls for another four inches. But back to the staff.

Let me give you the list so far: (this is going to blow your mind)

Chris Healy (as of this past week), Steven Menendez (the Prodigal son returns!), Brian Bush (who has been climbing like crazy), Andrew Geppert (back from two summers ago), Parker Kempf (needs no explanation), Connor Carrigan (Captain paintball), Stephen Buhrman (oh yes!), Drew Andrews (what a stud!), Brent Bundrick (Dan, who isn't coming back?), Lyle Camp (he's the man!), and last but CERTAINLY not least (because he is huge) Mike Denoia.

Those on the fence are: Kevin Wolpert, Nathan Mlot, Stewart Knight, Benjamin Garner, Alex Deckard, George Alread, Matchett Gunn, and a few more that I need to get a hold of. So call each of them and tell them how much you want them back. While you are at it you can call the ones who are returning to celebrate with them in their glory!

Your fearless leader!

Dan

Camp Slideshows!!!

2007-12-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

First Session Slideshow

Second Session Slideshow

Staff Reunion!!!! Wow it's cold.

2007-12-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Frigid conditions? Who cares!

I must say that I have a whole new respect for the incredible awesomeness of our staff here at Camp Timberlake (and Merri-Mac for that matter!). Despite arctic conditions and super sub par insulation our staff members showed up at camp this past weekend and had an amazing time together playing battleball, cooking burgers, and I heard Nathan Mlot even jumped in the lake. Why did they do this? Because they love camp. And we love them. It was fantastic! Louis even made T-shirts.

Great Camping!

Dan

Elements of the "Greatest" Camp Games

2007-12-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - There's no stopping us now!

So Stephen, Louis and I have been thinking lately about the greatest evening activity games ever created and what exactly makes them "the greatest". Is it that they involve stealth like sock war or capture the flag? Is it that they involve hurling water balloons? (Or launching water balloons at archery targets for that matter!) What about dodging and diving from oncoming playground balls? Or is it the messiness of shaving cream, ice cream sundae, or maybe mud? So what if we combined all of these elements into one super activity? Is it even possible? Would we all just freak out simultaneously with the majesty of this new creation? Who knows? But what I would like is for you to email me with some of your favorite evening activities so that we can figure out which one in particular is "the greatest". dan@camptimberlake.com

In other news

We are having a staff reunion here at camp in December. All of us are going to sleep in the cabins during the winter. Screens people...screens. They keep bugs out, not the cold. It is going to be crazy and I personally can't wait.

Your fearless leader!

Dan

Camp Happenings!

2007-11-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Oh my goodness!

Greetings Timberlake men! I trust that all of you are working hard on your schoolwork and wholeheartedly participating in your normal fall extracurricular activities. And just when the drudgery of day to day life seems more than any young man can handle where does your mind go? To camp Timberlake of course! I bet you are wondering?where is that monstrous frog I remember from the summer at this exact moment. One can only assume that it is buried in the glorious mud of Lake Doris lying in wait for campers to try to uncover it. I bet it stays in ninja mode all winter long because it knows that the men of Camp Timberlake are skilled catchers of their species.

Well, let me give some fuel to the fire of your camp mental wanderings. We have built a new cabin on the old riflery range. Its name is Greybeard, the tallest and stoutest of the seven sister mountains that run behind and though the town of Black Mountain. Only fitting is this cabin for our oldest Timberlakers, and it is already awesome (even though it is still unfinished). Obviously, we are building a newer, bigger, and better riflery range in place of the older one. And if that wasn't enough we have widened the archery range and are building a beautiful shooting pavilion up there so that campers could theoretically shoot even if it rains. Then lastly, after a year's worth of growing grass, our new field "Spencer's Green" is ready for the upcoming summer and will be one of the sites of our newest Timberlake activity, Minor Sports! Oh my goodness Dan, are you serious? Oh yes, my friend?big time. What will this be like? It will have a bunch of different random sports rolled into one amazing activity. Just a list: Ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf, Cricket, Softball, Battleball, Lacrosse, and many more options yet to be included.

So I hope this whets your appetite a bit for the upcoming summer! It is going to be amazing so get ready!

Your fearless leader

Dan

Fall is here at Timberlake

2007-10-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Ready to get back?

Our recruitment season is in high gear these days! The wildman Stephen Owens is in Atlanta doing homeshows, and I just got back from one over in Chapel Hill at the home of Tren Linsley! Then during November I am going to various homes in Florida and South Carolina. It should be really cool because I am going to get to see guys like Rusty Walden, Matthew and Jason Battaglia, Austin and Tyler Snively, and the Cobb brothers over near Charleston. I also might get to see some staff while I am away!

Speaking of staff, what's the deal with next summer?

I thought you would never ask! We have hired back some fantastic guys already. First on the list is Mr. Mike "the Incredible Hulk" Denoia. He has wrestling collegiately over at the University of Georgia, and apparently has been doing great! Then we have a legend back in Mr. Andrew Geppert! He wasn't here last summer, but really missed hanging out with you guys and has decided to return and we are PUMPED about it! Then former Tigertooth counselor (and also a UGA student) Brian Bush will be with us again this summer...What a stud! I have talked to a bunch of other guys who have said they are coming back, but I am just waiting in anticipation for the contracts to come rolling in.

Great Camping!

Dan

Camp is over...but is it really?

2007-09-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

So I hope everybody is comfortably back into their normal post camp routine by now after the summer is officially over. For most of you I am sure that involves a lot of school work! Well, if you were wondering, camp is still here as you left it. However, it is a LOT quieter. Just imagine some peaceful (yet sad) scenes: The coi swim playfully around the docks with no one to holler "COOOOIIIIIIII!" The Bullfrogs are getting more and more cocky because they know that the Hesketh brothers are a long way from Black Mountain. Louis said he saw some of them diving off the diving boards and apparently one of them went down the slide (without authorization). And only the wind moves the tetherballs gently in the breeze. But on a positive front Louis, Stephen, and I have been practicing our morning yells out on the back porch each morning. Stephen has developed a new "giro-throw" for battleball. It is looks funny, but he swears it is effective. I am also considering switching the directors over to mopeds rather than golfcarts, and Louis is attenpting to craft the perfect "chicken patty" for next year.

Seriously, Dan...What is going on at camp?

Well, we are building a new Timberlake cabin (called Greybeard) where our old riflery range was. This will be for our oldest boys at camp and it will be similar in design to Stomper's Knob. We realized after camp that we had too many of our oldest boys booked (with early enrollment) for next summer than we had bunks for them to sleep. I guess this is a good problem to have, but it meant that in order to fill the spots we had to add a new cabin. We will have a brand new riflery range and pavilion for next summer up near the new paintball field. The archery range has been extended (by moving a lot of dirt) so that more folks can comfortably shoot. Every year we are making needed improvements, and this year will be no exception. This summer is going to be amazing!

Loads of Newness at Timberlake!

2007-04-19T11:27:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Lot's of newness at Timberlake!

Well it's official. The summer is upon us like a wild (yet friendly) rattlesnake. All of the little details are starting to get taken care of, that surge of camp adrenaline is starting to pump through our veins and yesterday I saw Louis get so fired up that I thought he was going to rip his clothes, turn green and start breaking things with his bare hands (Incredible hulk style).

What is new?

whoa there is a lot to report. Here goes: 1. We are going to have a really cool trail shelter up above the council ring for cabin overnights. I had never been to the spot that it is in, and I was blown away because it is amazing. 2. The slide is finished. Did you hear me? It is finished. Oh but we are installing a deck around the entrance so I guess it is almost finished, but at least functional. 3. We built a whole new swimming area to match the canoeing area. It looks awesome. 4. We made a stone walkway up to the Mike from the road that I think is really cool. 5. We are moving the paintball field up above where the new field is. We still have some serious work to get it ready, but once finished it will be great. 6. And of course you know about the new field which is finished, but the grass will not be ready for us to walk on by this summer, so as of now we will look upon it longingly waiting in eager anticipation for its grass to grow. 7. There is a brand new rock wall in front of the Enchanted Barn. 8. And lastly, for you hackysack enthusiasts out there we will be selling Timberlake hackysacks this summer!

Have a good one!

Dan

Timberlake Happenings

2007-02-19T15:20:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Timberlake Snowballing

Greetings from Timberlake! We are still plugging away up here, and it seems that a bit of a snowball effect occurs after Christmas and about now we are pretty much always talking to prospective campers and finishing up the last bit of our staff hires. Louis has been interviewing people left and right. I am about to order the new Timbertool (which is amazing) and head off to Louisiana for some homeshows around New Orleans. Bobby has been trying to keep a handle on all of the property needs in the midst of some crazy weather and numerous construction projects.

So what have you heard from the staff lately?

I know that Stephen and Joey are on their way up here today from Atlanta to visit and I can't wait to see those guys! Matt Layton was here this past weekend and he seems to be doing really well. We hired another New Timberlake counselor, Benjamin Garner, from Alabama. Which now makes three UA guys that we have hired for this summer. We can't wait to have them here!

Happy Camping!

Director Dan

Holiday Happenings at Timberlake!

2007-01-09T17:39:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Off season bonanza at Camp Timberlake!

So sorry that it has been so long since the last report from the land of sock wars, bullfrogs, large goldfish, and water balloons. Timberlake is still here, and we are really plugging along with our off season work. The new field is looking awesome, our new swimming area work has already begun, counselors are getting hired, and I can feel the intensity growing as we prepare for another awesome summer!

So talk to me about the counselors!

Here's what we have so far: Rock legend and MTB instructor George "adolfus" Alread; longtime camper and first time CIT director Brent Bundrick; long time camper and former CIT turned Junior counselor Brian Bush; Everyone's favorite and frisbee phenom Alex Deckard; speaking of frisbees, the sole owner of the frisbee of destiny, Dustin Jernigan, just contacted me yesterday to say that he is going to be here this summer; to complete last year's amazing Outback cabin lineup, Adam Hess is hired; then the thief of the frisbee of destiny, Nathan "last year I fell asleep in the dumpster during counselor hunt" Mlot (it should also be noted that the dumpster was way out of bounds for the game...but we love him); Kevin "Rocketman" Wolpert has agreed to come back this year; Todd "the wildman" Nowokunski, Paintball stud and former camper/CIT Josh Platt; the glorious man with a million names James Michael Wilson Sanders, Kayaking genious and great guy Bryan Harris; former camper/junior counselor guitar man Chris Healy; Just when you thought it couldn't happen, Old man River himself, Trey Bundrick, is coming back to be on trip staff; Through Trey we have hired and awesome fellow, Hunter Nelson, from the University of Alabama; Then we have last year's MTB instructor and Swamp counselor, Mark Myers, also on trip staff. There are a bunch of other former staffers who are on the fence, so make sure to contact them and tell them to come on back!

Until next time!

Dan

Camp is ablaze with fall colors!

2006-10-25T13:50:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Creating greatness at Timberlake!

Well the camp you remember is beginning to change like crazy! Not only is it really cold with changing leaves, but we have drained the lake to build a new swim area and the new field is almost completely cleared and ready to begin the leveling process. It is crying out for some intense Commando games. I can see those balloons flying already!

A few folks have asked me, "So where exactly is this field?" Well here goes. If you are running up the Paintball trail (or I guess you could walk) when you get to the bend that has a small bunker (to the left) you turn right and walk across that dirt road on the farthest right portion of the paintball course. This road goes up to that old rusty bus in the woods. The new field is across that road to the right and up the mountain a pretty good ways. At the top it has a really beautiful view!

So who have you hired for next summer since the last post?

I am so pleased to tell you that we have two Auburn Tigers from Huntsville, Alabama, camp legend Brent Bundrick, and last year's awesome Outback counselor, Adam Hess! We are in process of trying to convince the rest of this past summer's staff to return, so make sure to call or email your favorite counselor and tell them how much you want them to come back to Timberlake.

So until next time!

Director Dan

The Iroquois number increases at Timberlake!

2006-10-03T15:27:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Icky-EE-la-boom-Bah!

So many fabulous changes are going on as we speak! The lake is being drained so that work can begin on our new dock for the swimming area. This will be similar in construction to the new canoe dock. And of course, Bobby is about to get back on the previously halted construction of the new slide. Finally, there is a huge bulldozer in the woods up above the paintball course moving dirt around an area that will be home to many a Timberlake evening activity and eventually some Timberlake upper cabins! So you guys remember Mackey's green right? Well this field when finished will be bigger than Mackey's green! And sure, all of this stuff seems like great news for everybody here and we are so excited about it, but to tell you the truth, the only thing I can think about is how excited I am because my son, William Robb Singletary was born on Thursday! The Iroquois tribe is constantly growing, and I am proud to say that my wife, Annie and I have been given a strapping young boy who is sure to be an asset to his tribesmen!

So Until next time!

Director Dan

Miss camp yet?

2006-09-12T16:30:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Getting it done here at Timberlake!

So at long last after almost a full month of vacationing in both Mexico and coastal North Carolina I am back to fill you in on what all is happening up here in the land of Timberlake. The answer...not nearly as much as was going on the last time you were here, but plenty to mention. All of us directors are scheduling out our homeshows for the year, and it has been nice to speak with some of your parents to see how you guys are doing. Right now it is looking like I will be in Florida a lot during the month of November, so you Floridians please let me know if you are interested in hosting a meeting in your town.

Any contact with our counselors? Of course! I spoke with Alex Deckard a couple of days ago and he asked me to send him a contract to work for next year. We are really excited to have him back. Dustin Jernigan is enjoying being back at Ole Miss, but apparently had his gas grill stolen from his house and seems pretty down about it. We both enjoy grilling so I mourn his loss with him from afar. James Michael Wilson Sanders also says to tell everyone hello (he goes to Montreat and we see him alot) The other day I spoke with Steve-O and he said that all of the UGA boys are back in the swing of things over there in Athens.

We have just begun construction on the new field above the paintball course this past week. I went up there yesterday, and the dozers are in action. If you thought the new canoe dock was a cool change last year, get ready to have your Camp Timberlake loving mind blown! This field will be about the same size or bigger than Macky's green, and is destined to have lots of fun happening on it in the upcoming years. I will start going up there to give you updates in picture form as it comes together.

We miss you guys!

Dan Singletary

Director

When the cat's away...

2006-05-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Ludicrous speed at Timberlake!

Dan has gone out of town for a while because his sister is getting married. He left me (Stephen) in charge of writing the blog. A lot of great things are happening to get camp ready for this summer. Bobby has been working on the slide non-stop, and it's really coming together. Several of the supports are up and some of the pieces are actually put into place!

What have you been up to?

I'm glad you asked. Right now I spend about 90% of my day staring at Dan's desk wishing he were here and not in Mississippi. The other 10% is mostly spent getting the staff ready for this summer. I just recently enrolled Bryan Harris in a Swiftwater Rescue class which will be very helpful for the kayaking trips this summer.

How busy has everyone been lately, Stephen?

Let's just say we've reached ludricrous speed.

How is the staff?

All the guys I've talked to are excited about this summer. Alex Deckard (Archery) as a part of the UGA Ultimate Frisbee team recently qualified for Nationals, we wish their team the best. I'll get to see Steve Walton (Climbing), Joey Wang (Backpacking), and Adam Martin (Riflery) next weekend at a Christian concert festival named "Cornerstone" in Orlando, FL. Most of the staff are taking exams these next two weeks, so once they're over the guys can fill their minds with important things like how to efficiently raid a cabin.

Until then...

Stephen Owens (AKA- Esteban)

Come on Eileen!!!

2006-04-19T13:28:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Whoa nelly! Camp Timberlake is fun!

What's up fellas? Sorry it has taken me this long to put up a blog. Unacceptable I know. But we have been running around like crazy trying to put the finishing touches on our staff and getting some fabulous work done. We just ordered and received some new mountainbikes for the summer. Stephen Owens and Bryan Harris (our resident bike mechanics) put them together yesterday. They are all brand new Jamis Durangos. They are all lubed up and ready for Timberlakers to hit the trail with them!

How is the new Canoe Dock?

Actually, it is coming together nicely after a bit of a late start. Filling up the lake was the main concern for the construction folks, but now I think the timing is going to be about perfect. I was a little worried that they might need to put out sand bags in order to get it finished before the lake fills. Bobby's work on the waterslide is uneffected by the lake filling because he is working from the bottom to the top, and the bottom piece is about ready to install.

Seen any counselors?

Actually, one of our new trip staff guys, Paxton Little, came in town last week, and we put him through some intense training for climbing and kayaking. It was really fun for me because I haven't boated in around six months, and we spent basically all day Saturday working on skills to get ready for this summer. I forgot how much I love kayaking! It is awesome.

"Come on Eileen" is playing right now in my heart!

Dan

Earmuffs are in this season!

2006-03-28T16:22:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Timbertastic offseason fun!

Just when you think that Spring is finally here, flowers begin to bloom and the sun starts peeking through the clouds, then BAM! It snows and gets really cold at the moment you least expect it. That moment for me came right when we (Bryan Harris, Stephen Owens, former tech guy at Timberlake Scott "Swordfish" Russell and I) planned to camp and go flyfishing last weekend. Oh my goodness was it ever rough. But the good news was that we had good gear and were actually able to catch some nice trout on the river. Notice Stephen's earmuffs...not cool. But we love him.

What's going on with the waterslide?

Oh man is Bobby ever working hard on it! He tells me that it is all he thinks about. Up all night brainstorming yada yada. I am always amazed by how much that guy does during the winter. If you see him this summer tell him thank you for building that waterslide. My vote is that we call it "the Bobbyslide." I have included some great shots of the progress!

What about counselors?

Well, I saw Matt Layton the other day while he was on spring break. He came in to do some hiking with college friends. He was also with Kara Robinson, who ran the barn last summer (she grew up in Black Mountain) He said to say hello to all, and is pumped about Paintball this year. I hired Steve Hogan as the head of trip staff. Steve is as we say, old school Timberlake. He used to be a counselor back in the day, and he is absolutely the coolest guy ever. We also hired former counselor Paxton Little as trip staff, and he is a stud as well. Both these guys are really talented outdoorsmen who are thrilled to be guiding trips for us this summer.

So until next time!

Dan

Visitors at Timberlake!

2006-03-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Serious fun at Timberlake these days!

Spring break is beginning, and there is much evidence and rumor of counselors heading this way to visit during their time off from school. Last year's program director Drew Harmon is here right now to do some hiking and hanging out with us and it has been a delight to have him! Zach Washburn called and said that he would be here shortly (actually, he just walked up to camp!), and Alex Deckard is on his way tomorrow. I can't wait to see those guys!

What have yall been up to?

Well, besides doing a bunch of camp stuff, I have been flyfishing almost every day after work, and all day Saturday. Stephen has been in Florida doing a bunch of recruiting and vacationing with family and friends. He visited the homes of Andrew Deal, Gray and Jacob Matteson, Dylan and Joe Piechocki, and Bryce Krausankas in order to show the video and answer questions for some friends of theirs who are interested in coming to camp. He said that seeing all of those guys was amazing, and everyone seems to be really excited about returning to camp this summer. Adam has been working hard, and took a break Friday to go rock climbing at Table Rock. He said that was one of the greatest days of climbing that he can remember. So the outdoor adventure around camp is already in full swing here and we can't wait for you to get here!

Happy Camping!

Dan

Are you Ready?

2006-02-28T11:46:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - The fun burns white hot at Timberlake!

Is it already March? Does that really mean that camp is T-minus three months until liftoff? You bet it does, and we are kicking things up a notch here at Timberlake to get everything ready! I have been learning to play the bagpipes (to create inspiring music during games like Commando or Sock War) and Stephen has been running suicides up on the tennis court to get himself in peak physical condition for battleball this summer (I promise I saw him do these and he had no idea that I was watching). I must admit that there are still days when my head hangs a bit lower than it should due to the beating we took in the A-House battleball match. But alas, I will perservere!

So what about our counselors this summer?

We are almost completely hired up for the summer. We still do need a few key positions, but otherwise we are all set. I will name off all of the guys I can who I know are this year's counselors: Dustin from Outback; Matt and Alex from Tigertooth; Joey from Bull Run; James Michael, Bryan, and Neal from Stomper's Knob; Steve-O, Zach (as CIT director), and possibly Louis from Swamp; and others who are returning from year's past are: Kevin Wolpert (taught mainly tennis and fencing last summer) and Will Long (the man, the myth, the legend). New counselors who will be here this summer are: Adam Martin, Mark Myers, George Alread, and possibly a couple of other awesome guys who are in the works. Not to mention a solid crop of new CIT's! We are so pumped about all of these great guys being here this summer!

Any sightings of folks from camp lately?

Definitely! Steve-O, Joey, Adam Martin, Alex, and George Alread all came up to visit us this weekend and had a great time. Sadly (for me) I was out of town first in Atlanta for an art showing at the Roswell Art Center West where my wife, Annie has her pottery (being shown until late March if any of you from Atlanta are interested in seeing it) Visit their website and secondly, in Birmingham, where I attended a camp fair. The good news was that both of those two things were great, but I was sorry I missed seeing them.

So until next time!

Dan

(Your friendly neighborhood camp director)

Sledding as a Camp Activity?

2006-02-13T16:02:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Timberlake all year long!

BRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! It sure is cold up here at camp. We got some pretty good snow over the past two days and it is still really beautiful outside. Aren't you glad that camp isn't like this in the summer? I don't think the screens would quite provide the necessary insulation to make it comfortable. But it might be nice to add sledding, snowball throwing, and snowman construction to the list of activities. We might even add snowboarding to the list and build a really great ski lift all the way up to the council ring. Ahh the possibilities!

Where have you been and who have you seen?

The weather sure hasn't slowed down our travel schedule. We have still been burning up the road to see you folks during the offseason. I drove up to Cincinnati for a camp fair there, and went to see paintball instructor Matt Layton in Kentucky on my way back. He says hello to all. Jen went down to Florida where she went to homes of London Lewis, Dylan Knapp, and future CIT Josh Platt to show the video for prospective campers. If you are interested in hosting a meeting like these guys did, please email me and let me know at dan@camptimberlake.com (you also get a really cool tribe jersey that is the opposite colors of the normal with "the morning yell" on it). I have included pictures of all of those people at their homes (Louis "archeryman" Parchman also came to the show at London Lewis's house!) Stephen has been hiring up a storm for this summer and his travels have taken him to Appalachian State, University of Georgia and Kennesaw State (in Georgia).

Any new hires?

We are pleased to announce that Dustin Jernigan (the man the myth, and guitar instructing phenom) is officially rehired for this summer. Which means that almost everyone from last year is coming back! You returning campers must have left a great impression on these counselors because I have never seen such a committed group!

Happy Camping!

Dan

Road Warriors

2006-01-24T11:56:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - What we do in the offseason!

It has been pretty lonesome up here lately at camp. Most everyone has been on the road for camper/counselor recruiting. Stephen just got back from UGA and Kennesaw State where he interviewed a bunch of folks (basically all of them roommates or friends of old counselors). I have been travelling through the South between Black Mountain and Baton Rouge, LA showing the video to possible new campers and answering questions for folks. Jen has been doing the same thing except she is in Florida (and actually not feeling very well). Adam and Ann have both been taking seminary courses. Meanwhile, back at camp, Bobby has been designing the new waterslide with Christian.

Speaking of the slide

I have had a lot of people asking me to give more details on where it will be and what it will be like, and while I can't really say the second part of that until it is finished, Stephen and I decided to take some more pictures of the future site, and one of them we took has Stephen doing a dramatic interpretation of an actual run on the slide. Stephen wanted to tell all of you that the rush he experienced during the interpretation was almost unbearable with its intensity.

On the counselor front?

We hired Matt Layton (AKA Paintball Matt) again for this summer and we are absolutely thrilled about it! Also, Zach Washburn was named the Atlantic Coast Region's Ultimate Frisbee top player for UNC Chapel Hill. Here is the link to the website honoring him and the rest of the top players in the conference zach rules (Also, it should be noted that he looks like a manly beast in that picture!)

Until next time!

Dan

Ringing in the New Year here at Timberlake!

2006-01-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - offseason at camp

Can you believe that Christmas and New Years are over? I really can't. We here at Timberlake are dying to know what you have been up to over the holidays, so if you have time log in to the Morning Yell and fill us in on what has been going on. Also, it would be great to have some pictures from you guys so that I can post them here with the Timbertales! You can email those to me at dan@camptimberlake.com

How did we spend our holidays?

Well, all of us went home to see family. I went to Mississippi where my family lives and got to spend time with my sister's new fiancee, Kirk. Great guy and I think he is going to be a wonderful addition to the family! Stephen went home to Fayetteville for a little bit, but ended up going out to Colorado for a really awesome ski trip! How lucky is that guy? I have posted a picture from that trip. Also, there is a picture up there from the marathon that Bryan harris and Stephen were in. Chris Galloway also ran a marathon, but as of yet I don't have any pictures from that.

So any new counselors to report?

I thought you'd never ask! Absolutely! Over the holidays we hired Steve Walton, AKA Steve-O, and wildman/archery extraordinaire Alex Deckard are both officially returning to camp this summer! Needless to say, we are thrilled. Please call/email/write your favorite counselors to encourage them to come back to camp. It definitely helps! Right now we have almost ten guys returning from last year and the number is increasing daily.

Happy Camping!

Dan

Winter is upon us at Timberlake!

2005-12-16T14:40:00.001-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - Can you believe the difference?

Holy Cow it is cold! The mountains are covered in snow, and most folks are all hunkered down trying to keep warm. But that doesn't mean that nothing is going on here at camp! We are talking to prospective campers and interviewing future counselors every day. It is already evident to me that this upcoming summer is going to be amazing!

What is camp like right now?

The roads are covered in about an inch thick layer of ice. The Lake is frozen (although most of it is drained for dock/slide construction). Oh, the canoe dock is officially gone. I took a picture and posted it above. We will have a brand new one before the summer. Tigertooth is getting completely renovated. It is already looking really nice!

I guess that is all for now, but I will continue to keep you informed on all of the things going on here each week. Don't forget to sign in on the Morning Yell!

Happy Camping!

Dan

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2005-12-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

IMAGE CAPTION - More camp fun at Timberlake!

Well, it's official, Nick Potts won the sombrero contest! It was hiding in one of the fencing pictures. Good eye Nick! Way to go. We will keep moving it around to different spots on the site, so make sure to keep clicking around to find that hat! Also, we would love for you to sign in on the Morning Yell bulletin board! I have already really enjoyed talking to those of you who have signed in.

Any counselor news to report?

I just found out that former trip staffer, Dallas Ketchum, kayaked the entire Mississippi River from way up at the headwaters (I guess near the Great Lakes) all the way down near New Orleans! He was accompanied by Bech Evan's older brother, Josh. That must have been quite an epic journey!

Also, James Chally, former counselor and climbing staffer has just left for Iraq. He joined the military a year ago after his summer here on staff. He said that he is doing well, and I will make sure to keep you updated on his time there.

Stephen Owens and Bryan Harris are about to run in a marathon this weekend in Kiawah Island, SC. They have been training for that for a while, but Stephen seems a little nervous. Twenty six miles is a long way!

What about camp? How is it?

Great! We are building a new kayaking/canoeing dock, and have torn down the one that was there (with the lifeguard stand). Also, the lake is drained and it looks weird, but we had to do it in order to build the new dock and the waterslide. Don't worry about the coy, they are all hanging out in the diving well section where it is nice and deep. I bet they are cold though with this harsh weather!

I guess that is all for now. You guys have a great holiday season!

Dan