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Eleven and twelve year olds have a similar but separate
farm and camp experience. They are somewhat more independent with a counselor
adjacent but not sleeping in the tent with them. They care for the animals, develop skills in handcrafts or nature lore, learn new folk dances,
create skits and help with special work projects. There are lots of big group games and
fun times at the river. On a hot day one group might go on a two-mile jaunt down
the river on innertubes.
A major part of the senior camp program is the experience of
backpacking in the nearby mountains. Campers spend about
half their time during the session on the trail, with
a 2-day, a 3-day and finally a 4-day hike. We may
go to the nearby Black Mountains, the range
just west of us with the highest peaks east
of the Mississippi, to the Linville Gorge
Wilderness area, or along the
Appalachian Trail. We sleep
out under the stars or pitch
tarps and cook our meals
over a campfire.
A group of 8 or 9
campers hike with
two counselors.
During each hike
period there are hikes
of varying length and difficulty offered. Many of these trips
allow for a chance to swim in a river or explore a creek or
waterfall along the way. We may find ourselves camping at the
summit of a mountain or on the bank of a roaring stream.
Hiking boots which have been well broken in are essential. A good quality
backpack and frame can be rented from the camp if you do not already own one.
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