The day began with much anticipation for the arrival of parents. Breakfast was quick. Before you knew it, the dining hall was empty as kids hustled to morning meeting and raced down the hill to see if their families had arrived. There were hugs and smiles all morning long as campers were reunited with their loved ones.
We completed our last championship game, floor hockey, in front of a crowd. UNC and Texas faced off in a final match up. In the end, Texas was victorious over the mighty Tarheels of UNC. Final score - 5-2.
There were other exhibition games played this morning as well. Duke and Notre Dame in basketball, Florida took on LSU in football, Penn State and Ohio State faced off in Lacrosse, USC and Michigan in soccer and today's softball match up was Oklahoma vs. Virginia. The families had a chance to see their little guys in action. By the end of camp roughly 260 games had been played. That is amazing!
After lunch we all headed over to the Walker Center for closing ceremonies. WFS Headmaster Dr. Dennis Campbell spoke eloquently about Woodberry Forest and the Woodberry Forest Sports Camp. Red and Cathy Caughron founded the sports camp in 1967. Although they couldn't be with us on Saturday, they are always in our hearts and minds as we make our way through camp each year. They began a long standing tradition of values that we strive to uphold. Dr. Campbell finished by introducing Director, Clint Alexander.
Coach Alexander spoke about how fast the time had gone by, due to all of the fun we had. He reminisced not only about the athletics, dorm time, camping, campfires, trips to Water Country, Kings Dominion and the hike to Stony Mountain, but also about getting to know each other. He then delved into the real reason we gather at this camp and that is to teach and provide a safe loving environment. Coach quoted Al Fracassa "Leadership is the gift of a good example" as he went on to talk about his expectations and to thank the Sports Camp Staff. They did a great job and we're proud of every one of them.
The coach of every team then introduced his campers and handed out a packet of memories, for them to take home. Each coach acknowledged his assistant coach and spoke of the time he spent getting to know "his team".
At the final campfire Friday evening, some important awards had been handed out. Coach Alexander spoke about the awards and read the list of names the award was given to.
Honor Camper Award is presented to the member of each team, who has made the most significant contribution to the team in the areas of athletics, sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership. The Honor Camper is the most dependable and reliable member of the team, not only on the playing field, but in all areas of camp life. It is the highest honor bestowed by the teams coaching staff to a member of their team.
The Tiger Awards were also presented last night at campfire. It is presented to the team member who displays considerable athletic talent and a strong desire to win. The winner of the team's Tiger Award is usually the boy who hustles in every sport, leads the team in spirit and sportsmanship, and encourages all members of the team to do their best in all activities.
Coach Alexander then went on to present the most prestigious awards at Sports Camp.
The Tom Baumann Memorial Spirit Award is given annually to the camper who during his years here has contributed positively to the atmosphere of the camp with his pleasant nature, willingness to participate, and unselfish spirit. The winner of this award is admired by all members of the camp for his zest for life and warm, congenial personality. The award is given in the memory of Tom Baumann, a 1972 Woodberry Forest School graduate and former counselor who possessed these same qualities.
The Sportsmanship Award is given annually to the camper who possesses the qualities which the staff of Woodberry Forest Sports Camp tries so hard to instill in each of our campers. The winner of this award is fair, generous, a respectful loser, and a gracious winner. He encourages his teammates, cheers for his team, and never argues with officials. He maintains a positive attitude at all times and in all situations.
The Team Sportsmanship Award - Woodberry Forest Sports Camp has always taken pride in the fact that good sportsmanship is emphasized just as much as athletic skills during the boys' time here. The Team Sportsmanship Award will be given to the team with the most outstanding record of sportsmanship during the entire camp.
The Moubray Conference Award – This is the first year for this award. This is a bowl that will have the winning conference each year engraved on it.
The Best Athlete Awards are given to the best all-around athletes in the camp's four age divisions. The recipients of this award are talented in all sports, put forth consistent effort in every game, and continually show supreme effort, determination, and a drive to succeed. A camper's ability to handle adversity and lead his team in a variety of situations is also considered in determining the Best Athlete Award winners.
The Staff Award is given to the camper who, in the eyes of the counselors, has distinguished himself with his helpfulness and positive attitude. The recipient of this award is dependable and willing to give of himself for the benefit of others.
The Richard Glover Leadership Award – This is the first year for this award.
The Red and Cathy Caughron Award is named for the founders of the camp. Red and Cathy started the camp in 1967 and directed it for the first 25 years. Their tireless dedication and infectious charm made the camp the overwhelming success it is today. We all owe Red and Cathy an immense amount of gratitude for all they have done for the camp. This award is given to the camper who through his dedication to the camp and his team over the years has distinguished him from his fellow campers.
The Outstanding Camper Award is the most prestigious award a camper can earn and it is given to the boy who displays the highest qualities of athleticism, leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility, and fair play. The Outstanding Camper possesses a sense of integrity, character, and maturity that distinguish him from other campers. The recipient of this award has a positive impact on the camp in many areas and his presence makes everyday camp life more pleasant for counselors and campers alike. He serves as a role model for younger campers.
Coach finished the day by thanking the families, campers and staff for making this wonderful opportunity possible. He went on to say, we hope this marks not just the end of camp, but also the beginning of a long term friendship with the camp and all of the campers, counselors, and families involved. Great memories were created in a month, but stronger and long-lasting friendships have been formed that will continue on into the future.
God Bless and we look forward to seeing many of you in the future.
