Games, Games, Games and more Games!

We had a really full schedule today having added another session of games. Because of yesterday's hike, we needed to get some more in so that we can stay on schedule. It was a hot day but the athletes didn't miss a beat. They persevered and played hard in each and every match up.

To start the day, campers and counselors enjoyed a tasty  ham and cheese omelet. Afterwards everyone headed to the steps for morning meeting during which four campers were awarded 'camper of the day' shirts. This award may be given to a camper who exhibited something special the day before or throughout camp. 'Special' might mean that the camper did something to show great leadership,  or exceptional sportsmanship. Any coach or conference director can nominate a camper for this award. Today's campers of the day have been particularly helpful to other campers over the course of the first few days of camp. One boy was said to always open and hold doors for everyone. Another young man was extremely helpful to his teammates while climbing the mountain yesterday. There was much to be proud of at today's morning meeting!

During the morning set of games we saw something we haven't seen in a while. One of our campers hit the first home run of camp during the morning softball game. What an amazing feat!  He led the Oregon Ducks to an 18-10 win over West Point. West Point was also part of another notable game which was played in the afternoon. Their hockey game against LSU went into double overtime. This time they came out ahead defeating LSU by a score of 6-5. On the soccer field in the late afternoon, UNC and Brown played two overtime sessions and were still tied so the game went to penalty kicks. UNC defeated Brown. The final score was 3-3, UNC had 4Pk's to Brown's 2Pk's. During the same session, Penn State beat Texas in overtime on the handball court. The final score was 15-13. We didn't have any overtime games during the evening round but a few of the games were extremely close. 

Brown and Stanford are at the campsite tonight. It should be a fine night out there. A little cloud cover has cooled things off this evening and we're getting a light breeze. There doesn't seem to be any rain in the forecast either. At this moment they should be enjoying s'mores, hot dogs, a campfire, and ghost stories! 

It's hard to believe day 5 is complete. It's been a great first week. Day 5's values meeting topic is 'Committed'. We can't wait to hear what the boys shared in their nightly meetings about 'commitment'. Sleep tight everyone!

Sports Camp Photos June 18

The Great Outdoors

Yesterday morning we took a break from competition and explored Woodberry's beautiful surroundings. Approximately 130 campers decided to take the Old Rag Challenge! They traveled by bus with dozens of counselors to the Shenandoah National Park. The remaining 60 or so campers took the WFS Outdoor Challenge playing games and hiking 5 miles of our 8 mile perimeter trail. All of the campers were up and out of the dorms by 7am for breakfast. 

The Old Rag group departed on buses promptly at 8:00am. Old Rag Mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is situated in the Shenandoah National Park. The drive is just under an hour away from Woodberry. Old Rag is a very challenging 8.8 mile hike and rock scramble with spectacular views. At the summit it sits at 3,291 feet. Once again we were fortunate to have Mr. Nolan LaVoie, the head of the Woodberry Outdoor Program, assist Coach Alexander in leading the hike. Our trainer, Brad Jones was also there and he was able to take time for some photos. Thanks Brad and thank you Mr. LaVoie!

After the exhausting hike, the campers boarded the buses to head back to the Forest. The buses remained silent on the way home as the campers and counselors couldn't help but doze after conquering OLD RAG.

Meanwhile, back at the Forest, the guys played hard! In addition to their hike of the perimeter trail, they organized into groups by age and played games of wiffle ball, basketball, and dodgeball. Eventually they made their way to the outdoor pool. 

Our perimeter trail is a total of 8 miles in length and was completed and dedicated just a few years ago. It continues to be kept up (cleared and trimmed) by the students of Woodberry. It is quite a beautiful trail and at certain points there are fabulous views of the Rapidan River and it's rock formations.

After a long rest period the campers were ready to go again. They all headed over to dinner and then met on the steps of the Dick Gym to find out their game schedule for the evening. We were so fortunate today with regards to weather. The temperature didn't climb above eighty degrees. You couldn't see as far while on the mountain because of the cloud cover but it did help to cool things down. 

It was another beautiful evening and the games were intense and competitive. Three of our games went into overtime. Oh my goodness! The fields and courts were ROCKIN' with excitement. Stanford and Auburn played through overtime on the soccer field. Stanford came out ahead by a score of 2-0. We do not play 'sudden death'. Overtime consists of 10 minute periods. After two overtime periods we then go to a 'shootout'. This particular game ended after the first overtime with a Cardinal victory. Across the street at Gillespie Family Field, the Midshipmen met up with the Brown Bears in lacrosse. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 3-3. Navy came up with the win. Inside at handball, the 0-4 Kentucky Wildcats played their hearts out. They were determined NOT to go to 0-5. They accomplished their goal and beat West Point 9-7 in overtime!

I bet the boys slept well last night. It was a full and exhausting day full of great adventures. All is well and we're geared up for another day of competition and fun!