Out There and Back Again: A Week of Adventure
This week, the trails stretched longer, the rocks stood taller, and the adventures grew bigger. Main Camp’s five-day adventure trips headed out across the region—and when the boys returned, they carried stories of challenge, laughter, and accomplishment that will stay with them long after the trail dust settles.
Backpacking: Plans Changed, Spirits Didn’t
The backpacking crew set out on the Mountains to Sea Trail in Linville Gorge, North Carolina, expecting five days in the backcountry. What they got was even more unforgettable. Led by counselors Erik Soelberg from Dallas and Jonathan Strange from Wilmore, KY, the trip quickly turned into a masterclass in adaptation. Rain caused trail washouts, forcing mid-trip reroutes and late-night relocations — including one evening where the group had to break down camp and hike an extra half mile with a 600-foot elevation gain.
In total, the boys covered over 37 miles, including one planned 15-mile day. Despite the detours and weather, the spirit of the group never wavered.
"Nothing about the trip went according to plan, Erik said, “but the boys embraced every twist. Every day brought new decisions, new challenges. We hiked to Table Rock, saw the Chimney views, and it turned into the most adventurous trip I’ve ever been on.”
“This is going to become the greatest adventure I’ll ever be on in my life,” said Mac. “So many stream crossings. It was so challenging. I’d love to go right back out there again tonight. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done—but it was amazing.”
Flypacking: Fishing, Games, and Growth
Flypacking (backpacking combined with fly fishing) sent campers to the North Mills River area of Pisgah National Forest, NC. Though changing water levels made fishing difficult, the boys leaned into every moment on the trail and around the campfire.
"The best time on the trip was at night when we played games, said Sanders G. from New Orleans, LA. “The river conditions were tough with the rain, but we learned a lot.”
Sanders, close to achieving Ranger rank, added that the chance to unplug and enjoy both the physical challenge and community time made it a standout experience.
Rock Climbing: Wet Rocks, Big Wins
The Rock Climbing Five-Day Adventure took place at both Breaks Interstate Park in VA and Stone Mountain, North Carolina, where rain on day one made for an unforgettable (and slippery) start. The boys pushed through with a sense of humor, adjusting to wet rock conditions and cheering each other on.
It was like being a cat walking up glass, said climbing lead Gary Storm from South Africa. “But they laughed, worked together, and made it happen.”
Spencer B. from Richmond, VA reflected on how this trip differed from shorter adventures:
"On four-day trips, the focus is usually learning your route, Spencer said. “This time, we got to lead them. If we got to go again tomorrow—I’d be in the van.”
Lincoln S. from Austin, TX, one of the youngest campers selected for any five-day adventure, shared his favorite part:
"I just love rock climbing, Lincoln said, “and the chance to do it for five days straight was so awesome. I tried to take care of my stuff, but the older boys also helped take care of me. The first part of the climb is all bouldering—if you fall, it’s a good drop. But that didn’t happen. All I felt was free.”
Mountain Biking: Ride or Die and Goon Squad
Two mountain biking trips rolled out this week. “Goon Squad,” a three-day adventure to Rocky Knob Park in Boone, and Dupont State Forest, which gave younger riders a chance to step up. “Ride or Die,” the five-day challenge, took more advanced campers on tough trails in western NC as well as west to Chattanooga, TN.
The Ride or Die crew handled big miles and big responsibility, said camper Holden H. “At night during Embers, they really opened up and connected with each other.”
The Goon Squad guys were awesome too, added Gunnar Glick. “They’re respectful, coachable, and already showing signs of leadership.”
Paddling: Big SKITA Takes on the Rapids
The week’s paddling trips included canoe training on the Tuckasegee River and the advanced “Big SKITA” adventure. Big SKITA took campers to several Southeastern whitewater icons, including the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC, the Pigeon River, the Tellico, and the Ocoee.
Trip leaders praised the boys' focus, flexibility, and skills under pressure as they worked through changing river conditions and dynamic group challenges.
"I would give Big SKITA a 10 out of 10" said Berkley. "This trip lived up to its billing."
The Return
By Friday afternoon, trip groups began filtering back into camp — muddy boots, scattered gear, and proud smiles everywhere. Stories unfolded on the porch, at the tables, and in the shade of the trees. There was a clear shift: campers moved differently. Taller. Calmer. More confident.
This wasn’t just five days away from camp. It was five days of rising to meet challenge after challenge, of laughing in the rain, of helping one another through the hard parts — and of discovering what each boy is truly capable of.
“Honestly, I was excited about this trip but worried about a lot of the details. But now I kind of want to get back out on the trail,” said Mac, still carrying his backpack and grinning from ear to ear.