Come join us at Brevard’s White Squirrel Festival!  The festival weekend is filled with great food, music, and the coolest white squirrels you have ever seen.  Check out this previous blog post and learn about the famous white squirrels of Brevard and their Rockbrook connection!

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. The White Squirrels of Brevard
2. The Brevard Music Festival
3. Rockbrook Reunion Countdown!

We found this great image from the National Wildlife Federation and of course instantly thought of camp! What are some of your favorite magic moments from your days at Rockbrook?  Sleeping under the stars for the first time, splashing in the cold lake, your first S’more?  Please share with us one of your special camp “firsts”!

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. A cold day at the Rockbrook lake
2. Rockbrook Camp – A Place to Recharge
3. Polar Bear Swim at Camp- Brrr!

Dancing is a common occurrence at camp. It can be scheduled, like when campers boogie in Dance class, when counselors host a dance party at Twilight, or as a wake-up energizer during Morning Assembly. But more often than not, breaking it down happens at all times of the day, regardless of the setting– and we wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ll see campers moving and grooving to and from activities, you’ll witness Hi-Ups jumping around in the dining hall while setting and clearing meals, and you’ll even notice counselors incorporating dancing into their activity lesson plan to spice things up.

One challenge counselors sometimes face when conducting a dance party is making sure the music is appropriate. Unfortunately, the Top 40 isn’t always RBA (Rockbrook Appropriate), so it can be difficult to cultivate a playlist that’s RBA and also a crowd pleaser. But have no fear, counselors! Below you’ll find 10 lyrically appropriate and acoustically awesome songs that are sure to be a hit with campers this summer. Get dancing!

1. Carly Rae Jepsen- “Call Me Maybe”

2. One Direction- “What Makes You Beautiful”

3. Kelly Clarkson- “Stronger”

4. Calvin Harris- “Feel So Close”

5. Taylor Swift- “Eyes Open”

6. Rihanna- “We Found Love”

8. David Guetta ft. Sia- “Titanium”

9. Demi Lovato- “Give Your Heart a Break”

10. One Direction- “One Thing”

11. Beyonce- “Love On Top”

The company makes other scents designed for kids as well: “Super Hero Spray” (peppermint), “Monster Repellent” (Bubblegum) and “Sweet Dreams Spray” (Lavender).

It’s not clear how these different scents work, how effective the smell of grape jelly is when a child is feeling homesick, for example. There are well-tested and well-known tips for handling homesickness at camp, and while they don’t rely on our noses, having a slightly sweet smelling pillow can’t hurt either!

The Showy Orchid, Brevard, NC

As we walk the paths and trails of Rockbrook we are always excited to find unusual species of plants and flowers.  On a recent walk, Rockbrook alumnae Barrie B. and Maggie K. spotted this orchid, known as the The Showy Orchid.  The Latin name is Galearis Spectabilis.  While they are not rare in NC, they are on the endangered list in SC and several other states.  The Showy Orchid grows in deciduous forests and can typically be found growing on rocks.  It flowers in the spring, the bloom lasting 2-3 months.  When the campers arrive in a few short weeks, the orchids will still be putting on a beautiful show. Thanks you Maggie for sharing this photograph with us!

If you missed our last wildflower report, check out this recent blog post on the Trout Lilies that grow at RBC.

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. Rockbrook Party in Charlottesville, VA
2. Rockbrook’s Trout Lilies
3. My dewcoat is up in my cabin!

Hello Staff! Camp is just a hop, skip, and a jump away! We’re taking a break this week from introducing our staff to send you a few tips about how to prepare for camp. Enjoy!

1. Exercise  and stretch your face muscles daily. You will smile and laugh so much this summer that if you neglect to train for this giggle fest, a build up of lactic acid may occur causing muscle soreness around your lips.

2. Vibrate your vocal cords  and breath deeply into your diaphragm every other day. With all the camp songs and tunes, your lungs and larynx are sure to be showcased this summer, so practice makes perfect!

3. Between french braiding, games of tether ball, high fives, thumbs up, and writing snail-mail you’re going to want to get those hands in tip-top shape. Start working them out now.

4. And point and flex and point and flex and point…Foot strength is critical here! Your feet will spend the summer jumping, dancing, running, kicking, sloshing through the mud, hopping, skipping and trekking along a mountain side. Let your tootsies know they are in for a treat!

5. Last, but certainly not least, RELAX! You (and your face, voice, hands, and feet) and are about to have the time of your (and their) life!

Rachel Simmons is the founder of the Girls Leadership Institute (GLI), a national nonprofit organization that develops leadership qualities in young girls. The GLI offers programming that engages adolescent females in healthy relationship practices, emotional intelligence, and assertive and confident self-expression. Simmons recently spoke at a TED conference about the incredible importance of positive female-to-female relationships among girls at an early age. A startling trend has been discovered: as girls grow into adolescence, their self-esteem reduces greatly. Girls begin to internalize societal pressures to be passive, modest, pleasing, and liked. With those as guiding core values, Simmons notes that young women hit a psychological glass ceiling that carries through their development. To quote Simmons, this produces a situation where “if [women's] college applications are stamped with 21st century girl power, and they are, we also see their psychological resumes lagging generations behind.”

We as a greater society need to instill young women with the confidence, drive, and assertion they need to live successful and fulfilling lives. This change begins at an early age and it begins in healthy female-to-female relationships. Girls need to be coached, supported, and guided to this empowered state of being, and as a counselor for young women, your impact could not be more influential. As Simmons notes, “Relationships with peers and adults offers [young women] opportunities to learn how to advocate for themselves, negotiate, and compromise.” Camp is the perfect place to put girls on a path towards fulfilling friendships, positive self-image, and healthy self-expression. Watch Simmons’ video, highlighted by high schooler Claire Sannini’s personal testimony of relationship struggles, and get inspired about all the potential this summer holds.

Introducing Shelby McGinnis, Jillian Merkel, and Victoria Norris… Welcome ladies!

Shelby McGinnis: On belay! Sure to make the climbing tower a blast, Shelby joins us from Appalachian State University where she is studying Moral Welfare and Recreation.  While belaying, Shelby’s focuses primarily on safety and teamwork. One of Shelby’s favorite things to do is spend time with her 6-year-old brother. She also spent last summer as a nanny for two extremely active and vivacious boys ages 6 and 9.  Summer just can’t get here soon enough!

Victoria Norris: Also joining us from Appalachian State University is Victoria Norris. Victoria is working toward a teaching degree so that she may one day work as a choir teacher. While in high school, Victoria spent her afternoons giving piano lessons and practicing for her school choir. Step Aside Hunger Games! Victoria will be teaching archery this summer. Rockbrook hit a bull’s eye with her!

Jillian Merkel: Studying Journalism at Texas A&M University, Jillian can’t wait to help with the camp paper! Jillian loves cheer leading, volleyball, and can tell you all about that latest friendship bracelet trends with her experience working at a jewelry shop in Texas. Working in her church nursery and spending as much time as she can with her nephews, Jillian loves kids and is so excited to meet our Rockbrook Girls. Welcome!

Shelby McGinnis

Victoria Norris

Jillian Merkel

The ruins of the Hume Hotel, Dunn's Rock, Transylvania County, NC

In the oral history of Rockbrook there is an interesting story of the connection between Brevard’s oldest hotel, The Hume Hotel and Rockbrook.  Legend says that the stones from the hotel ruins were used by Rockbrook’s engineer Royal Morrow in the construction of The Junior Lodge at RBC.  While we can not authenticate the story, it seems possible that the stones could have easily been used due to the hotel’s proximity to the Rockbrook property.  As you can see in the photo above, the ruins lie just below Dunns Rock, on the current Island Ford Road right across from main camp. Currently there is a house on the site, but there are a few remaining rocks left from the 1840′s hotel.  At the time it was built, it was the first hotel in Transyvlania County. We may never know the real answer to the mystery, but we like to think of Rockbrook’s connection to such an important landmark.  Check out this blog post from our archives for more information about the hotel.

Junior Lodge, do the stones match the old hotel?

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. Rainbow over Rockbrook
2. A View from a Lodge in 1923
3. Help us Solve a Rockbrook History Mystery…

Our friend Bob Twomey, who is a helicopter pilot and the owner of Wolf Tree Aviation, helped a photographer grab these shots last summer. Bob passed them along to us, and we just had to share.

Ready for some rock climbing? That red dot could be you!

The streets of Brevard will be filled with cyclists this Saturday as the Assault on the Carolinas Bike Race returns for it’s 13th year.   Over 1000 riders will compete in races from 40K-100K.  The 100K course  goes all the way into SC and then travels the 6 mile road UP Caesars Head.  The riders will pass right by Rockbrook!  The race starts and finishes in downtown Brevard, so come on out and join the excitement!  It is quite a sight to behold!  Rockbrook’s own Jeff Carter will be participating!  Go Jeff, GO!

For more information on the race visit The Assault on The Carolinas home page.

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. Holiday Fun in Brevard, NC
2. The White Squirrels of Brevard
3. Frequently Asked Alumnae Questions

We can’t wait to  pick right back up where we left off last week. It is our pleasure to introduce four more counselors who will spend their very first summer working in the heart of a wooded mountain.

Parker Hodges: Parker has spent the past year amidst sunshine and palm trees at Florida State University where she is studying accounting. After  completing two NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) courses, Parker has decided to share her love of the outdoors with the girls at Rockbrook. Parker is  also extremely proud to say that she is…drum roll…a triplet! Parker prides herself on leading by example and we lucky to have her join our staff this summer!

Leslie Hylton: Leslie will be joining us from Brevard College. A mathematics major and the president of the math club, Leslie loves using her mastery of this subject to tutor local middle and high schoolers. She hopes to one day become a high school math teacher. Leslie loves her cat Whiskers and can tell you a thing or two about choosing the best outfit for your stuffed animal from her previous experience working at Build-a-Bear Workshop. We can BEARly hide our excitement for Leslie’s arrival.

Meggie Lasher: Meggie, a native of Weaverville, NC, will be a wonderful addition to our staff this summer. Meggie is contemplating a future in Library Science and loves to read. A huge proponent of snail mail and the great outdoors, Meggie is no stranger to summer camp. She spent seven years of her childhood attending girl scout camp and looks forward to working in a positive, all-female environment once again. You may find Meggie bopping around the Rockbrook Readers this summer.

Kate Lasher: Surprise! We also welcome Meggie’s twin sister Kate to Rockbrook! Upon graduation, Kate aspires to work as a teacher. She loves cooking, hiking, and Yoga. Kate also speaks Spanish and can converse in basic French. Hola!  Kate describes the perfect counselor as someone who can play the role of “a friend, mother,  protector, teacher, guide, nurse, confidant, and a listening ear- just to name a few.” Welcome aboard Kate!

Meggie Lasher

Kate Lasher

Leslie Hylton

Parker Hodges

Over on the Web site What’s Up for Kids, Kathy Alessandra just posted an article entitled, “Five Reasons Your Child Needs Camp.” Reporting information from the American Camp Association and several well-respected studies, the article is a nice reminder of some very significant ways kids benefit from camp.

You should go read the article yourself for all the details, but here are the 5 reasons listed.

Of course, there’s a lot to each of these, but perhaps most importantly, this article is another reminder of how rare and valuable a summer camp experience is for our kids. Definitely a great thing!

Well, not only did Caroline send us a photo of her masterpiece, but her parents also reported that she received an A on the project! How awesome is that?! We are beaming with pride over Caroline’s academic accomplishment, and we’re honored that Castle Rock was the subject of her studies. Thanks to Caroline, we know that Castle Rock is a metamorphosed igneous rock called “Gneiss”. Impressive stuff!

Way to go, Caro!

Check out this “Land of Waterfalls” video, filmed last fall here in Brevard.

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. The Land of Waterfalls
2. Are you Hungry?
3. Fall Colors Have Arrived at RBC

We welcome you to Rockbrook Camp! We are so lucky to have many old friends and familiar faces returning to camp this summer. We also are beyond excited to extend a big, warm, Rockbrook welcome to our counselors who will spend their very first summer in the heart of a wooded mountain. Each week we will introduce a few new friends, so keep your eye on the staff blog for all the new smiling faces. This summer is going to be a great one!

Jessica Bamford: We are about to jump out of our skin with excitement to introduce Jess. She is currently a freshman at Appalachian State University where she is studying Elementary Education. Jess grew up in Brevard and knows these mountains well. When Jess is not overseeing the safety of the waterfront you can find her hiking, paddling, and eating bagels from The Sunrise Cafe!

Tessa Edwards: Straight from Kansas City- introducing Tessa Edwards! Tess has a huge heart for animals. She has spent the past two years working with a Kennel in Missouri where she cares for puppies and dogs alike. Tess hopes to work as a High School Physical Education teacher and Soccer Coach when she graduates from Missouri Western State University. We can’t wait to have a Midwesterner join us down south this summer!

Emma Erwin: We are jazzed to welcome Emma Erwin to our staff! A spunky and energetic field hockey player from Houston Texas, Emma is sure to bring some good ol’ fashion PEP to camp this summer. Emma has done it all- tutored chemistry, coached field hockey, and spent her summers life guarding at her local pool. You’re sure to spot her hiking around camp in just a few short months!

Amber Farmer: Lights, Camera, Action! From Brigham- Young University we are proud to present Amber Farmer. Amber aspires to become a High School Choir teacher upon graduation. Amber comes to us with experience working on a ranch, so she is no stranger to the outdoors. Amber is also an aunt to 14 nieces and nephews! Amber is sure to  be a crowd pleasure!

Emma Erwin

Jessica Bamford

Amber Farmer

Tessa Edwards

Camp is a wonderful place to practice doing for others- cheering your friends on, refilling the mac-’n- cheese, letting a cabin mate borrow a sweatshirt.

Here’s a way to use next week to practice your giving skills:

Monday: Hold the door for five people.

Tuesday: Pick up trash.

Wednesday: Put extra change in the vending machine for the next person who comes along.

Thursday: Bake a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

Friday: Take on a new chore at home.

Saturday: Offer to carry someone’s groceries to their car.

Sunday: Walk a neighbor’s pet.

There was a buzz around Brevard last week when the movie, ‘The Hunger Games’, hit the big screen due to it’s North Carolina connection!  Did you know that many scenes of the film were filmed right in our own Dupont State Forest?  We have been leading trips to Dupont for many years, so odds are good if you have spent time at Rockbrook you have been to at least one of the beautiful waterfalls shown in the film. Check out this recent article which gives you the rundown on the various local scenes.

Another interesting local opportunity is to take part in a Hunger Games Fan Tour.  The tours will take you around the area and show you the highlighted locations from the movie. You even get to try out your hand at archery, hiking and fishing to see how you would fare as a Hunger Games tribute.

We here in Brevard have always known our area was special, but it looks like the word has gotten out!  And remember… “May the odds be ever in your favor!”

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. Holiday Fun in Brevard, NC
2. Rockbrook Campers at Triple Falls
3. The White Squirrels of Brevard

The problem is; it’s not true. Also known as Harvestmen, these little guys do not in fact have fangs or any venom at all. It is true their mouth parts are quite small, so they can’t bite you. Overall, they’re totally harmless. They also don’t spin webs because they lack silk producing glands. It fact, technically speaking they aren’t even spiders! They do have eight legs and are in the same biological class as spiders, but are in a different order. It’s just a big misconception that seems to be repeated every summer at camp.

There are more than 100 species of Harvestmen in North America, and they are particularly common in rich deciduous forests (like Rockbrook!) where there are lots of other small insects, fungi, and plant matter they like to eat. When you’re at camp this summer, keep an eye out for these fascinating, and harmless, forest critters.

At Camp You Will Not…

1. Wear high heels
2. Feed a Monkey
3. Complain that the AC is making you cold
4. Eat caviar
5. Get stuck in traffic
6. Lay bricks
7. Shovel snow
8. Fall asleep in front of the television
9. Take an elevator
10. Window shop

Have the time of your life!

At Camp You Will…

1. Sing at the top of your lungs
2. Wear silly costumes
3. Be someone’s hero
4. Smile brightly
5. Meet some of your very best friends
6. Soak up the sun
7. Learn from a child
8. Practice thankfulness
9. Laugh until you cry
10. Have the time of your life!

The Transylvania County Library recently contributed over 200 photographs and newspapers to the North Carolina Digital Library.  The digital library includes a searchable database of the entire NC Digital Heritage Center Archives.  With the ability to search images and newspapers from the early days of Brevard, we have had a great time finding out more about the history of Rockbrook and it’s founder, Nancy  Clarke Carrier.

Our first article we discovered is from the Sylvan Valley News, Brevard’s first newspaper which was published from the 1890′s until 1916.  The article is from May, 1908.

Sylvan Valley News, 1908, Brevard, NC

Nancy Clarke was 19 years old at the time of this tournament.  We know from past research that she was a student at Columbia College for Women, so possibly this was a school sponsored tournament?   As mentioned in a previous blog post, The Rockbrook House featured a tennis court in the side yard.  Perhaps this is where Nancy honed her tennis skills?

The Rockbrook House Tennis Court

When Rockbrook was founded in 1921, tennis was one of the activities offered that first season.  With our new insight into Mrs. Carrier and her love of tennis, it is no surprise that she would include it in the activity roster.  We continue to offer tennis today and know Mrs. Carrier would be proud to see her legacy continued!  Stay tuned for more from the digital archives.

Rockbrook Catalog, 1940

Related Rockbrook Camp posts:

1. The Carrier House Tennis Court
2. Nancy Carrier’s Impact on Brevard
3. The Rockbrook House and Richard Sharp Smith

Rachel (left) and Mary Hollis reunite in London

Have you had a Rockbrook reunion lately? Let us know about it! Shoot us a message. We can’t wait to hear from you!

1. Camp celebrates the role that failure plays in success.
If a camper doesn’t quite make it to the top of our climbing tower or has trouble folding like a pretzel in yoga class (who doesn’t?) she learns that it’s ok. In fact, it’s better than ok- it’s great! Because camp operates under the mindset that girls grow and learn from mistakes and risk-taking, these so-called “failures” are praised at camp. They are marked as part of the learning process for our campers. So rather than a fixed mindset such as, “I can’t climb” or “I’m bad a Yoga”, our campers think “I’m so glad I didn’t give up!” while the look down at camp after making it all the way to the top.

2. Camp creates a culture of gratitude.
Gratitude is a social emotion, acknowledging something that is outside of oneself. Often times we focus so much on the cloudy skies that we never even notice that the sun is trying to peek out. For example, before camp, it’s easy to think something like, “Wow, my trunk is so heavy! What an annoyance!” Then suddenly, at camp, it’s “I am so glad I have a trunk, this is a great place to store things!” In an instant, a girl sees the value of the things in her life, and, more importantly, the people in her life. Camps helps girls realize, understand, and reflect on all the things they have to be thankful for.

3. Camp models kindness.
Camp broadens a girl’s “giving vocabulary.” Not only do girls reflect on what others did for them throughout the day, but they consider what they did for someone else. Girls leave camp with an understanding that kindness does not have to be a grand, over-the-top event every time it occurs. There are lots of little things we can do for one another every hour of every day.

So give three cheers, a thumbs up, and a high five for camp because it’s a great place to be!