Head Counselor Reid Temple shares his thoughts on the first day of the second session! 

The weather from yesterday cleared and it was another sunny and beautiful day at Timanous! It was the first full day of the second half and we wasted no time in opening up all activities for our new campers after an afternoon of orientation yesterday. There were scores of enthusiastic campers taking part in archery, riflery, sailing, nature, woodshop, and various sports on the field. I had the pleasure of leading two archery periods in the morning where many campers shot rounds and learned new skills. A moment that really stood out for me was two new Mallards shooting together on the firing line for their first period of the summer. After each shot that landed on the target they were both eager to congratulate each other and celebrate their accomplishments! It was certainly a glorious day at camp, and a great way to start the second half! 
Additionally, many of our sailors went to O-At-Ka for some sailing races where we earned first place in the regatta! Congrats to them for their hard work and good sportsmanship!

Just a brief update after a full day. Our second-half campers arrived today, and everyone is settled in. The heavy rains from this afternoon and evening certainly didn’t dampen our spirits as the entire camp stayed in our barn after dinner for a night of introductions, songs, games and orientation. The rains have cleared, followed by a windy evening and calls from the loons on the lake. It's a perfect night to be tucked into bed in the cabins. 

It’s been an exciting and full day. We love having these campers here. We look forward to the next three weeks.

Oh to be a Timanous camper right now! We are so fortunate to have perfect Maine summer weather for all of our activities, and we're making the most of the opportunity. The Eagles, Crogles, Loons and Cardinals all ventured out and back on their camping trips with much success and enthusiasm. Today's activities include two camp favorites- a Saturday morning game of C-Flag between the Green and Gray (two ties!) and our annual TFFL (Timanous Touch Football League) extravaganza this afternoon. We've got plenty of other activities going on today for those not playing football, ranging from sailing to riflery to handicrafts. And, of course it's a great afternoon to go for a swim, whether it is after the football games or regular activities. Tonight will be cabin cookouts with all cabins grilling as a cabin group at their individual cookout sites. 

Now, I'd like to share an update on our new CampCraft awards from Camp Craft leader Jim Poulin. 

New Campcraft Awards
There is a new way for campers to earn awards this summer! After gathering significant input from our counselors, we have created the Timanous Campcraft Awards. These awards aim to challenge campers while developing valuable outdoor living skills. Campers can earn their beginner, intermediate, and advanced rating in four different disciplines: Fire, Knots, Tool & Craft, and Nature. 

Fire
To earn their beginner rating, campers must complete the “water boil test” in six minutes or less. This test involves building a fire to heat a can of soapy water. The timer starts when the match is lit, and ends when the soapy water bubbles over the edge of the can. All wood must be gathered from the forest, and pre-building the fire is not allowed. This is an intense challenge, and it has already been the source of much excitement this summer! The intermediate rating requires faster completion of the “water boil test,” this time in four minutes or less, and also includes successfully starting and maintaining a fire from a spark. The advanced rating requires campers to start and maintain a fire using a bowdrill or other friction method, as well as starting a fire from a log that has been soaked in water for five minutes.
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Knots
To earn their beginner rating, campers must complete the “Endrizzi Ridgeline Test.” This involves tying a ridgeline using a bowline and trucker’s hitch that meets standards for tautness and ability to support weight. The intermediate rating requires campers to successfully hang a tarp, complete with a ridgeline and secured corners. This test is graded using the “Hamilton Scorecard,” which forces campers to adhere to specific requirements when setting up their tarp. The advanced rating is a unique award indeed! To earn this award, campers must design and build a down-wind sailing rig for a canoe, and sail it across the Timanous Cove. They may only use a tarp, rope, folding saw, and knife to earn this award.

Tool & Craft
The beginner rating for Tool & Craft requires campers to complete a simple walking stick carving project using a folding saw and fixed-blade knife. Campers learn the basic skills needed to properly use these tools. The intermediated rating consists of successfully completing a spoon carving project. Campers must cut their own blank, and carve using both a spoon knife and a detail knife. They are encouraged to smooth and finish their projects, and hopefully use them in the barn! To earn their advanced rating, campers must create a primitive canoe paddle using only an axe, saw, knife, and rope. They must then use it to successfully solo paddle between Crows dock and Beginners dock in five minutes or less.

Nature
The nature discipline allows campers to pick the subject areas they want to focus on. To earn a nature award, campers must accumulate points through a system called the “Suitor Nature Scorecard.” There are ten topics that campers may choose from: trees, rocks, insects, wildflowers, reptiles/amphibians, fish, mammals, fungus, ferns/mosses, and birds. To earn points, campers need to complete field activities guided by the head of nature. The beginner rating requires campers to earn five points. The intermediate rating requires five additional points, and the advanced rating requires 10 additional points beyond what was already earned at the beginner and intermediate levels.