Today was one of the most anticipated days of the first session: UN Day, a Camp Timberlane tradition that brings the entire camp together for a full day of healthy competition. It’s the one day where cabins are set aside and everyone is divided into four teams, each led by a staff advisor. This year’s teams were England, led by Orla Gibbons; Brazil, led by Henry Anderson; Italy, led by Seth Fish; and Panama, led by Sam Kline. Each team also had one camper captain from every village, announced earlier this week during our Torch Ceremony. Those captains stepped up today. They led with confidence and brought great energy to their teams. While the day was about competing, what stood out most was the way campers encouraged each other, both on and off their teams. Many campers shared with me how much fun they had, regardless of their team’s standings.
We started the day with a delicious breakfast of sunny-side-up eggs, muffins, and meat patties. At 9:30, we kicked things off with the UN Day Marathon, a race that winds all around and through camp, broken up into legs for each age group. Seniors ran first, followed by Intermediates, and then Juniors. It was a fun, active way to get everyone involved right from the start. By 10am, camp was in full swing with games and competitions happening across every corner. Campers took part in basketball, canoe races, checkers, disc golf, floor hockey, pickleball, shuffleboard, flag football, trampball, tushball, and 3-on-3 volleyball. Staff were spread out across camp helping run each event, keeping scores, and making sure things moved smoothly. Advisors checked in with their teams and encouraged campers throughout the morning. From 11:30 to 12:45, the second round of games got underway with activities like bombardment, pentathlon, soccer, tetherball, trampball, tushball, ultimate frisbee, and more checkers and basketball. Everyone gave their best effort, and the energy across camp was contagious.
Lunch followed with a familiar favorite of hot dogs, curly fries, and a variety of fresh options from the salad bar. Afterwards, everyone took some time to rest and recharge before heading into the afternoon events. At 3:00, the bell rang for one of the highlights of UN Day: the Camper and Staff Relay. The whole camp gathered on the far athletic field, where a round of Horsengoggle determined lane selection. Campers ran the first legs, followed by staff, and everyone else was on the sidelines cheering at full volume. Having been on staff for a few UN Days now, I can honestly say there’s nothing quite like the energy and camaraderie of this event.
The final round of competitions took place from 3:30 to 4:45, with archery, tennis, baseball, pottery, shuffleboard, soccer, trampball, tushball, checkers, floor hockey, pickleball, and pentathlon all happening across camp. And then, at 4:45, the bell rang for the last event of the day, the Tug-of-War. Teams huddled, talked strategy, and gave it their all. Staff tugged first, followed by campers, and every match brought big cheers and louder celebrations. Seeing teams run toward each other in huge, happy huddles after a win is always a highlight.
At Flagpole, we announced the final results of the day. Team England took home the win, followed by Italy in second, Brazil in third, and Panama in fourth. But more than who came in where, today was about showing up, supporting each other, and having a great time together. We also lucked out with perfect weather, which made everything even better.
Dinner was one of our all-time favorites. Matzo ball soup and crispy latkes with sour cream and applesauce. The evening continued with a relaxed, organized free period as our Evening Program, and we ended the day with a Watermelon Party at the Lodge.
As I walked around today, supporting our photographer and watching everything unfold, I couldn’t help but feel proud. Campers were focused, having fun, and showing real care for one another. Staff brought great energy and encouragement. Even in the most competitive moments, Timberlane’s values were front and center—respect, teamwork, effort, and joy.
As this full, beautiful day comes to a close, I’m sure of one thing: camp will sleep well tonight.
Benches Up,
Desiree