Adding a Little Character

So Marty has been busy around camp covering some not so attractive areas with a little character. We have had concrete cylinders covering some wells on the Upper Green for many years.  We’ve also had some plywood covers for  water cut-offs for a long time.  This Spring, we wanted to cover these areas with something new. Here are a few pictures…

The first is on the side of the New Infirmary. This addition simply covered a plywood door leading to the crawl space under the building. Next is the back side of Roger’s Retreat. In the fall we added a flower bed that you can see outlined by rocks; it may be hard to notice the shrubs…there are about 10. The barn looking building is covering the hole in in which the water cut offs for Rogers are housed… hopefully adding a little character to the lake road. Next you can see one of the new Well Covers on the Upper Green. Expect to see more similar structures around camp before the summer…

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Retro Friday: Lake Ridgecrest

So it’s not a surprise that a lot about Lake Ridgecrest at Camp Ridgecrest has changed over the years. A variety of docks have been in multiple locations. We have had a dock near where Rogers is now. There was also the H-Dock where the Pavilion now sits. We had the I-Dock and the P-Dock. A wooden fence used to line part of the shore and wooden “stumps” were used almost all the way around the lake near the lake road. Below is even a picture of boys racing around the lake road. It looks as if they are standing where the entrance to our dock system now sits. Lots has changed. What do you remember? What do you see in these pictures that are different? What would you like to see a picture of?

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Camp Plyak Auction!

After last summer, camp received a monetary donation that allowed the Boy’s Camp to purchase new plyaks for summer 2011! We are proud to announce that camp received new kayaks to replace the boats that have been used for the past 20+ years. So, in order to make room for the new kayaks, Camp Ridgecrest will be auctioning off all of the remaining classic plyaks. These plyaks come AS IS, so along with your purchase of a piece of camp history, you get to take home: scratches from the boats being pulled ashore since the 70’s, small cracks made from plyaks being swamped in canoe skill, and, maybe, some GENUINE Lake Ridgecrest water! Ron will even load the kayak into your car (or he’ll just get an intern to do it). We will be accepting bids for the next month or so, and the top 10 bids will be the winners! So far, we have two bids in for $100 dollars each, so the competition for these kayaks is already well under way. The minimum bid is only $50, and all bids can be sent to rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com. All proceeds will be given to the tuition fund in order to help families pay to send their boys to Camp Ridgecrest. Bid early and bid often folks, and enter to own a piece of camp history!

Posted in News | Tagged camp auction, Camp Ridgecrest, Lake Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Alumni, Ridgecrest Contest, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Scholarships | Leave a reply

New Clothing for Summer 2011

Here is a look at the New Clothing Designs for Summer 2011. If you are a camper, you should have already received an email with a link to the online clothing store. That is where you will make your purchase. The clothing will then be pulled and waiting for you to pick up on Opening Day at Camp Ridgecrest! So, check it out and let us know what you like the best below… Hover over the item to see what it’s called…

We are looking forward to an amazing summer! We still have openings at our boys camp! Join us for an unforgettable experience.

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Retro Friday: Canteen Moves In

Many of us know the story of how the current Camp Ridgecrest Canteen was moved across Yates Ave from where is originally set as the Train Depot for Ridgecrest. Camp Ridgecrest paid a total of $1 for that building. But I’ve heard it cost a lot more to have it moved (seen below).

Yes, campers at one time simply boarded a train, saying good-bye to their parents, and began their journey to camp. It’s pretty cool to stand in this building and try to imagine the years of people who passed through the same doors, and walked on the same floors.  One of my favorite parts of the canteen is the door that we currently use as the main entrance (not in the picture below). There is at least a 2 inch dent in the floor right at that door from the years of excited campers stomping through on their way to buy a train ticket to camp, or just an RC Cola or a Cheerwine after lunch…

What are your favorite memories of the Camp Ridgecrest Canteen or the old Train Depot? Do you know any other details that you’d like to share?

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Take a Break

A couple weeks ago, we took a trip out to the Pigeon River in Tennessee to test out a Canopy Tour.  It was great to be outside again and experience something new.  We wanted to give you an idea of what is involved in a Canopy Tour in case you’ve never done it before.  It was definitely worth the trip!

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Retro Friday: Lakeside and Inspection

So Lakeside Chapel at Camp Ridgecrest may have a few more benches these days, but it is still the same peaceful place to hear from your counselors about the Lord. I’ve heard campers say how God has changed their life, and I’ve heard staff share their life stories with campers eagerly listening… And then there is Inspection. It’s changed a bit throughout the years, but not much. One might say that it’s a bit more relaxed these days. But overall, campers still work hard to get the lowest score possible in their Tribe. do you have any great memories from Lake Side Chapel or from Inspection in your cabin? Share them here….

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Sockwar: Sockout

Some of you might love video games. Some of you might not. Either way, you are sure to like this Sockwar intro to the Sockout theme from 2010. Pretty creative. Enjoy it…

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New Paint – New Look

After months of hard work and patience, the renovated cabins are finally reaching completion. Last week, each cabin was given a new coat of paint and the results are incredible. It looks as though the nine newly-renovated cabins are brand new.  The cabins were each painted in accordance with tribal colors in order to preserve each hill or circle’s distinct appearance. Now that painting has been completed, renovations are moving into their final phase. The crowning touches will include sanding the floors, and a few other last-minute touch ups. The cabins are looking great, but are now waiting for our campers and staff to put the new cabins to good use. Below are pictures of each of the nine newly-renovated cabins.

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Retro Friday: House on the Middle Green

One of the first private homes in Ridgecrest, NC was located on the middle green at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. The name of the house was Hon-O-Lulu Cottage, and sat where our New Infirmary currently sits. After the house was removed long ago, there was a horse riding ring, then there was a trampoline, and finally, the outdoor Arap Chapel was located there for many years. It was a few years ago that the New Infirmary was added. If you have any specific memories about any of the things that were located on this spot, then please share below! Does anyone know any details about the house in this picture? If you have similar pictures, please share them with us!

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Hon-a-lulu Cottacge, Lake Ridgecrest, Middle Green, Retro Friday, Ridgecrest Alumni, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply