Pine Cove 2025

While Camden and his group of friends opted not to go to Pine Cove this year, Casen was still eager to go. He was looking forward to camp and seeing some of the friends he has made over the years. I spent Saturday getting everything together and packed his trunk.

While Shane and Camden went to church, Casen and I left Sunday around lunch time and headed to Columbus. I was excited for him and all the week had in store for him, however I couldn't help but feel a bit of hesitation in dropping him off. After the flooding that occurred in the Kerrville area last week resulting in the loss of several campers live at Camp Mystic, I couldn't help but hug his neck a little tighter when I left him. 

Casen was the second camper to arrive to his cabin where we were greeted by his counselor, Mr. Irrelevant. When talking with Mister, he told me he was from Frisco and played football at Southwestern University. I was thrilled to hear that, knowing that he and Casen would have some things in common.

While most kiddos prefer a top bunk, Casen chooses the bottom. He says it is because when he is tired, the last thing he wants to do is climb up stairs to get to his bed. LOL. Casen was not thrilled to see that one of the boys in his cabin was one that was in his cabin last year and was so very immature and 'annoying' (in Casen's words). Fortunately, as I was leaving, one of the boys that was in his cabin last year that he hung out with, was also in his cabin this year. 

Fortunately, Pine Cove posts pictures daily so I parents can see proof of life. After seeing several of the pictures that were posted of Casen's cabin mates, I could tell there was a lot of personality. ;)

 

 

Operation Infiltration

Dress up Night (the last night)

I always look forward to my letters. Casen had been sick with a sinus infection prior to going to camp and was on antibiotics that he had to finish up while at camp. I had requested that he let me know how he was feeling in his first letter, which he did. He also shared that a certain someone was rather annoying. LOL. It did make my momma heart happy that he seemed thrilled with his counselor.

In the past, Pine Cove always had a closing ceremony. Once COVID hit in 2020, they have not had a closing ceremony . . .until this year. Parents were instructed to arrive at 9:30, and the kids would enter at 10:00. We gathered in the feeding hall, which they just added a ropes course to this year. Casen's group was the last group to enter, so I couldn't see him (he was under the wooden contraption). 

After the ceremony, the parents headed outside to meet their kiddos. I found Casen at which time Mister presented his CQs (character qualities) - dependable, gentle and joyful.

I was so very glad to have my boy back and enjoyed hearing all the fun camp stories on the way home. I am so grateful for all the counselors and staff that pour into these kids all week. He can hardly wait for his counselor to make the group chat with he and all the cabin mates. He already has plans to attend next year! 

While Casen was away at camp, Camden finally talked me into allowing him to have Instagram. I have been holding off for quite some time, however, he was really wanting to be able to connect with his counselor from Camp Eagle. Hid other friends from church who were in his group and had the same counselor, had  already been able to connect with their counselor and Camden was feeling left out. Since Instagram now has a teen account that parents can monitor, I decided he could have it. 

I, of course, had to document Camden's very first story on Instagram, which was a picture of his brand new soccer cleats. :)