Retro Friday: Swimming

Swimming has been one of the most popular activities at Camp Ridgecrest since opening it’s gates in 1929. You’ve read Retro Friday posts about Lake Ridgecrest and the different activities that are offered. But did you know that Camp Ridgecrest used to participate in swim meets? Swimmers at Camp Ridgecrest used to compete in several tournaments during the camp season, including a large four-camp meet sponsored by the Valley Athletic Association. The meets were conducted within divisions so that boys would compete only with boys of their own age and experience. A swimming trophy was awarded to the best swimmer in each division.

Though camp does not participate in swim meets anymore, we still offer campers to choose swimming as a skill. There are also multiple times each day that campers can swim during free time. Do you remember competing in the swim meets? Tell us your stories below!

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Lake Ridgecrest, Retro Friday, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Retro Friday: The Lake Lodge

Did you know that the Lake Lodge’s first summer was 1966? Many of you know the Lake Lodge well as it has a prime location in camp. Constructed of wood and native river stone, the Lake Lodge is the hub of camp. In 1966, it contained the central administrative office, assistant director’s office, pastor’s office, equipment room, clothing store, restrooms for guests and central staff living quarters. A few years later there was also a nurse’s station in the Lake Lodge.

Now the Lake Lodge is the main off-season administrative building for both boys and girls camps. During the summer the downstairs is used for the summer directors, like Program and Administrative Directors, all TL’s, and receptionists. There is also a mail room and restroom. The lobby wall’s are filled with camp session pictures dated all the way back to 1930! As you can see from this picture, not much has changed on the outside of the Lake Lodge. Do you remember when the Lake Lodge was first built? Comment below and tell us your stories!

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Retro Friday, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

The Best Blobs 2012

The time is coming soon fellas! Get your bathing suits ready and prepare for lift off! Check out this sweet video of the best blobs of 2012!

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Christian Camps, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, VLOG | Leave a reply

Retro Friday: Packing List

Did you know back in 1932 campers were asked to bring a dress suit to camp? Can you imagine our campers now having to wear a suit to church? Our campers typically wear khaki shorts and a polo to church but you will also see some in a t-shirt and gym shorts.

Campers were also asked to bring all of their sports equipment like tennis rackets and balls, baseball glove, etc. Now camp asks that campers do not bring their own sports equipment because we do not want it to get lost or ruined. We provide everything a camper could want or need in terms of sports equipment!

My favorites on this list are handkerchiefs, white ducks, and bathrobe. Does anyone know what a white duck is? I will give you a hint: it’s not an animal! Do you remember having to bring items like these to camps? Comment below and let us know! 

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Retro Friday, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Retro Friday: Baseball & Basketball

Did you know that Camp Ridgecrest baseball and basketball teams used to play outside games with Camp Blue Ridge, Chimney Rock Camp and the YMCA College of Blue Ridge? Two afternoons a week were devoted to campers that wanted to play baseball. Staffers would teach campers that wanted to learn or improve their game. Games were arranged for both younger and older campers. Camp Ridgecrest found that inter-camp games were very popular and our campers showed their spirit on the field.

For campers that wanted to play basketball they could hit the court on rainy days and in the evenings. Camp Ridgecrest campers also played in a sport league and arranged outside games with other camps.

These two pictures show campers in 1931 playing baseball and basketball. Can you imagine playing basketball in long pants and a belt? Though times have definitely changed with these two sports, we find that our campers still love baseball and basketball.

Do you remember playing baseball or basketball for Camp Ridgecrest against other camps? Tell us your stories below!

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Retro Friday, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply