Folks associated with Camp Highlander often have fond memories of their special time at camp. Whether you’re a camper, alumni or staff member, we all share the mountain and could tell thousands of stories about our magical mountain home. I have been blessed to be able to call Highlander my home away from home for more than four decades, and I am happy to reminisce about the past through rare photos found in the camp archives.
Archery
Archery has always been a favorite of both campers and staff alike. In this photo circa 1975, we get a look at the first (of a few) locations of the Archery range at Mills River (a year or two after camp moved from Highlands, NC). Believe it or not, this is just outside the gym where the Slab is located now.
So, who is in this photo? The guy in the middle with the long hair is none other than Greg Galloway at 15 years old. The counselor to the right that has a bow and arrow in his hand is Bob Goodman. That’s me at the entrance in the back checking out Greg’s teaching style. The path where Bob is standing is actually where the bleachers are now and the gym is located just to the left of the photo.
Archery was moved to the Athletic Field when the hillside behind the targets began to erode. Plus, it was a very difficult to locate stray arrows in the thick brush and trees that you see in the photo. Incidentally, in the summer of 2012, all of the Hemlock trees in this area were cut down and cleared away, as they fell victim to a Wooly Adelgid infestation that killed most Hemlocks in the Appalachian Mountains. In 1991, Archery settled in its current location just across from Riflery.
It is somewhat hard to imagine Archery where the Slab is located, as this particular spot has always been the focal point of camp. You cannot go anywhere on central camp without passing by the Slab. Where was Archery located the last time you were at Camp Highlander?
One Love,
Gaynell
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