Tonight’s top-secret Banquet theme, brought to us by the 9th graders was… Koa: Beyond the Reef! It’s Moana themed!

Our 9th graders have spent the past number of weeks planning, organizing, and putting together tonight’s banquet which honors the CAs for their leadership this summer. It’s a Timber Tops tradition that we look forward to all summer and take very seriously- from Oaklings to CAs! The entire camp ate breakfast and lunch in the grove to give our 9th graders ample time to prepare in private, and they surpassed all expectations! You would not believe the way our 9th graders transform the dining hall each year, and it’s hard to put into words just how awesome it really is. This is the moment, too, to extend a heartfelt thanks to Ali, head of Arts & Crafts, and Cate, Assistant Head. They are at the helm of so much that happens at camp, and banquet is just the cherry on top of what has been a crafty, fabulous summer under their leadership.

“Koa Beyond the Reef” is truly spectacular. Our 9th graders have made shirts for the CAs with “Koa Beyond the Reef” on the front and a quote from Moana on the back: “There comes a day when you look around and realize happiness is where you are.” And boy does that ring true. Tonight we’re basking in the glow of this moment together and celebrating the awesome summer we’ve had.

It’s our tradition for CAs to get dressed up for banquet while the rest of camp dons their officials. Koa is officially presented one by one,  thanked, presented with awards, and made to feel like the stars of the show. And they really are and have been all summer. Thank you, Koa, for a summer filled with love for camp and each other.

After awards are presented at banquet, we have another tradition. Counselors who grew up as campers at CTT serenade the whole camp with a special song to the tune of “Uncle John’s Band.” The lyrics include “When you leave Timber Tops, friends will still remain. People grow, each year will pass, but the memories never change…” We also recognize a new counselor who feels like she’s been here all along! Our “most sucked in” award is coveted, and its shirt (the prize!) is passed on from year to year when its recipient comes back to camp as a returning counselor and passes it on. That’s right, they’ve gotta come back!  

At the end of the banquet, the 9th graders thank Koa and then, after much anticipation, come together as one to introduce their CA name and CA song for next summer. It’s really an emotional, moving moment every year, and this year was no different. And the CAs next summer are…

Zenia 2025!
Song: Side By Side by Layup

In addition to a big CTT/9th grade (now known as “Zenia”)/Koa love fest, the night was filled with especially delicious appetizers, dinner and desserts. It was like being at a wedding! It’s called Banquet for a reason. Really, ask your camper all about it!

An extraordinary night for extraordinary people in this extraordinary place. There’s a little extra magic in the air tonight at Camp Timber Tops, even though chants of “we’re not leaving” echo through the trees. It’s a bittersweet but awesome moment in the life of every summer, and this summer is no different.