Camp 4 returns to MC

Sophomore June Rosenbarker and Senior Nick Myers encourage a young girl as she climbs the Alpine Tower. Photo by Mackenzie Yaksik.
Sophomore June Rosenbarker and Senior Nick Myers encourage a young girl as she climbs the Alpine Tower. Photo by Mackenzie Yaksik.

On March 29, Camp 4 resumed operation and reopened the Crawford House doors to Maryville College and the surrounding community. This weekly event seeks to promote healthy, active living with the outdoors, and the Mountain Challenge staff has created a multitude of activities for us all to join in. Activities to participate in include climbing The Alpine Tower, rock climbing in the climbing cave, personal fitness classes, outdoor yoga and weekly walks through the campus woods.

“We noticed there was a decrease in activity in the college and the community that supported wellness. We wanted to do something that promoted the motto Fit. Green. Happy,” said June Rosenbarker.

Camp 4 afternoons and are characterized by fitness, greenness, and happiness. A family from the community was in the process of conquering the tower on Wednesday. College students and adults alike were taking part in a group fitness class on the back deck. Rock climbers were powdering their hands, gearing up to maneuver the climbing cave. Even those who weren’t participating in a designated activity were throwing the frisbee around and dancing to the catchy music playing from the porch.

“We want a fun atmosphere during Camp 4. We play music; kids are encouraged to just come and hang out if they want,” said Bruce Guillaume, founder and operator of Mountain Challenge.

Guillame is often asked about the inspiration behind Camp 4.

“In Yosemite there are a lot of campgrounds, and there is this one in particular that big rock wall climbers used as an outdoor fitness area. So we took the name from that,” said Guillame.

The name ties wonderfully into the main purpose: giving the college and community something that other fitness centers cannot offer. No other center on campus ties in the outdoors, group and personal fitness, and the happy atmosphere like Camp 4 does.

“I work the tower, and I get to climb it sometimes when there is a gap in visitors. I also really like the atmosphere and the staff we have,” said Roland Parker, sophomore Mountain Challenge staffer.

Parker also gives a piece of advice to visitors: the only things you need to bring is water and a snack if you want, and athletic shoes.

“Bring a good attitude and be ready for some fun!” said Rosenbarker

A group of Maryville College students climb the Alpine Tower. Photo by Mackenzie Yaksik.
A group of Maryville College students climb the Alpine Tower. Photo by Mackenzie Yaksik.

The specific times for scheduled Camp 4 events are as follows:

Campus walk in the woods at 12:00 PM.

Alpine tower open from 3:30 to 6:30 PM.

Group fitness from 4:00 to 5:00 PM on the back deck.

Yoga begins at 5:15 on the back deck.

The cost is free for all students, faculty, and staff members. For community members, the cost is $5 for kids ages 8-17 and $10 for adults 18 and older.

So, if you’re looking for a way to get active and outside, or you’re just looking for a way to spend your Wednesday afternoon, the Mountain Challenge staff invites you to come hang out at Camp 4!

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