Posts by Adam Trufant
It is the [Camper] in the Arena that Counts
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who…
Read MoreChoosing Challenge Over Comfort
In the picture above, two Kahdalea campers are being drilled in a tandem canoe. Their goal? Master their turning strokes in both sides and both positions, bow and stern. In actuality, this will take days of hard work. After they achieve paddling staff approval on the Kahdalea lake, they will then depart on a 3…
Read More7/16/2025: Life and Photos from the Mountains
Here’s a little update from our mini session opening day yesterday! Our campers are currently exploring the beautiful high country of the Balsam Range near the Shining Rock Wilderness, paddling the Tuckaseegee and French Broad rivers, climbing in Pisgah National Forest at Cove Creek and Cedar Rock, and biking in the beautiful 8000 acre wonderland…
Read More7/12/2025: A Celebration of Artists!
We have had a wonderful week at CKC! After all of our trips returned, the energy was incredibly high in our meals at Kahdalea. Our chosboys returned from their cabin overnights this morning to a delicious lunch of tacos (arguably Chosatonga’s favorite meal of the week!) and eager to engage in a battle for the…
Read More7/8/2025
Smiling contagiously, the campers excitedly surrounded me, eagerly recounting scenes from their journey through an ancient river gorge as I stood in the Triangle area in front of the Kahdalea office. Indeed, their trip sounded like a lot of fun 🙂 Jungled pathways, crystal clear water, rock hopping, honest and happy exploration, and one camper…
Read MoreJuly 6, 2025
Our camp leadership and staff have been devastated upon receiving the news from Texas this week. Learning of the tragedies unfolding at Camp Mystic, Camp Stewart, Vista Camps, Camp Heart O’ the Hills, and other camps in the hill country, we wept like so many of you have. Amidst the many beautiful things happening here…
Read MoreDay One is Done!
As campers at both Kahdalea and Chosatonga settle into their cabins after our full day of activities, the sky is painted with glorious colors as the sun sends its last rays onto the clouds. Our Tribal Leaders and Line Heads at both camps are visiting our campers and staff in their cabins, hearing laughter and…
Read MoreMain Session is off to an incredible start :)
Today was wonderful and full of familiar faces – everyone is excited to see one another and the energy level was through the roof! What a perfect atmosphere for starting a session. And the forest around us is participating in the glory of the community coming together with rhododendron and mountain laurel blossoms decking the…
Read More“Kneel Reverently When You Light a Fire”
There are few moments more sacred at camp than our times surrounding the campfire. “Kneel reverently when you light a fire. Kneel Reverently and thankful be for God’s unfailing charity…” These words echo in the minds and hearts of Kahdaladies long after the sweet songs and Tajar Tales are over. “Kneel reverently”. I love the…
Read MoreRaising “Sturdy” Kids with Dr. Becky Kennedy
Hello friends! Adam Trufant here. Our campers are happily adventuring in our mountains and our in-camp activities today, and all are looking forward to this weekend which will be full of special programming and fun! We continue to be delighted with how these sessions are unfolding and I feel tremendous confidence in our staff at…
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