Old Timers

Tonight we will have our Five Year Celebration in a really wonderful setting with a really wonderful group of girls. The setting will be under the dance tent by the lake (it is very spacious and will be nice and cool… only risk is that it is not “waterproof” (the tent fabric actually is only 80% waterproof, a fact that makes the tent stable in high winds). If it rains we will have to move inside (but it is not supposed to rain so we should be good). The girls being celebrated tonight are special because they have been coming to camp for so many years. To be recognized tonight a camper must have come to camp for at least five years (at least three at Main Camp). If you think this is a small group, you would be wrong!

One hundred Seventy six girls have made the list this year. Thirty-Two of these campers are in our Senior-Senior group (entering their senior year of high school). It is an amazing fact… one that should make each of you appreciate camp more. That we have so many girls return to camp, even after they have been coming to camp for so many years, speaks volumes and raises the question “why”? Tonight we hear some of those reasons as the Senior girls stand before the whole camp and in one short speech try to convey that answer.

The reasons are as varied and as subtle as you can imagine. The simplicity of the reasons mask the depth of the emotion behind such commitment. They love the friends they make at camp (this is the biggest message each year). They love the spiritual growth God provides at camp, they love the counselors who mentor them at camp. They love the food at camp. They love the moments of carefree delight at camp. It is a rich tapestry that is well presented by the group.

You may have a front row seat at this evening’s program if you like… we will present it LIVE starting around 7:15 tonight and keep it available for 24 hours (just click the link or go to campgreystone.com/live). It is a SUPER GIRLY event (why anyone gets excited about wearing a white dress, carrying a rose, and being presented to the camp confounds me), but hearing the Seniors talk always brings deep emotion to my heart. They are so good, they love camp so much. It can not fail to inspire (especially the younger campers who often “get it” for the first time when they hear these cool older girls explain why camp is great).

This experience is quality in a way that is hard to explain, but authentic in a way that is unique. Nothing “plastic” about time at camp… it is beautiful in ways that are seldom seen elsewhere. If you get a chance, tune in (if not tonight, later on…) you might be surprised at what you learn!

The weather continues to be AMAZING. Highs in the low 80’s, overcast skies, afternoon showers. Counting on the rain being done by 6:30 so we can get some good photos by the lake. Tomorrow we will celebrate the Fourth of July with a big carnival and fireworks show… these are the good days of summer for sure!