Who We Are

We are giving TONS of tours this session, more than usual. There is nothing I would rather do than give a tour of our camp: a tour of camp in session gives a snapshot of camp life that is an inspiration to my soul, but time does not allow the luxury. So I let the hostesses enjoy that treat.

Yesterday I learned that we have been giving more tours than normal. I also learned that our visitors are reading the updates before they come to camp, an fact that I had not really thought about until now; I am SO GLAD. It is smart to “get to know camp” before you visit. If I were checking out a camp, that would be the first place I would look… for it might show the spirit of the camp. Spirit is very important in a camp, for they all have one. I would read the blog, then call the camp and chat with the hostess (are they sweet and helpful), then schedule a visit to tour the camp while in session.

Ours is a camp that is marked by a strong sense of community. We spend all of our time together as a unified group (very few trips out of camp, all EP’s are done together, eat together, do the routines together) which leads to a very close knit community. You would not expect it, because we are a large camp; but it is true. I mentioned yesterday that we turned a corner during singing time after dinner on Thursday. The moment was magical, ear splitting volume with every table joined in perfect harmony and overwhelming joy. When a community joins together in such a way, it lends a place a certain spirit that is impossible not to notice. A tour of camp will pick up this feeling, the parents will comment on it every time. This is a happy place, a place of contentment, a place of safety and security, a place of friendship… Everything is impressive, a bit over the top, but it is the spirit that most impresses.

Some really nice places are snooty (and this is a really nice camp). I can not imagine a less attractive place than a snooty camp. Sometimes really nice places get their identity from their exclusive surroundings. At Greystone, our identity is closely connected to Christ, not our architecture. We live lives that reflect our Lord (who poured Himself out in love for others in obedience to His Father), not “preaching” but living unselfishly and with absolute love. Our Directors and counselors love Jesus and that is the glue that binds this community together. It is the sweetness that you feel when visiting. The girls flourish in this love, we all do. We will miss it when it concludes next week. There is no place on earth like Greystone in the summer.

Today is Challenge Day, good natured competition in every class with points given to winning teams (the winning team announced at dinner). The green and gold will be prominently displayed today, and the girls will enter into their class time with renewed interest as they anticipate the various competitions the counselors contrive. A little competition is a LOT of fun, when we announced the event last night after EP the girls went CRAZY!!! It was so funny! No other session gets this excited about Challenge Day, it is an inspiration to see how these girls embrace camp traditions.

We will cap off the day with a huge Carnival (inflatable rides, games, face painting, picnic, amazing carnival food, etc.). This is a high point for many of the girls, they have been looking forward to it all week long. Carnival after Challenge Day will be fun for the girls. This day will fly by! I will be manning the Funnel Cakes, frying 75 pounds of funnel cake batter is actually hard work and a little dangerous… might as well be me. We will feast on these piping hot Funnel Cakes, Cotton Candy, sno-cones, popcorn, cookie decorating… all after a picnic that features our famous BBQ. North Carolina BBQ is a passion around here, we have a gigantic smoker behind the kitchen for just this treat. Slow Smoke some pork (this takes about 10 hours) and let the magic begin. It is so good… this is going to be a great night!

Thank you for checking in, thank you for your support, thank you for inviting us into your lives.

Have a GREAT DAY!!!