On Your Mark!

The air quite literally is tingling at camp today, for we just now (moments ago) gave the counselors the list. What campers are in what cabin is one of the biggest secrets of the summer. We hold it very tight to the vest, for many reasons… this secrecy makes for a huge wave of excitement among the counselors (who have been on pins and needles for days waiting for the news).

All day we will be making our final preparations: moving beds, delivering trunks, cleaning cobwebs, sweeping, dusting, arranging, painting… over 150 counselors in constant movement as we all take care of “our little corner”. We are trying to make our first impression with you PERFECT and such a standard makes for a very hard day’s work.

A couple of words to “the audience”:

Campers—- get ready to smile. The first day of camp is going to be a time of “nerves” for us all. Every camper in camp feels the same butterflies fluttering in their stomachs… it’s OK. Just step out there with a smile and start meeting new friends from the very first minute you walk into the cabin. SMILE… SMILE… SMILE. It makes the first day lots better, I promise you. Camp is not like the “real world”. Being cool and aloof just doesn’t work here. We are going to become very good friends, might as well get on with it from the first minute you enter the gates.

Parents—- expect great things. This is a dangerous thing for me to say at the onset of a session, but I confidently lay down the gauntlet because I know that we will deliver. Main Camp is our flagship session. It defines what is good about camp… the growth and character development that happens at Main Camp is profound. The friendships are bright and strong… with roots that assure a lifetime of moments to come. June Camp this year was over the top good… better than I expected due to a thousand little details that are in place for Main Camp as well. God blesses this camp and the community that we serve. Prepare to be blessed!

That’s it…

Arrrive early if you can (the camp officially opens at 7:30 but you can get here about 7:00 and have a front row seat). You come in through the Staff Entrance (this sometimes confuses people…). If you are staying in Hendersonville, know that you are surrounded by fellow Greystone families (they are easy to spot… go ahead and introduce yourself, it is always fun to make new friends). Be considerate of the “Public” (we are sometimes very loud… I got a complaint from a hotel guest one year because of all the happy squealing in the hallways— HA!). AND BE SAFE (accidents on Opening Day are no fun).

See you tomorrow.

Jimboy