Friday

Shockingly, it remains hot… I understand it is hot everywhere (Nashville 104???!!), but I had expected it to have cooled back to normal by now.

The forecast last Monday was for the heat wave to be past by now. We expected highs in the upper 80’s; instead, it appears that our highs today will be in the low 90’s. The 5 degrees difference is noticed, but frankly… weather doesn’t really effect us any more.

We adjust to the weather in this setting. Our bodies no longer expect air-conditioning. We drink lots of water, seek out shade if we are hot, and appreciate the simple pleasure of a breeze coming off the lake. The combination of eating well, sleeping well, and getting lots of exercise has made us more fit. Amazing what a difference 2 weeks can make!

So it is hot, and it doesn’t matter!

The good news… one week from today the forecasted highs are in the 70’s! One thing about mountain living; the weather is always changing.

Today will be a day of normal classes and extraordinary Evening Programs. I say “Programs” because we are breaking up the community into six groups who will all do special activities that have been planned by their Group Leaders. We do not break up our community very often, so when we do it is a big deal. The activities are chosen based on our years of experience on what works for the various age groups.

The Seniors don’t want to do anything. Give them free time and they are THRILLED. They love to chill. To sit and talk, just hang out with each other. SO… we are giving them a free night, complete with an optional “Chick Flick” in the Pavilion. It will be hugely satisfying for them, a home run that comes at the right time.

Speaking of Home Runs… the 8th graders will be going to a minor league baseball game in Asheville. We have rented buses to take the entire group to see the Asheville Tourists. The stadium is really neat, it has tons of personality and is really well done. We will give each girl $10 to buy hotdogs or whatever suits their desire. They will be shocked… we have never done a baseball game (we did roller skating for the past couple of years)… I think it is going to be a hit.

The other group going out of camp is the 7th graders who will go bowling! We have rented out the local bowling ally and will give the girls treats while they play. It is air-conditioned… it is out of camp… it is REALLY fun. When was the last time you went bowling? There is a reason the Vanderbilt’s put an ally in the Biltmore House!

Technically, the 9th graders will be going out of camp; but not really. Margaret and I are hosting this group at our house with a catered fancy (for camp) dinner party. We are setting places for the 80 girls in this group who will come up to the house at 6:00… the golden time of day. Our house is fantastic. It is located at the top of the camp with views of the mountains to the west and the lake to the east. The roofs of the Fine Arts Center and Dining Hall are below the view line… it feels like you are a mother hen sitting on top of her clutch of chicks! We will eat on the lawn under the big maple tree and a view of the lake, on the porch with the mountain view, on the Patio surrounded by flowers and hemlock trees, in our game room, and in our great room. We will socialize, enjoy a great meal catered by my friend Starr Teel and his crew from Hubba Hubba, and give the girls free reign over the house. It is a lot of work (I will be working up there most of the afternoon), but worth it. For many of these girls, this is their last summer. We appreciate how hard it is to return to camp for those Senior years… it is a kind of “thank you” dinner for many of these girls. It is a great night.

The 6th Grade will have free reign at Putt Cove… possibly even spending the night at our fabulous Marina. This is a Million Dollar facility, a knock out by any standard. These girls will be the first to really “use” the whole facility… from the huge sailing building to my personal “retreat” cabin. We will have the waterfalls going (we have three fountains to provide a soothing water sound for the docks), the party barges taking cruises (one is a luxury unit with “mood lighting”), music, dancing, s’mores, camp fires, GOOD TIMES.

The 5th grade will be hitting Apple Hill for an evening of games, music, dancing, food… all coordinated by our Program Director Kelly Carew. Kelly loves this age group. This is the group that she always was given as a cabin counselor (she has had over 200 campers in her cabins over the years). She is magic with them and looks forward to this night all year long. It is perfect!

The 3rd and 4th grades will be given Whitehall Lodge for an evening of Cupcake Making and decorating. This is a class that has been recommended to us by campers this year. The idea of making and eating cupcakes is magical… and Whitehall is a wonderful place to do it. Air Conditioning, music, and food. Heavenly food… it will be fantastic.

SO… let the fun begin!

Thank you again for checking up on us. I hope that your day is a GREAT one.

Jimboy