August Camp

Hello Everyone!

It is possible nobody is going to read this update for they would not think that there was any reason to check the camp news until camp begins. For those of you who are so “Type A”, OCD, Organized, On Top of Everything, or just fanatical camp junkies… this one’s for you!

First of all the weather. You know that it has rained a lot this summer (if you don’t know this fact then you must be from a different planet). It has rained at some point almost every day this summer. Yesterday it rained from about 12:00 AM to 12:00 PM… rained hard. Today we will get afternoon showers, a fact that will probably mark every day of August Camp… so be prepared! Rain boots are a must! When you arrive tomorrow morning, be prepared for a slightly mucky walk up the hill (cute sandles are not a good idea). The flip side of this rain reality is the temperatures… GLORIOUS! The most comfortable days of ANY SUMMER ANY TIME. Highs are typically in the low 80’s. It feels great.

Second… the summer to date. Our 94th summer is drawing to a close and we have a very clear sense of how things are going. Frankly, things are great. I do not think that there is anything that I would change. Perfection is rarely touched in this world, but this summer gets close. Sure, the rain has impacted the facility but it has not had a negative impact on the camp. The credit for this goes to God alone, for He has lifted the spirits of all… camper and counselor alike. It has been very sweet and my anticipation is for August Camp to be the sweetest session of them all.

August Camp is a young camp with a lot of first time campers (27% are first time campers). The enthusiasm and energy of these campers makes for a completely different feel than the June and Main Sessions (both of which are more laid back). For the next two weeks we will run everywhere and do everything with complete abandon. The opening week (which is a very fast paced schedule, honed over the years to acclamate the girls to their new home) becomes the closing week (also fast paced and honed to a sharp edge over the years) then we leave. It is like a roller coaster ride that delights at every turn then is over leaving a huge grin on every wide eyed wind burned face. It is going to be wonderful.

When to arrive: Early! We “open” camp at 7:30, many parents choose to arrive prior to that time in order to get their bunk assignment and allow their camper to run up the hill to have first choice of bunks. All the bunks are the same (no “bad bunks”) so there is no reason to do this… but many choose to do so. If you want to participate in the bunk run, arrive no later than 7:15 for it takes a few minutes to get your bunk assignment and get in place.

What to do: quickly set up the bunk area (we have already made the beds so all you have to do is unpack into the drawer and set up the shelves) and get to know your counselor and the other campers in the cabin. Stop by the Dining Hall Porch for some scones and coffee at our Director Reception. Margaret and I will be there as will my sister (Katie) who will be at the Alumnae table. The Camp Store is open and does a pretty brisk business on opening day. Don’t linger… it is best for your camper to adjust to camp without your help. Trust your counselor to make things fun and take good care of things, we ask that you plan on departing camp by 9:30 AM so that the cabins will have time to do their Opening Day scheduling and tours prior to lunch. We will start classes tomorrow afternoon.

Greystone is the best place on earth. A place of fun, fellowship, and faith that I have not experienced elsewhere. I know that your high expectations for these two weeks will be met in the days to come. Hold onto your hat… it is going to be quite a ride!

Jimboy