Finish Line

The finish line is in sight for today is a day that ends with “Closing Vespers”. This fact flavors every minute of the day, it makes it a very sweet day of joyful celebration. It is going to be a lot of fun, even if it rains!

Rain is in the forecast… we began the day with light showers falling on the tin roofs of camp and that rain has gotten steadily heavier. This is a wonderful sound and it is a wonderful atmosphere for the campers (the very definition of camp in my opinion). The clouds are low (we can’t see the surrounding mountains), the temperatures are cool (low 70’s), and everyone is wearing rain gear to their classes. Their upbeat spirits make them splash in every puddle and inspect every muddy patch in the Pageant Court.

This is our first rain day of August Camp but we know how to have fun in the rain at Greystone. We go on as normal and have a blast. As long as there is no thunder, the classes will meet as normal (providing some delightful memories). Often times, such days as this become the BEST days of the summer.

This will also be a day of packing up to go home. It takes some time to pack everything and we will take that time at Rest Hour today. The process involves us tagging every bag so that there will be no confusion on Closing Day. By the end of the day we will be all organized and ready to accommodate the various transportation schedules. You can imagine how exciting this is for the girls!

Closing Vespers (coming after a fun day of classes and an exciting rest hour of packing) is a wonderful quiet EP. It starts with a Council Fire, where the girls hear a short talk on unselfishness and the spirit of Greystone, then moves into a time of program awards. Every camper who has passed a skill level will get a camp patch to mark the achievement. Her name is called out and she walks to the front of the group and is given the award. It is a wonderful affirmation and most appreciated by the girls. We will have a lot of patches to give out tonight… for the girls have been very busy in their classes. At the end of the program (weather permitting) we will gather around the flag pole with candles in hand to mark the significance of carrying the light of God’s Love in our hearts in a visual way. It is lovely and it is moving.

Many of the counselors will tear up as they enjoy this last candle ceremony of the summer. It has been a wonderful experience that has transformed each one of us. We are so happy to have shared this wonderful place with your wonderful girls. Thank you for sharing them with us and for entering into our little “bubble”. It is such an honor and privilege to serve you.

Jimboy

THE JOKE: A rich man is told by an Angel that he can have one wish granted before he goes to heaven the next night. After consideration, the man asks if he can take something with him to Heaven and the angel says OK. The man sells everything he owns and buys a big Gold Brick, putting it in a backpack and taking it to bed. When the angel arrives, the man grabs the backpack and heads to the pearly gates where St. Peter asks what is in the bag and is surprised to see the gold brick. With a look of amazement, St Peter exclaims: “YOU BROUGHT PAVEMENT?”