Do Nothing Day

Things are shaping up for a wonderful “Do Nothing Day”… no chance of rain, mild temperatures, mellow feeling everywhere.

About 150 campers are watching a movie right now, the rest of camp is “hanging out”. Many chose to stay in bed and sleep, others are taking long hot showers, some are reading books (by the lake or under a tree is perfect), some are sipping hot tea on the Dining Hall porch, some are sitting together enjoying a conversation. The number of “nothings” is quite large… and this will go on till 12:30, at which point we will begin our Lunch Luau with Mockingbird Sun.

The groups had a great time last night, probably a favorite night of camp for most of camp. Wonderful memories were made… it is quite impossible to go into it all, so I will mention the rising 10th graders who spent the evening with Margaret and me at our home.

Greylodge is the original Director’s cabin of camp; Dr. Sevier lived here when he ran Greystone in the 1920’s. At that time it was a 4 room “mill house” with a large porch and small bathroom. It has been adapted with each generation to fit the need of the era. The latest renovation was in 2008, Margaret and I integrated it into the camp facility with a lovely design that reflects the Adirondack style of the camp. It is a special place… especially to my family. It is the home that I grew up in (my daughter Catherine has my old bedroom) and the setting for a thousand wonderful memories. It was a delight to share it with the girls.

The rising 10th graders are a special group. In most camps, these would be the oldest campers (most camps have CIT programs for the rising 11th and 12th graders). Most of these girls have been coming to Greystone for more than 7 years… and about half will not be returning next year. High School sports often do not allow a summer break of this length, volunteer and work opportunities are sometimes necessary for college resume enhancement, summer school for a difficult science or math class, grand family vacations… the list goes on. Historically, we are pleased to get about half of this group to return for the Senior years.

So last night was a chance for Margaret and me to say Thank You. We get dressed up and cater a special dinner that takes about three hours to enjoy. From the hot bean dip to the whipped cream and raspberries, the girls LOVED the food. They enjoy getting dressed up and chatting in an air conditioned building. They loved getting pictures taken (by the photographers and in the photo booth). They loved catching chickens (yes, we have chickens roaming the lawn) in their nice clothes. And they liked celebrating their deep love of camp in this most anticipated moment.

Thank you for making such moments possible. It is humbling to see the commitment (both camper and parent) and not taken for granted. We work hard to exceed your expectations… frankly, this year is proving to be as perfect as we imagined. There are many days to go, but we see the Hand of God in the wonderful moments which pile up one after another. It is certainly going to be a summer to remember.

Tonight will be the Birthday Ball and Talent Show… all girls who have birthdays during Main Camp will have a seat at the Head Table for a banquet feast and special reserved seating for the Talent Show. It is a wonderful evening.

Thanks again for reading.

Jimboy