Jul 16, 2014 by Jimboy

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Senior Celebration

Greystone has several “distinctives” that set us apart from other camps, but one of the BIG ONES is the Senior Campers that we attract every summer.

We count rising 11th and 12th graders as Seniors. They live in “The Castle” (a rambling 7 room cabin located on the East side of the Dining Hall). Most have been campers for more than 5 years (the combined total of all the girl’s summers is over 500 years), and ALL of them LOVE CAMP and LOVE THEIR CAMP FRIENDS with a passion.

These are the true leaders of camp. Their influence is felt everywhere: from the dining hall, to the assemblies and EP’s, and of course the classes. Their enthusiasm for the “Camp Game” is contagious and an inspiration to campers and counselors alike. They seek out “DMC’S” (deep meaningful conversations) every day and seize every opportunity to make the most of every day.

They deserve the attention that they get, and they know how to handle the “fame”. Never will you meet a kinder, more considerate, more helpful, or joyful 17 year old. These girls inspire hope for our nation and the future… we are blessed to have them at camp.

Thus tonight’s Senior Celebration is anticipated by all. The program is basically a big talent show that the Seniors give, with every cabin participating and every girl who wants to do an individual act is given the opportunity. It is more of a serious EP, for at this point in the summer the girls are beginning to feel the first pangs of departure. They keenly know that this summer will mark the last time the entire group will be together, so they want to express their love in a special way. I anticipate a fair bit of tears during the program and a lot of tears later on when the seniors return to their Castle.

The night progresses as follows:

  • The Seniors are announced one by one and walk up the aisle of the pavilion to their seats on the southern side of the porch.
  • Dr. Margaret gives a quick intro to the program and a quick talk on beauty.
  • The Seniors provide a Talent Show with every girl participating in at least one act (a lot of singing poignant songs with nervous giggles as tears stream down smiling faces).
  • We present the “Queen” and her “Court” (chosen by the campers by secret ballot).
  • We dismiss to Crackers, where all the campers are able to hug their friends in the Senior group.
  • At “Call to Quarters” the Seniors change into their PJ’s and go to a special reception and Devotion hosted by Dr. Margaret.
  • The Seniors return to their cabin where they are given special presents by their counselors… silver charms on a silver necklace (Crosses hand made by our own Marilyn Baily), and a individually addressed special hand written card that includes all the wonderful things that the counselor and the other girls in the cabin say are special about that girl. This little card added to the little cross… they become treasured possessions for a lifetime.
  • Lots of tears and hugs… the best night of the summer. WE LOVE IT!!!

The weather is delightfully cool and pleasant. We are having a blast and wish that camp would never end. A lot of big events loom on our horizon, lots to look forward to!

Jimboy