Enduring Truth

Camp Greystone was founded in 1920 by my Great Grandfather. Those first years must have presented a tremendous challenge to him as he prayerfully discerned what traditions would remain from year to year (assessing what “works” is a big part of a camp director’s job). Such traditions as Opening Vespers were cemented in those first years and continue to this day. Last night we were reminded that simple traditions like this are often the most memorable moments of the summer.

Opening Vespers has two components: a story and a candle lighting ceremony. It is a deceptively simple program that you would think the girls would not enjoy (they sit silently on benches for an hour while I tell them a story then they light their candles). The fact is, they soak it up like sponges… their attention and care with this fragile event (just one girl talking ruins the effect) is touching. I hope you will hear of it in letters, but know that most girls don’t write much so I will share Dr. Margaret’s “synopsis” points from her talk after I told the story of the “Keeper of the Flame”.

This is a story that has endured generations for a couple reasons: It is a Love Story (and who doesn’t like a love story) and it is a True Story (about faithfulness and committment). Like most good stories, it reflects the Ultimate True Story of Jesus (who also loved with perfect faithfulness and committment). This connection to Christ is why we integrate the lighting of the candles (Jesus said that He was the light of the world) and hold our light high as a witness to His Love.

The girls were absolutely silent, the perfect participants in a program that will be remembered vividly in four weeks (and possibly for a lifetime). I was touched by the moment and know many others were as well.

Today is a hot, sunny, humid, and glorious summer day. The temperatures will rise to the mid 80’s and not be broken by afternoon rain showers (a rare 0% chance of rain today). This means our special EP can proceed without fear (I can’t tell you what it is yet… keeping it a surprise). I think it will be the perfect compliment to last night’s quiet program; can’t wait to see how it goes!

Also on note… today we slept late, awakening at 8:30 and eating breakfast in our cabins (Gervais did a really nice breakfast skillet that we delivered in picnic bags). Classes started as normal and we are already anticipating a lunch of parmesian chicken salad (fresh and tasty) and a dinner of poached salmon (we might be the only camp to serve poached salmon… the campers love it!).

Thank you for reading the blog, hope you are feeling connected!