Relax

Tension… Anxiety… Worry… these are emotions that we often struggle with in life outside “the bubble”. These emotions tend to cling as we adjust to our new community at Greystone, about a week ago we noticed that such emotions no longer have the same power they once had over us. We found ourselves relaxing into the simple routines of camp and embracing the simple blessings of face to face friendships built on a foundation of love.

At this point in the summer we are ready for some relationship centered EP’s… last night’s Cabin Night was exactly that (the counselors arranged special cabin time around the camp) and tonights Corn Roast will be so as well. We gather by the lake whenever we like (no bugle for flag or anything, just walk over when you want). The picnic spread is HUGE and features BBQ ribs and turkey legs along with a wide variety of salads and desserts. We serve root beer from kegs (a real treat) and relax while playing yard games, war canoe adventures on the lake, pontoon rides, playing tennis, reading books, and dancing (of course). It is a super relaxed evening that never stops… about 7:00 the live music begins with Kat Williams (a wonderful gospel and oldies singer who has a fantastic band and has played corn roast for about ten years running). The girls gather to sing and dance as the sun sets over a peaceful lake (we hope it doesn’t rain!) and we go to bed with full stomaches and full hearts.

The world can be harsh, competitive, and unforgiving place; it is good that we are able to set all that aside at camp. Macie (one of our great counselors) posted a blog about her perspective on this point of the session. The thing I would add to her good points is that things are about to ramp up for the girls.

Soon we will experience the big events of Main Camp. Things like the Talent Show, Horse Show, Water Show, Junior and Senior Plays, and Production Night. These big events are done exclusively by the campers who are working feverishly to get every detail perfected for that moment when they are put on the stage. You might think that this would lead to anxiety, but it doesn’t… for while the big event is anticipated, it is experienced as a moment of joy not a test. We love doing things for each other, a big show is really just a nice gift that we joyfully present to our friends. Our friends are encouraging us every step of the way and we enter into each day with the confident expectation that no matter what happens, it is going to be a Great Day!

Classes are going well for every day counts at this point of the summer (a fact the counselors are well aware of and the campers are beginning to grasp). We appreciate your support, especially the great letters and emails that fill the mail boxes every day.

-PS A couple days ago we sent out an email asking for your participation in a survey about the photo service at camp. This survey is to be used for your benefit (we put it together to confidently provide a photo service that you like). At this point 120 parents have given us very valuable input and I would encourage you to fill it out (it can be done in less than a minute). We assume we know your expectations but without occasional surveys we are really just guessing!-