We're Off!

As you probably know, our Opening Day weather was just about perfect! Cooler than normal temperatures, not a cloud in the sky, and a light breeze coming off the lake. This is a particular blessing given the rain that could have hit us (remember the tropical storm that hammered Alabama and Georgia last week?). We are thankful for such little blessings, they are deeply appreciated!

Not that such a thing as weather makes a bit of difference at Main Camp. Several years ago it rained literally every day of Main Camp, and we still remember it as one of the most fun summers we have ever enjoyed. Main Campers are the BEST! They LOVE being together. They LOVE every detail of our program. They LOVE the food. They LOVE the unexpected and they LOVE the expected routines that are as dependable as the rising sun. Each and every camper loves camp and this love is what makes Main Camp our BEST CAMP. It is infectious and it is wonderful.

My observations of the day so far:

We did a good job of tagging bags. Not perfect (a few misplaced bags have prompted us to already make notes for improving next year) but REALLY good. I am so proud of our team who worked very hard to serve you quickly and efficiently… with a smile!
We had a very busy reception. Main Camp has a very “chill” reputation. Parents and campers alike are usually marked by a relaxed attitude that makes the reception a very laid back time. This year had a lot more visitors and a lot more very good conversations. Margaret and I loved talking with you and we were just sorry that we didn’t have more time to chat (we could have talked all day long and not had enough time). Thank you for making the effort to say hi. We are so glad to have had the chance to see you.
Scones are a wonderful way to start the day! I could have eaten a dozen.
The campers LOVE each other. Those awkward first moments that we all face when thrown into a new situation are evaporating like the mist on the mountains after the summer sun rises. Already, whole cabin groups are skipping down the road hand in hand… it is a beautiful thing to see! Within the next few days, the foundations for lifelong friendships will be surely established.
YOU ARE THE BEST FAMILIES ANYWHERE!!! I am touched by how well you relate to your well adjusted daughters; by how many dads made the trip to drop off despite the fact that we do this on a Monday; by how grateful you are for Greystone (when it should be us saying thank you to you). We are very grateful that you allow us to be a part of your life.

I will be writing a blog every day of camp, letting you know what is going on (the weather, the EP’s, the special moments that are worth appreciating, and the food). Such details help as you write your emails and letters (always make note of things going on at camp, it affirms that you are a part of the community!). I will also use the forum to open my heart to you from time to time.

Camp is a place where we let our hearts be known… thus it is not uncomon for campers, counselors, and directors alike to share a tear from time to time. We will laugh a lot, we will play a lot, we will talk a lot, and we will find ourselves growing in delightful ways. I will try to convey this growth to you… but I know it will not be possible to do so effectively. There is no way to know camp unless you are here; but we can try!

We will enjoy a great buffet lunch featuring some wonderful turkey that Gervais smoked yesterday. It has a really great dry rub and the perfect amount of smoke flavor, sliced thin and put between slices of fresh baked bread still warm from the oven… WOW! Our food is exceptional, a fact that no doubt adds to the high morale we see every day. Supper will be the traditional first meal of the each session: Spaghetti. After the first meal, we’ll make the traditional “you are ALL now considered to be old Greystone girls” pronouncement.

EP is Program Presentation. All counselors do little skits with their program area. Simple camp fun begins. Everyone then goes back to their cabin and has the first cabin devotion of the summer. This is a precious time that the counselors have been anticipating, sometimes for years (campers dream of one day having a cabin and giving that first devotion). It will be a good night.

Thank you for sharing your girls. It is such an honor!