5-Year
Fourteen. That is the average age of our Main Campers this year. They have been coming to camp for an average of six years (two have attended a jaw-dropping 13 years!). This means that these girls have spent 43% of their summers at camp. Since most can not remember much before 5 years of age, they feel like they have spent almost all of their summers at camp. Needless to say, Greystone Campers are unusually committed and we are deeply grateful for them. We celebrate their passion every day, but today it will be the theme of our Five Year Celebration.
Over two hundred girls will be recognized at this most anticipated evening program. The white dresses, yellow roses, and formal introductions establish a sense of important moment… the commitment to camp by each of these girls is worthy of note. We play Handel’s Water Music as the girls receive their certificates and take their seats one by one. Then we introduce each Senior in a more comprehensive way (including their hometown and list of things that they consider to be their camp legacy). Once all have been seated, the Seniors take over the program as they each give a short description of why they choose to return to camp each year. Their speeches usually include mention of their best camp friends, sometimes a favorite counselor, and always ending with a funny or poignant story that often lead into a concise summation. Tears and laughter mark the evening, which always goes late. We are keenly anticipating the 34 speeches for much thought has gone into the presentation.
Most of these girls knew they would one day be standing before their peers trying to convey what defies description. Some had written their speech before April last year when we canceled our 2020 season. The loss of that moment was one that has been redeemed for the six 12th graders who accepted our offer of an additional year of camp eligibility. We can’t wait to hear what they have to say and how the year without camp will change their thoughts. Their insights will likely be similar but never the same. Our camp experiences are beautiful as snowflakes, similar from a distance but uniquely different individually.
We will enjoy the pageant court setting as a change from the traditional dance tent that we usually use. This is likely to be seen as an improvement for it gives the campers a lot more room and provides our favorite view of camp as we listen. There is nothing to compare to the sights of Lake Edith glistening in the western sunlight and the sky turning brilliant shades of pink and purple after sunset. Nothing more inspiring than watching the fireflies rise as the stars come out. A girls camp should be marked by beautiful moments and this will certainly be one of the best!
This is the picture of camp today… I am not going to go on and on. No benefit to gilding the lily!
The Details:
- Breakfast Frittata with Sausage Links
- Lunch Chicken Tenders and Tots
- Dinner Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- EP 5-Year
- Weather 83 degrees, partly cloudy, afternoon showers