July 6 2024
Last night every cabin did their own EP. Counselors are allowed to plan one special EP for their girls (we only have 1 cabin night all summer long); consequently, it is always a GREAT EP. There was a “Party Bus”, T-Shirt making by the lake, Tea Party, Spa Night, Ultimate Challenge (things like building a fire big enough to burn through a rope stretched 5 feet above the ground), Cocktail Cruise on Lake Summit, Mr. Potato project at Barnyard, Puppytime, Barnyard animal playtime, and swimming at Putt Cove, Pool, Diving Pool, and Waterpark. So much fun and great bonding time for the cabins (who now are getting very close to each other). My favorite idea came from Tentalow Lower 1 (the youngest campers in camp) who set every table in the Dining Hall (Ninety Tables) leaving a note at each one: “Table Girls, thank y’all for all that you do! The Dining Hall Fairies”. They didn’t even leave a hint as to who they were… just a quiet act of kindness from nowhere. The 112 table girls were delighted and the entire camp inspired. Way to go TL1!!!
This choice by a group of third graders speaks volumes for the sweet spirit of camp. We have had time to get irritated with each other (part of the camp experience is having little conflicts) and time to make up (the forgiveness process that is essential in every conflict). Such moments bind us together in a deep way. They lead to “real” (not just surface) relationships with “real” (sinful) people. As real as it gets, but in a safe place (these are genuinely nice girls who make good friends). We sense the unique opportunity that such friends present. They thrive under the protective wings of their counselors, and the impact is beautiful to see.
Today, we will honor those girls who have been coming to camp for a long time (five years or more… three of those years at Main Camp). Main Camp is not an easy session to attend. It requires much from the girls and their families. Such sacrifices set these girls up for success (Main Camp requires 100% involvement… it’s not easy), and we celebrate their commitment today. The number of campers who have reached this milestone is remarkable: most of the camper group (51%) will be honored. They represent 14% of our camper population this summer (from all four sessions). It is amazing. Perhaps the biggest Five Year group we have ever had. The girls wear their white dresses, carry a yellow rose, have their pictures taken, and are seated as honored guests for the Senior-Senior speeches.
The sixty seniors present short (2 minutes or less) camp memories. Memories that reflect what they most love about the years they have enjoyed at Greystone. Many have been campers for most of their lives (ten years and more). They know this moment is coming and have often prepared their words for many years (thinking of what moment is worthy and how to convey that feeling in a short speech). Some will present with their friends, some alone… all are beautiful. Many tears will be shed. It is a lovely (quiet) event that will be enjoyed by all.
Thank you, parents (and grandparents), for encouraging your girls to attend our camp. The Bubble is profoundly good but only possible because of your wholehearted support. Our most encouraging emails, insightful letters, kind phone calls, and thoughtful texts are from Main Camp parents. Your appreciation of each facet of camp spurs us to greater efforts to delight and inspire. We are grateful to have your support.
- Breakfast Omletes and hash browns
- Lunch Cheese Ravioli, Watermelon Feta Salad, Sauteed Spinach
- Joke “Pass the bacon, pig”
- Weather Lovely sunny day 82 degrees.
- Dinner Rice Bowls by the lake (spicey chicken, Pico de Guiao, assorted sauces, yellow rice, lettuce, cheese, salsa, green salad, fancy drinks)
