August 1 2024
Lives are touched in a very powerful way at camp, a fact that would come as no surprise to Dr. Sevier (who chose to start a girl’s camp and retire from his cushy Senior Pastor position in the most prestigious church in the region). The church gave him power (Woodrow Wilson visited his home on multiple occasions) but his work with the youth at a church retreat program (Camp Hickman, named for the man who owned the property) gave him a vision… each time he spent a week at Camp Hickman, he saw a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit. He considered it a glimpse of what heaven would be like one day. The person of Jesus Christ became real to children in a way that was far more impactful than anything he did at church. The children were spiritually awakened as they lived simply and joyfully together for a few days in a giant “sleepover” in the woods. He had a irresistible urge to start a “real camp” for girls. There was no camp for girls at the time and he wanted there to be one that met his vision for what was possible. One that would glorify God and bring joy to generations to come. His vision was so great, he left the church ministry in order to start Greystone. His commitment, his vision, and his passion continue to this day.
Interesting fact about our counselors… over 80% of them donated a portion of their summer pay to The Great Day Fund. 100% of the Greystone directors do the same because we feel passionate about providing camp for all. I wrote about this fund in the Blog last month. I mention it again because it is possible you will be interested. August campers are younger and less likely to voice the impact of camp on their life. It is possible that you do not have any expectation of something more than fun from this experience. I encourage you to consider the possibility of great growth arising from a couple of weeks spent at camp.
Some of you might even want to personally express your appreciation to a specific counselor. The impact they are having is exceptionally good and is being done with a smile. They love every minute and that fact might cause you to feel great affection for this sweet young woman. If this idea is interesting to you check our our online “shout-out” form. We’ll print and deliver your encouragement in their mail. It is a very kind thing to do and greatly appreciated (especially as this is the end of a long summer).
About the Lip Sync EP… it is AMAZINGLY effective at bringing a cabin together and making every camper feel great about herself. There is something magical that happens after they perform on stage in this favorite EP. Perhaps it is the preparation and excitement that builds until that big moment when their cabin number is called. Perhaps it is that adrenaline-powered rush of frantic dancing as the song plays and the entire camp watches with rapt attention. Perhaps it is the surge of relief and satisfaction that follows such a performance, as the cabin strikes a pose one last time for the photographer and then runs back into the audience to catch the next act. Whatever the reason, this program works.
The Lip Sync EP provides a great moment for every cabin in camp. After doing a lip-sync, the cabin just works better. The girls are more confident with their place in the cabin and status in the camp community. They relish the affirmation of the crowd and know that they are accepted and celebrated for their creativity and enthusiasm. After Lip Sync, they are ready for the big camp programs to come.
Tonight we will have a very exciting camp-wide, super active, super fun EP… the girls will put on their craziest green and gold outfits and divide into odd and even teams. They will scream out our team cheers and team songs in the Odd-Even Olympics. The counselors will show them how to have fun/supportive competition as they go head to head in fun relays and games. roast s’mores, wear their green and gold outfits, and get ready for the upcoming Challenge Day on Saturday. Energy is high and everyone will have a blast!
In one week we will have our Closing Vespers, which means that each day counts. We encourage the girls to savor the moments as they quickly pass. It is a rare gift to be in a place that celebrates the precious gift of time. The girls are LOVING camp and, at the same time, can’t wait to see you again. They are learning to hold both of these emotions at the same time… they are getting bigger. You are going to be so proud of how they have grown.
Details:
- Breakfast: Waffles and Sausage Links
- Breakfast Club: Physical Growth (take care with what you wear)
- Joke: “Ike Pike and Mustard go sailing”
- Weather: 87 degrees, partly cloudy, chance of afternoon showers
- Lunch: Hamburgers and Fries
- Dinner: Poppyseed Chicken
- EP: Odd/Even Olympics