New Classes in 2021

Summer 2021 was one of our most anticipated (and exciting!) programming years for our Greystone girls. After a year away, campers were ready to jump into their old favorite classes and try some new ones. While each summer provides its own challenges with activities (new staff, new classes, new curve balls), creating something with depth and meaning in a COVID year was particularly complicated.

For the first time in 102 summers, every camper tried every class offered in camp. This change brought a unique opportunity to introduce some amazing new programs and breathe life into some old camp favorites! From Mountain Biking to a Greystone Traditions class, we pulled some serious surprises out of the hat. As you alums know, some of the best moments at camp are the unexpected, unplanned times; yet, we have to say it was fun to throw two years of creativity and planning into this year’s classes!

Thunderhead

One of our biggest changes was to the Riding program — and Thunderhead Ranch did not disappoint! Girls made their way up to the new and improved Thunderhead property, where they got to be a cowgirl for the day. Their visit included a trail ride, lassoing, teepee building, playing in the creek with the horses, tubing, leatherworking, and a meal over the campfire. Our campers enjoyed a break from the usual routine — sometimes more than once! Our goal was to keep this property rugged and “unplugged” with no power and an outhouse, giving the girls a real taste of ranch life in the WNC mountains.

Farm Barn

While the Ranch was buzzing with lassoes and ponies, the old English Riding Barn was anything but quiet. This summer, the Farm Barn saw more campers per day than any activity in our history. Down at the Barn, we offered Creek Play, Barn Yard, Farm and Garden, River Trail nature walks, and Mountain Biking! It often felt like a literal zoo: animals everywhere (goats, cows, sheep, donkeys, miniature horses, and more!), mountain bikes whizzing by, butter being made in mason jars, vegetables being picked (in our new and improved garden), and girls panning for gold in Freeman Creek. It was the place to be, and the Farm Barn is a program area we are excited to continue developing.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking was a favorite down at the Farm Barn area! For years, campers have been asking for us to add a Mountain Biking class, and this summer we were able to oblige. With the help of many minds (and many hours), the River Trail was created, annex stalls converted to a bike barn, and equipment purchased. For the first time in our history every camper hopped on a bike and rode the River Trail, Apple Hill, or played on our “pump track” that circled around the Barn. During “Club time” (our new and improved free period), you would look down at the Barn and see the Bike Club meeting and biking the pump track. From beginner rollers to more advanced teeter-totters, our campers conquered fears and gained some serious chops on two wheels! Needless to say, Mountain Biking is here to stay. Next year, we are looking forward to opening more trails and exploring more of WNC.

Water Adventure Course

We also added a camp-style ninja warrior Waterpark element (picture a ropes course over the water). This new course was a TOTAL HIT! It was not too easy, but just hard enough that completing it was a big deal (and came with getting your name called out at Council Fire!). It was fun to see some of our smallest campers complete the course easily, while our older campers often fell in the lake.

A Summer to Remember

Amongst the various facility improvements, new classes, and additions to some of our beloved programs, one thing that surprised us all was how our campers adapted to the change in structure. Through MANY meetings, brainstorming sessions during the off season, and picking apart what makes our program unique to us, we put together something wildly different than what we usually do in structure, that actually felt just like us in practice. Girls tried new things, pushed past initial fears and hesitations, and fell in love with something out of their comfort zone. Our Greystone girls loved it, and we did too!