So many memories.
We are one month removed from the end of what was a great Summer 2014. From the bell that woke us up, to the Evening Programs that ended our full days, this summer was one we won’t soon forget.
We kicked things off with a great Father/Son Weekend. The weather wasn’t the best, but our men muscled it out and had a blast. Not only did we all have loads of fun, but our dads and their sons got chances to bond. Each father and son built a fire together and each had the opportunity to communicate to one another how much he meant in their life. It was a truly special time.
We then followed things up with a rocking Family Camp! Families from all around the country came and joined us. Alumni, longtime returners and new families alike all made up for a great weekend on the mountain!
Before we knew it, it was time for staff to arrive. Counselors arrived on camp for a week of orientation before campers were to arrive. Our staff learned to work and play together as a team, as well as how to be the most effective staff member and unit as a whole during their time at Highlander.
And then, it was time. Session A/Junior 1 had arrived! Campers began arriving on Opening Day to the welcome of their counselors. For our Junior Camp 1, this was an introduction to life away from home. We loved seeing our youngest campers grow as boys and girls in an environment where they are challenged to try things they maybe wouldn’t do at home. As for our Session A campers, these two weeks brought us Evening Programs like our Country Fair and Talent Show! Junior 1 ended on Friday, before our Junior 2 campers arrived on Sunday. These boys and girls were treated to as much fun as they could handle in a week before leaving with our Session A campers on Friday.
Session B was now upon us. Three weeks of activity-filled fun lay ahead. What followed was a great time of fun, fantastic weather and great memories. One of the highlights of not only the session but the summer is our annual Stars and Stripes celebration. Held every year on July 4th, it is highlighted by our Freedom 5k run, peanut drop and fireworks display. Also in Session B were our Extreme Camper trips. Spelunking, Dollywood and Artistic Adventure were just a few of the options offered during Extreme Camper. A favorite of many who attend camp during Session B, our P5 (Progressive 5th Period) offered our children the chance to go to an activity of their choice during 5th period every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. P5 gives campers to improve at a certain activity or just spend time there with their friends. Needless to say, it was a great three weeks of Session B, gearing us up for what was sure to be a crazy Session C.
Session C is the last session of the summer. Session C has most of what the other sessions have, but it has one thing the other sessions do not… COLOR WAR! Campers and staff alike wait to see when the Illustrious Green Giants will “break” the four-day event. There was still plenty fun, however, to take place before Color War was to begin. Each year for the past five years, camp has participated in the local Campstock competition. This year, Campstock took place at Camp Blue Star in Hendersonville, NC. Highlander took travel teams of tennis, archery, volleyball and basketball. As usual, all of the teams performed admirably, as they represented CH in the finest fashion. The cherry on top, however, was the boys’ basketball game. Down late versus Blue Star, Highlander ended the game on a 12-0 run to win by three.
By the start of week two of Session C, the talk of “it’s going to break” began to percolate around the mountain. Break bags began being carried by returning campers and staff who were either Red Devils or White Knights. Then, on Tuesday night, while on the field for Square Dance, a remixed version of O Fortuna began to play. Then, a firework shot off as Green Giants stood behind torches placed in the ground. Everyone began to scramble; getting into their colors as quickly as they could. In the mad dash, Gaynell came over the mic to announce that the next dance was to begin in five minutes… A FAKE! A fake break of Color War had taken place. Everyone went back to dancing as the Square Dance continued. A few days passed as the anticipation of the beginning Color War still loomed. Then, early on Friday morning, at about 5:15 AM, the bell rang loudly through camp. Green Giants appeared outside of the cabins. Cauldrons of fire burned on the road leading down to the gym. O Fortuna blared from the gym. It wasn’t official, though, until Gaynell announced that Color War had broken. Order was called, as Gaynell read the poems and informed everyone that “Color War 2014 has just been broken.” A classic four days of events and competitions ensued before the Red Devils emerged with the narrow victory.
After Color War was over, camp returned to its normal schedule. Before we knew it, the time had come for goodbyes for both campers and staff. A great summer had come to an end.
Thankfully, the farewells came with the anticipation of seeing your friends next summer!
We can’t wait for next summer and we know you can’t either!
Until 2015…
One Love
About Camp Highlander
