Opening Day Session A 2018 was a fantastic day! As each car pulled through the gates of camp, the staff got more and more excited about the two weeks to come. We were blessed with blue skies all day today, but the sunshine came from the happy faces that stepped out of each car with anticipation of meeting their counselors and cabin mates.

As campers filed out of their cars and headed to the gym, there was a huge school house chalkboard with the words…“Before I leave Camp I…” Campers and staff filled the chalkboard throughout the day with the hopes, dreams, goals and wishes for this session…a camp bucket list so to speak. The black board quickly turned to a rainbow of hope that will stay in the gym all session to remind us that we need to make the most out of every opportunity we have in the next two weeks.

Some of those hopes and dreams included:

• Make new friends.
• Stay on the blob (not fall into the water after jumping) this year so that someone can finally blob me.
• Try archery.
• Become an advanced horseback rider to go on the trail.
• Say hello and be friendly to everyone.
• Try new things
• Be the best person I can be.

Just to name a few…your children are amazing. In just one day, we have seen some of those goals reached, some friendships formed and lots of trying new things. We had a wonderful afternoon of activities on camp and tomorrow we head out for new adventures off-camp like whitewater rafting, climbing, overnights, hiking and more.

DETAILS OF THE DAY:

• Lunch - Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup and Salad Bar (An opening day tradition)
• Dinner - Pot Roast with Carrots, Potatoes & Onions, Corn on the Cob and Homemade Rolls (Our vegetarians enjoyed Pot Roasted Portobellos with Carrots, Potatoes & Onions)
• Dessert - It’s National Strudel Day…so we enjoyed warm Apple Strudel!

I love Opening Day because it is filled with the joy and hope of another magical summer at Highlander. I love opening campfire, and all the tradition it brings. I love watching the campers dance to the songs they love and teach their new friends all the right moves. Most of all, on Opening Day I love seeing all our camp families, how all the campers have grown over the year and getting the chance to visit with you, our parents, on different ways that we can serve your children and your family. It is our greatest joy to partner with you on the journey of growing your child. Thank you for that privilege and opportunity.