The cabin unit is the heart and soul of the Camp Highlander culture. It fosters a sense of belonging and value in each and every one of it’s campers. It provides a safety net for healthy risk-taking and comfort for campers to be themselves and be loved.

Every session, I love to see the day when the magic of the cabin unit comes to life. On this day, the smiles are bigger, the laughter is louder and teamwork reigns. Today was that day for Session A 2018. It is hard to describe what exactly happened, but there is something different today that was not there yesterday.

Was it the bonding over the Evening Programs and working together towards a common goal? Was it the off-camp adventures of whitewater rafting or jumping off the rock at Coon Tree? Maybe it’s the overnights where you set your sleeping bag next to a stranger and you wake up next to a friend. Or maybe it’s the casual conversation between activities for 5 days that makes you realize that your cabinmates have your back. Whatever the reason, it happened and I’m overwhelmed with joy!

This is the day when I see campers realize they are part of a team, part of something bigger than themselves, and there is a genuine desire to be united. I see campers rooting for one another to reach their goals, putting arms around one another to comfort and encouraging one another to dream. This is how dreams come true. It’s the teamwork that makes the dream work.

Favorite Details of the Day:

• Reflect at the Rock - Karl shared wisdom from his favorite book, Cowboy Ethics. With tales from the Old West and the culture of cowboys, Karl told us that cowboys believe that some things are not for sale. He talked about how integrity is not for sale and should not be comprimised.
• Meals - Breakfast was biscuits, gravy, eggs, bacon and fruit bar. Lunch - Chicken Fingers, french fries and salad bar. Dinner - Cookout on the athletic field: hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, potato salad, chips, cookies, apples and lemonade.
• Evening Program - Tonight’s EP was Casino Night. The Gillespie Gymnasium was the hot-spot for card games, bingo, wheel of fortune, blackjack, go fish and more. The big winners of the night received a coupon for an automatic 10 on inspection on the day of their choice (meaning they don’t have to clean for a day). This was the ultimate jackpot!
• Special Events - Our Junior Camp head counselor planned an exciting Luau for the junior campers on the field tonight after cookout. They enjoyed slip-n-slide bowling, where each camper served as the ball while sliding across the alley to knock down the inflatable pins. The Luau included music, hawaiian themed treats and endless fun.

A Special Shoutout

Speaking of teamwork…the greatest resource for a summer camp is the staff. I am so incredibly blessed to work with the most caring, generous and selfless group of people. And today, they were at their very best. We had a big surprise in the kitchen today when the hamburger patties for cookout were missing from the food delivery. Never fear, teamwork reigns. These amazing head counselors, activity staff, office moms, nurses…they all jumped in to hand pat 360 hamburgers for dinner - and they did it with a smile on their face and a joy in their heart. Is it part of the job description…nah! At summer camp, there is no job description. You join the team, and you do whatever it takes! Thank you CH Staff. I love you!