Today was the first day of the session where the rain stayed around for a little longer this afternoon than we wanted it to. As I sit and write this blog, the rain is falling on the tin roof of each cabin in perfect rhythm to sing our campers to sleep. We have had another busy day at camp, and our campers were pretty tired after an amazing first week. I even heard some campers leaving the gym tonight saying “I can’t wait to get in bed.” This is such a great thing! The comfort of their camp bed has become the new normal, the new routine and this mountain has become their home. Absolutely music to my ears!

One week from today Session B will end, and I can hardly believe how quickly time is passing. In the midst of all the fun, the excitement and the energy, the ONE LOVE of Camp Highlander reigns true in all that we do. Too often I miss seeing this, but on a cloudy or rainy day it is very clear. Even in the rain, ONE LOVE reigns.

I see it in the attitude of each camper who is determined that the rain cannot slow them down, get them down or prevent them from enjoying every moment of camp. I give thanks as I see the staff rise above the rain and entertain the campers with spontaneity, creativity and enthusiasm that is certain to leave an impact on the hearts of everyone around them.

Favorite Details of the Day:

• Reflect - JG shared the perfect recipe for a lasting friendship and how it was similar to a sandwich. All eyes were glued to the front as JG assembled the perfect sandwich - two pieces of fresh bread (like two friends), some peanut butter (giving strength and stickiness), some jelly (providing sweetness that friendships need), some jalapenos (for a little bit of spice and adventure that makes a friendship fun), some lettuce (to smooth things out when they get rough)…and after putting his sandwich together…he took a big bite! Ha! Everyone erupted in laughter, but they definitely got the message!
• Meals - Breakfast was french toast sticks, bacon, eggs and fruit bar, oatmeal and grits. Lunch was meatball subs, tater tots and salad bar. Dinner was teriyaki chicken, broccoli and carrot stir fry and fried rice.
• Dessert - Gus’s candy and soda shop!
• EP - One of the oldest Camp Highlander traditions…Mr. Highlander!

Mr. Highlander started in the early 1970s at Camp Highlander as a male staff pageant. Sounds funny and really antiquated for today’s world, but the tradition has stuck around for a long time as one of the campers’ favorite evening programs. Throughout the week, especially all day today, the campers have been campaigning for their favorite male staff candidate to win Mr. Highlander tonight. The male staff have the option to participate, and most have a blast being silly on stage, laughing at themselves and showing our campers that it is ok to be a goofball. What I love most about this EP is that the winner has nothing to do with looks, popularity or charm. It has everything to do with heart!! And I love that our campers can see that, even at their young age. The campers hold the destiny of Mr. Highlander in their hands as their votes determine the winner.

Tonight’s final question for the the three finalists was “If you could make one positive change to Camp Highlander, what would it be and why?” My favorite answer came from Mr. Highlander, “I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve been here for 10 years as a camper and staff member, and it has made me the person I am today. I am so grateful for the great experiences I had as a camper and the defining moments as a staff member on this mountain.”

The perfect answer! As Mr. Highlander 2018 starts his reign, we say let the One Love of Camp Highlander reign forever!