The Highlander Way

Traditions are a wonderful part of what makes camp special. They have the beautiful way of connecting past, present and future, and at camp there is something sacred about the traditions that we share each year. Some traditions happen by accident, yet they become the tapestry that makes the Highlander experience unique. Other traditions are intentional, created to teach a lesson or build connection and comfort for our camp family.

We have enjoyed sharing many Highlander traditions with our campers over the last few days, like raising the flag at assembly and saying the Pledge of Allegaince each morning,the tradtion of the bell ringing on the same schedule each day or the delicious apple cart each afternoon. However, Tuesdays hold a favorite tradition for campers and staff that is hard to beat…Square Dance. We had the BEST time with your campers tonight as we learned to do-si-do, promenade your partner and cotton eye joe. I don’t know if I was more impressed by their dress or their dance moves!

Favorite Details of the Day

• Reflect at the Rock: Mac talked about the cabin unit bonding like a bundle of sticks. if you stay together as a cabin unit and help each other, you will be as strong as this bundle of sticks that no one can break. At Highlander, we are all for one, one for all!
• Meals: Breakfast was blueberry muffins, bacon, eggs, oatmeal, grits and fruit bar. Lunch was chicken fingers, french fries and salad bar. Dinner was grilled chicken, garlic roasted red potatoes, roasted broccoli, rolls and salad bar.
• EP: Square Dance!
• Weather: It was a beautiful day in western North Carolina! The sun was shining and the temperatures were amazing.

In between the two songs at Square Dance, campers enjoyed a candy or soda from Gus’ Place, another popular tradition at camp. You can tell by the smiles on their faces, that it’s not just about the candy…they are so happy here, and I am so grateful that you shared them with us this week. I am so proud of the way they have jumped into the joys of camp with both feet, making the most of every minute of every day. That’s the Highlander Way - making the most of each day is the very oldest tradition in the book!