Encore

Today was one of those days that we didn’t want to end. Have you ever had that kind of day? The kind of day that is so perfect, so beautiful and so fun that sleep was the last thing you wanted to do because it meant that the perfect day was over. Today was that day, and we all want an ENCORE!

The weather today was AMAZING! Honestly, Bryan said he declared today “Perfect Weather Day.” If we could have ordered our weather, it could not have been better! We woke up to temps around 62 degrees with a slight wind in the air. I loved seeing our campers snuggled together at Reflect at the Rock and bundled up in their sweatpants and sweatshirts in the dining hall at breakfast.

By the time we started classes at ten, the sun was shining brightly, the temps were rising but there was still a gentle breeze that reminded us of why we love summers on Old Forge Mountain. In a strange way, this perfect weather inspired a peaceful and happy day for all of our campers. There was a calmness in the air at camp, a feeling that everything is just as it should be. I noticed the way that cabinmates were talking and laughing as they walked to and from activities. They seem to have found a rhythm to life at Highlander - a home away from home.

While the weather, the sunshine, the fun activities, the awesome menu and the Dolly’s ice cream truck made us all happy, the day was perfect because we spent it together. No technology, no phones, no distractions…just “old school” face time with our friends. That’s what truly makes camp so memorable and magical. True connection, meaningful friendship and immeasurable joy are what fill our days and hearts. This is what keeps us coming back to Highlander year after year, begging for an ENCORE!

Favorite Details of the Day

• Reflect: This morning Graham talked about acknowledging difference among us. No two campers are the same, just like a monkey and a fish aren’t the same. Until you put yourself in someone else’s shoe’s, you may not know what they truly need. It is important to recognize our differences and even celebrate them. We may all be different, but we can love and be loved all the same.
• Meals: We started the morning with bagels and cream cheese, scrambled eggs,sausage and fresh fruit. For lunch we had a camp favorite: chicken tenders and fries! Fresh veggies and hummus were served as well. It’s Thursday, and you know what that means…cookout! We all enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers down on the land sports field with watermelon, pasta salad, and chips. Everyone cheered when the Dolly’s Trolley pulled up onto the field and served up the most amazing ice cream you’ve ever eaten!
• Weather: Absolutley perfect!!
• EP: Tonight’s evening program was Counselor Hunt! Campers had a great time running aroung Old Forge searching for the hidden counselors in a competition to win the esteemed EP Trophy. Each counselor was worth a secret amount of points, so the goal is get as many as you can! After hunting for 30 minutes, the bell rang to gather everyone back at the slab. The top two scoring cabins competed in a finale of bombardment. The best part was that the counselors they found joined their team, making the finale an amazing event for all to watch! Tonight’s winner of the EP trophy was Cabin 29!