Thank You!

We surprised our campers last night by announcing that today we would have camper’s choice! The dining hall erupted in cheers, whistles and joy for the gift of choosing their schedule today. It was the best way to end the session. Campers LOVE camper’s choice days for the freedom and flexibility that they give. It is only fitting that we give them the opportunity to finish this session strong by choosing their own activities, setting their own schedule and spending time with their closest friends.

Today we had some special activities that we don’t normally have like making pizza in the pizza oven, fishing at the lake, chess, tae-kwon-do and even Jedi training. While the activities dictated the schedule, it was the friendships that ruled the day. I love that as we wind down our summer, campers are embracing every moment they have with the people they have grown to love over the past three weeks. I feel incredibly grateful that because of Camp Highlander your children have built friendships and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Tonight we had one of my favorite EPs of the summer, Dancing with the Activity Counselors. I love everything about this night…the dances, the music, the costumes, the humor but most of all I love seeing the sweet bonds that have been formed between campers, cabins and staff. I have to admit that I was a little lost with some of the Tic Tok remakes that I had never seen, but the entire night was amazing!

I had the pleasure of dancing with Cabin 9 tonight, and our dance was the final act. We did one my zumba routines and about 30 seconds into the song, the crowd started to stand up and join in the dance…before I knew it, the entire camp was following along to the routine like a giant flash mob…singing, dancing and having the time of their lives. This is my 20th summer at Camp Highlander, and this was one of the most precious moments of my 20 years. It had nothing to do with the dance routine, but everything to do with this amazing community that we call Highlander. It is here that our campers felt comfortable, safe and even free to get up and dance like no one is watching. Oh how I wish you could have been there! It was truly a spectacular sight!

Favorite Details of the Day

• Reflect: This morning at reflect Jeff talked about procrastination. We tend to procrastinate more often than not, leaving everything until the last second. But our time left at camp is coming to a close, so it is important not to keep putting off all that you have been meaning to do. Go out and face your fears on the crow’s nest. Make a new friend. Take advantage of the time you have left on the mountain and make sure you leave without a single regret. Life is short, so what are you waiting for?
• Meals: For breakfast this morning we had waffles, bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and oatmeal and grits. For lunch we had baked ziti with roasted broccoli, salad and garlic breadsticks. Dinner was pot roast with vegetables, mixed green salad and homemade rolls. But when the disco ball turned on, the dining hall erupted! After a hot day, Oreo ice cream sandwiches were the perfect way to cool down.
• Weather: It was a beautiful, sunny day on the mountain. We had abnormally warm weather today, but we were happy that none of our activities were rained out for the final activity day at camp!
• EP: Tonight’s evening program was Dancing With the ACs! Cabins choreographed dances with activity counselors and performed them for the entire camp. Everyone did an amazing job with their routines, it was such a fun night!

Bryan and I want to thank you for sharing your precious children with us. This summer has been such a gift to us, and the smiles, laughter and joy would not have been possible without your support. Thank you for respecting our protocols, so that we could deliver a safe, healthy and happy Highlander experience. We are forever grateful to you!

As I sit and write my last blog of the summer, I cannot believe how quickly the summer has passed. I am so sad that our magical summer is coming to an end, but so incredibly grateful and happy that this summer happened! Tomorrow, I will share my last day with your children and our staff. I will soak up every conversation, cherish every hug, appreciate every smile, take pleasure in every laugh and treasure every tear.

Thank you for your support of Camp Highlander and for connecting with us on this blog each day. I hope it has given you a window into our world and that you have felt the spirit of Highlander at home. Let me know in the comment section below! Our hearts are full of gratitude and love for you! See you Friday!