We were blessed to wake up to a super awesome, jam-packed, fun-filled day on Old Forge Mountain today! Today was Sleep In Saturday! Campers and staff enjoyed sleeping in until 8:45 this morning and got some much needed rest after a fast, full and busy week. We didn’t have Reflect at the Rock or assembly this morning, so we jumped right into activities after breakfast and never stopped. Sleeping in late, Krispy Kreme donuts and Camper’s Choice Day…it just doesn’t get any better than this!
Campers love being able to choose their activities, choose their schedule and even choose to spend time with friends from other cabins. Everyone feels independent and autonomous on camper’s choice days, and I love the smiles on their faces watching each camper do exactly what they want to do.
On camper’s choice days many opt for a slower paced day to relax and enjoy the relationships they are building with friends at an activity like friendship bracelets or letter writing, while others compete in the Highlander Basketball Association league games or work on rolling a kayak in the lake. Some will choose to join the biggest dance party on earth at Dance-a-thon or show off their moves at pool zumba. Others will put in some mountain biking time on the new pump-track or sharpen their shot at riflery. Most campers choose to do activities with friends, but some will sign up alone in pursuit of their personal goals, growth and interests.
While I believe wholeheartedly in the valuable impact that the cabin unit experience has on our campers, I love camper’s choice because it truly celebrates all that we are at Highlander - FAMILY. Today I watched boys, girls, older and younger campers spend time together doing things that they enjoy the most. Even though they may not know each other when the class starts, they become friends in less than an hour as they share the activity and experience together. With every new friend, I see their smiles grow as they feel more at home at Highlander. It is a wonderful gift to be a part of the Highlander family!
Favorite Details of the Day
- Meals: As the campers told me tonight, “the food today was lit!” For breakfast we had Krispy Kreme donuts, scrambled eggs, bacon and a fruit bar. For lunch we had copycat chick-fil-a sandwiches with waffle fries and a salad bar. For dinner we had Papa John’s pizza and veggies with hummus or ranch.
- Weather: The weather was beautiful today. Sunny skies all day and night! It was definitely the hottest day we’ve had all summer. The high was 92 degrees and our low tonight was 63.
- EP: Tonight’s EP was Disco Dancino. This is a super fun EP with a disco style casino offering games like uno, blackjack, a digital slot machine and plinko. Campers could win tickets and buy snacks and prizes from the prize booth. In the middle of the gym was a giant dance floor where we everyone danced and laughed the night away. From the YMCA to Soldier Boy, the campers were having a blast! And the costumes were fantastic!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
