Today was our first FULL day of activities at camp, and it was BURSTING with “firsts” for all our campers. For some, it’s their very first time at Camp Highlander, with every moment packed with new and thrilling experiences and amazing new people. Others conquered fears they had last year, showing how a year can make us braver and bolder. I chatted with campers who shared that this was their first time sleeping away from their parents, a huge milestone! We’re all diving into this new world, making our own choices, and embracing independence—many for the first time. From keeping track of our water bottles to navigating the camp life, we’re uncovering new strengths and a sense of self-reliance that boosts our confidence immensely. Whether a first-year camper or a seasoned Highlander family member, it’s everyone’s first time with this cabin group and these counselors. Every camper is finding their groove, mastering the camp routine, and bonding with the friends in their cabin. These campers have become fast friends and it’s absolutely fantastic!
From my point of view, fun was everywhere at Highlander today. But what stood out the most on camp today was the beauty of friendship. I was deeply moved by how our cabin groups are bonding and forging new friendships. There is something magical that happens each summer as campers pass through the tunnel that gives each person a sense of belonging and a feeling of home. I’m incredibly grateful to our kind, loving, and patient counselors, who have made it their top priority to foster friendships and create lifelong memories for your children.While fun is a top priority, it’s the friendships that make us feel at home at Highlander.
Tonight at Cabin Challenge, I saw more than friendship…I saw pride, teamwork and belonging in every cabin unit. Just before the EP began, cabins gathered at the Assembly Court before heading to their assigned events. The EP staff started roll call, and after the first cabin screamed their chant, the pride grew with each cabin. It was AWESOME! Each camper, every cabin believed with all of their hearts that their cabin was “THE BEST” cabin on camp. My favorite chant…“Get it 16!!” and Cabin 27 NEVER stopped chanting “TWENTY-SEVEN” ALL NIGHT LONG! Stay tuned for more fun, more EP challenges and cabin pride that just won’t stop!
Favorite Details of the Day
- Reflect at the Rock: This morning we talked about courage and overcoming our fears. My grandfather always told me, “Don’t be afraid of taking a chance. Even a broken watch is exactly right twice every 24 hours.” I challenged our campers to be brave and meet a new friend, sign up for the talent show and try that activity that they aren’t so sure of. Even when we fail, we learn, we grow and camp is a great place to try,fail and try again. I love that our cabin unit supports our campers in challenging themselves to face fears and show courage. Today, I saw so many brave kids and big smiles! Courage is all around us at Highlander!
- Weather: The weather was absolutely perfect today. Sunny, high of 80 degrees, and there was a refreshing cool breeze in the air. As I sit writing this blog, the campers are snuggled in their beds enjoying a cool 62 degree summer night. It doesn’t get much better than this!
- Meals: For breakfast we had french toast sticks, sausage links, oatmeal, grits and a fresh fruit bar. Lunch we enjoyed everyone’s favorite…chicken fingers and french fries. We had grilled tenders available as well as our salad bar and sandwich bar. Cuties and apples have been adored for both lunch and dinner with these campers and staff. Dinner was spaghetti with meatsauce, steamed broccoli and carrots, garlic bread and a salad bar.
- EP: Tonight’s EP was a Medieval cabin challenge, and the cabin pride was AMAZING!! Cabin 9 and 28 competed in the finale and Cabin 28 won and took the EP trophy!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
