There’s a unique power in kids simply being kids. This power is especially seen when they’re fully engaged in hands-on activities with their peers. You might call it “play,” but it’s more than that—it’s a disconnection from the outside world, allowing deep, meaningful connection with themselves and others. Today at camp was filled with that energy, as Camper’s Choice Day showcased the true power of play everywhere.
In addition to play, at Camp Highlander we believe in the power of choice as an essential skill for child development. Allowing campers to choose their activities, meals, and free time entertainment fosters independence and responsibility. Choice is intentionally woven into our programming each day to encourage these growth opportunities, and today, campers were thrilled with the gift of choice for Camper’s Choice Day.
Camper’s Choice Day allows campers 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 as each camper is doing exactly what they want to do. On Camper’s Choice Day, we offer activities that we don’t normally offer on regular cabin days like Gaga with Garret, Hiking the KT with Jackson, Halo Ball with Jeremy, a horseback trail ride in Pisgah Forest, Penguin Sliding at the Lake and more!
Camper’s Choice is a BIG deal at camp, and I love that we offer it for our Kickoff Camp. We say that this session is the BEST of the BEST, and we seek to give each camper a taste of ALL the fun that camp has to offer. The freedom of choice on Camper’s Choice Day is one of the BEST things we offer at camp! And today, we gave them the BEST surprise…a white Camper’s Choice t-shirt to tie dye. Cabins signed up at different times thorughout the day to tie-dye their t-shirt and make a memory at camp. This was so much fun - a creative way to mark the summer of 2024 and this moment in time for our campers and staff.
Thank you for sharing your children with us. They are so precious, and they have added so much life, love and laughter to our world. We know you miss them, but you have given them a tremendous gift that they will cherish for years to come!
Favorite Details of the Day
- Reflect at the Rock: Today Lyndsey talked to us about living in the moment and embracing the small things at camp. She challenged us to apprciate every detail of camp, every opprotunity and be thankful for the gift we’ve been given at Highlander.
- Weather: June in the North Carolina mountains is perfection! Today we had a perfect day of weather at Camp Highlander! We woke up to a cool, invigorating morning. As the sun rose, the temperature climbed to a delightful 79 degrees, ideal for outdoor play with friends. The evening brought back the coolness, with an overnight low 55 degrees, perfect for a cozy night under the covers and a starry sky.
- Meals: For breakfast we had biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, oatmeal, grits and a fruit bar. For lunch we had the yummiest baked ziti, breadsticks and salad. For dinner we enjoyed terriyaki chicken and vegetables with fried rice, egg rolls and a salad bar.
- EP: Tonight the Gillespie Gymnasium was transformed into a magical Disney inspired carnival - CAMP DISNEY. Campers and staff dressed up as their favorite Disney character, wearing Disney hats or Disney t-shirts to play fun games and win exciting prizes. We had amazing food like fried oreos, soft pretzels, seasoned french fries, candy, soda and more! Tonight, we definitley “Experienced the Magic” at Highlander!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
