4 Things to Do When You're Missing Camp

If you saw last week’s announcement, you know that this summer is going to look a little different for us all. Camp will be quiet and instead of coming together, Greystone Girls will be spread out all over the country counting the days until we can reopen next year.

If you’re anything like us, that leaves a bit of a hole in your heart! What does the summer look like without Opening Days and Whites on Sundays and watermelon after Rest Hour? You’ll probably have days where you’re just plain missing camp - missing your friends or the routine or trying out new classes. We know we will!

So what’s a girl to do when she’s just a little camp-sick? We’ve got a few ideas!

1. Find ways to re-create that bubble feeling at home. Think about what specifically you are missing about camp. Is it being active? Spending time with your friends? The unhuried pace? A particular class? Think creatively about how you can bring that home with you. Are there Archery lessons you can take? Can you schedule a “shoppe date” with a friend at home? Designate a day to be totally tech-free? It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll carry you over until next year.
2. Make silliness a priority. Sounds a little strange, but hear us out. One of the best parts of camp is that we’re not selfconscious, and being weird is cool. Give yourself freedom this summer to not take things so seriously! Theme days? Why not. Camp song caroling from house to house in your neighborhood? Sounds like a great idea. The more we practice being silly, the easier it comes, and it will spread to those around you, and give them permission to be their weirdest selves too. So break out the camp costumes, talk in weird accents, play a game just for fun… anything you like!
3. Form your own community. At its heart, camp is all about relationships. You can take away all the Evening Programs and classes, and if we just had each other, that would be enough. Camp friendships are so special because we take away the distractions, and just enjoy being together, so find ways to create that at home. Make a no-phone rule when you’re hanging out. Ask good questions. Spend time on-on-one. And don’t be afraid to be the one to initiate! So often, we’re all just waiting for someone to ask us to be friends. Be that person! Take a lesson from Breakfast Club, and look for friendship everywhere you go. All it takes is a smile and a kind word.
4. Create routines for your relationship with Jesus. We don’t have to try to grow spiritually at camp, it just happens because it’s built into our day so naturally. We pray after meals, start and end our day with a devotion, and weave Him into conversation in between. Can you take any of those routines and make them a part of your day at home? Maybe you can start praying as a family after dinner, or before you go to bed. Read our Daily Devotions every morning. Play worship music while you get ready or brush your teeth at night. It doesn’t have to be complicated or boring! Think about how YOU enjoy praising God, and make it a part of your everyday.