Plane Letters
This is the time of “plane letters”, a wonderful camp tradition that began years ago when literally hundreds of campers would fly home. These flights frequently required a 3:00 AM departure from the cabin, not a good time to say goodbye… so the departing camper would be given letters from her friends.
These letters were not to be opened until she had left the gates of Greystone. They were always heartfelt expressions of love and appreciation and often led to grateful tears when finally opened at the airport. It became a tradition that continues despite the fact that very few campers fly home alone anymore.
I got a plane letter from a camper yesterday… quietly slipped onto my desk when I was out of the office. A special letter from a good friend. I got a great letter at June Camp last year from a camper who knew this was her last summer at Greystone as a camper. She had been coming to camp for six years (quite a long time for a 13-year-old) and her neat handwriting filled two solid pages. She would not mind me sharing the final line from that letter, for it expresses what many of the campers feel:
“I feel that I can be myself at Greystone.”
This is what camp is all about. Character growth and enduring friendships that lead to confidence and strength for a lifetime. We are so grateful to have shared these weeks with your girls. They are delightful beyond words and we are proud of the way they have grown. They have filled our little world with light and will be missed when they go home.
There are a lot of cumulative moments happening this week, one of them was the Play “Shrek” last night. This is an EP that has taken the entire session to put together. A program with over 100 campers and a dozen staff doing the many duties of the cast, crew, and directors of a play. Set design, props, sound, lighting, choreography, singing, and acting. It was quite frankly, amazing. It was a program worthy of this important moment in camp.
Girls LOVE shows. They provide a moment of affirmation that is so very good for the performer and a moment of joy for the audience. I am always struck by the poise, creativity, talent, and capability of the campers- last night particularly so. It was one of the best plays we have ever put on at June Camp. A hugely entertaining show with really great music and a comfortable plot line. I now want to see a “real” production of Shrek the Musical just for comparison.
I have to give a shoutout to the directors, who were spectacular. Anyone who has ever participated in a dramatic production knows that there is a lot of tension as that first showtime approaches. Directors have to manage the mayhem of ten questions that are asked with hints of desperation in each one. Technical issues arise, wardrobe, props, lighting, and demanding actors all require immediate attention. It is a rare person who can manage the mayhem with a joyful disposition… such people make such moments delightful.
Not only were they able to manage the difficulties with a smile, but they were also able to make everyone relax and have fun in the moment. The best productions are not only good… they are outrageously fun… and last night was the best! Well Done Everyone!
The sun is again shining brightly, making temperatures higher, but there is a steady breeze from the east making everything less sticky. Misting stations are running throughout camp (we built 2 new stations for the Adventure and Farm Barn areas). We are enjoying another Great Day!
Thank you!
- Weather Hot (92 degrees!)
- Breakfast: Belgium Waffles and sausage
- Lunch: Shaved Pork Sandwiches with Apple Slaw
- Dinner: Fajitas
- EP: Council Fire and Closing Vespers
