Independence Day
Today we celebrate Independence Day so Breakfast Club focused on George Washington, a role model for all but especially young people. As you might know, George Washington was the oldest of six children. His father died when he was just 11 years old, thrusting him into the role of the man of the house and running the family farm. Due to limited funds, he was not given the option of college but learned the trade of surveying by the age of 15. At 16 he was assigned to a team of surveyors mapping the western frontier of Virginia. President Washington wasn’t the only example of young people who proved themselves to be world-class leaders in our country’s early years.
More than a dozen signers of the Declaration of Independence were younger than 35. Alexander Hamilton was 19. God often uses people of young ages to accomplish great things in the world. Some of the campers at camp today will become the pillars of our country in just a few short years, thus they should consider what kind of leaders they will be.
Our forefathers expected a lot from their children. At camp, we see the capacities of these girls and marvel.
Generation Z has so many great character traits:
- Very empathetic and socially conscious
- Very sensitive to a multitude of issues
- Technologically savvy and use those skills for surprising impact (technology gives a larger audience)
- Highly educated and very intelligent
- Maintain high expectations from those in power
- Politically engaged
- Embrace change
- Embrace Honor Code at camp (Kindness, See the good, and own their actions)
- Honest
- Diligent
- Spiritually engaged
My high opinion of the young people is not shaped by news stories or the opinions of others, but by my close contact with thousands of girls each summer. After a lifetime in this business, I am struck by how impressive this generation is. I see them interact with each other and I hear their comments and concerns and am continually amazed.
The campers and counselors partner with us “old people” in maintaining and improving our community. Camp is like a little village… the campers are our citizens and the counselors our Commissioners. We agree to a code of conduct and rigorously abide by standards that are unique to this place. It adds up to a little slice of heaven… a nice thing to celebrate on this special day.
We are wearing Red White and Blue as we go to classes and meals today. Tonight will be the famous Greystone Carnival, an extravaganza worthy of the hype! The girls will get custom t-shirts and enjoy the best-planned carnival in Greystone history. We have rented every inflatable ride at Davis Amusements (Al always purchases new attractions just for us). The cumulative effect is amazing… a laid-back ‘blowout” event with girls strolling from station to station, seldom in a line as they rotate through the various carnival “worlds”. The night ends with fireworks after the famous Greystone Dance Contest. It is going to be a great day, as always.
A few details:
- Weather Sunny, Breezy, High of 80, afternoon showers… perfection.
- Breakfast eggs and corned beef hash… and A LOT OF SINGING & DANCING
- Lunch Shaved Pork sandwiches
- Dinner Carnival Food, NC BBQ, Grilled Cheese, Fried Pickles, Fried Mac & Cheese, Funnel Cakes, Cotton Candy, Ice Cream Cookies, and other stuff.
Thank you so very much for allowing your daughters to attend camp this summer. They are delightful. I think we are all better when together… especially this year.
Enjoy your holiday!
