June 6 2025
At camp, we learn how to do hard things. Things like waking up early with a good attitude, doing chores without being asked, climbing tall walls, jumping onto a blob, running three miles, riding a horse, asking forgiveness from a friend, being quiet at Rest Hour… the list is endless and different for every camper and counselor at camp. Overcoming feelings to do something good builds character and we welcome this process at camp. So let’s take a moment to consider homesickness!
If your daughter is not adjusting to camp, we will contact you immediately. We will provide a comprehensive report and seek your input on how to best proceed. Greystone delivers a very positive experience (for the glory of God), so obviously, if a camper is not adjusting to this community we will quickly act to help her get over the hump. So, if you haven’t heard from us, take it as a good sign… even if you receive a sad letter!
Margaret and I have five children, and all of them sent sad letters when they were at camp. I went to camp as a boy for eight years and sent homesick letters for at least three of those years. It is normal to miss home, particularly during quiet times like Rest Hour. I also teared up from time to time, also at night or Rest Hour. Letters became my “go-to” response. Such letters are a healthy way to process feelings and do not negatively impact the camp experience. Many campers do this and you should not be automatically concerned.
If you are concerned, contact your Group Leader. She might already know or suspect what is going on and will follow up in a very low-key manner to get a full report. There is no need to worry. We will partner with you to support your daughter and ease your concerns.
EP tonight (Opening Vespers) is a calm and quiet EP from another era (sitting in silence, listening to an old story, reciting a verse with your cabin, and watching the light of held candles spread). We will marvel at the beauty of the moment. The girls will love it.
Opening Vespers has always been one of our highest-rated EPs, perhaps because it celebrates “important things” that are not noticed in this loud and glitzy world. This program has remained essentially unchanged for 100 years, and the campers appreciate the continuity. Telling the old story is always poignant for me, and that might also explain why the campers like it. Authentic emotion resonates.
Some of you parents were camp counselors in your youth (or even recently… we had some moms serve on our Junior Staff last week!). If you have done this job, you understand the challenges of maintaining the relentless pace of the summer. With this in mind, we hope many of you will be drawn to encourage the counselors who are adjusting to the hardest job they have ever had. Take a minute to write something on this online form. Simple gestures like this only take a minute but significantly impact the staff. Bookmark the form and write quick notes whenever you feel led throughout the session. Your support is a vital part of our community.
The rundown:
- Sunshine and warm… 80 degrees with a chance of afternoon showers.
- Breakfast… Ham and Cheese bagels (a camper favorite)
- Joke… “Coffin”
- Lunch… Shepherd’s Pie, Cookie
- Dinner… “Greystone Chick-Fil-A” Sandwiches!
- EP… Opening Vespers
- Our Morning Assembly devotions are exceptional this year. I HIGHLY recommend you listen to them… each one is short and well done. Mac is a GREAT minister!