July 17 2025

Last night’s Senior Celebration was spectacular. We quickly gathered on the Pageant Court for an early 7:15 start, knowing it would be a long show. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The Craftsmen (a group of about 40 campers and counselors who are members of an invitation-only group of gifted artists who have proven their chops in the FAC over the years) set the beautiful stage. The Senior Celebration is this group’s Super Bowl, and they treat it accordingly (work began a week ago, yesterday morning, they spent three hours putting it all together with the massive flower arrangements added late in the afternoon). Lights, a backdrop of hanging ivy, and the precise arrangement of the Pageant Court and stage to accommodate the accessories and equipment needed for a complicated program. Anticipation built as we settled in for the show.Catherine opened with a few words and turned it over to the 106 campers whose moment had come to shine.

One hundred and six people make for a very long single-file line. I’m not sure that I ever noticed that fact before, but it shocked me at the moment. I tried to photograph the line that formed on the lower road (two groups, alphabetical, 42 12th graders in one, 56 11th graders in the other,) but don’t think the photo does it justice. Half the distance of the lower road (from the office to the Pavilion is about 500 feet) and a quarter of the Pagent court (from the lower road to the Shepherd Gazebo is about 400 feet) with a line of beautiful young women, each dressed to impress and holding a sunflower. It was something to see!

The acts were excellent… every cabin sang as a group, and every senior participated in an act that delightfully represented their unique personalities and skills. Perfect 77-degree temperature, cumulus clouds filtering the late-afternoon sun, a light breeze coming off the lake made everyone appreciate the entertainment more than ever. The setting made me smile. So very nice. “I’m glad for the girls, they deserve this.

I am always drawn to the witty, funny aspects of camp life, and one of the acts (a Rap) stands out as worthy of note given my inclinations… Pitch Perfect. I’ll share the whole thing if I can get my hands on a copy of the lyrics.

When Catherine announced the Queen and her court, we felt the wind pick up, as we closed in prayer, the first heavy drops of rain forced a quick clearing of the crowd. We closed abruptly, running back to our cabins with crazy creek chairs acting as little tents on little heads. It was a fantastic night!

Our weather pattern has entered a very comfortable phase for a few days, with low 80s temperatures and steady breezes, making for a super comfortable setting for the rest of Main Camp. We are excited about a comfortable theater experience for tonight’s Junior Play production of Camp Rock.

The Junior play is always a treat. The staff and campers work very hard on every aspect of the show (voice, acting, choreography, costumes, set, lighting, and audio), thus ensuring it meets the high standards of our sophisticated audience. The outcome is certain… success! We will celebrate their achievement with a standing ovation when the curtain falls. I can’t wait!

Thank you again for checking in and engaging in our little world. We appreciate your support and prayers.

  • Breakfast: Quiche Lorraine
  • Weather: 85 degrees, UV Index 8, Partly Cloudy, Afternoon Showers
  • Lunch: Turkey, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwiches
  • Dinner: Pan Fried Chicken with Rosoto
  • EP: Junior Play: Camp Rock