July 18 2025

Our last Sleep-Late-Friday began with sunny skies, muggy temperatures, and the promise of another languid/lazy summer day in the mountains. We will take our time walking to class, prioritizing conversations over all other concerns. Our friends are first and foremost in our minds and those relationships solidify like cement in these last days. We know that we will soon depart and want to assure that the groundwork is laid for continued connections once back home.

Today’s morning assembly devotion was perhaps my favorite of the entire summer… hard to know for sure, but I loved it. Only five minutes long, crafted to perfection to engage the mind and heart to consider important things. Have you ever heard a devotion that is short yet powerfully succinct? It’s hard to do such a thing; I respect the teacher capable of it. Listen to it without distractions (don’t think you can multitask and still engage your heart) if you want to engage with it honestly. It’s worth the effort.

Today, our hearts are full from last night’s production of Camp Rock (which was shockingly good), and we are looking forward to tonight’s Production Night (when hundreds of campers will perform). The performance began on time (demonstrating a lot of professionalism). The lead actors were absolutely confident in their lines and sang loudly, without reservation or self-consciousness. They had beautiful voices and were perfectly on key as they hit their marks on the stage and performed the choreographed numbers with flair. The standing ovation was heartfelt, the joyful tears of the counselors as they hugged their campers were an inspiration. The sincere celebration of friends embracing cabinmates a delight. These are the golden days of camp. They will be missed.

This is an emotionally charged time of the summer—deep feelings of excitement, appreciation, affection, and awareness of time. When camp ends, we know that we will feel a hole in our hearts. It’s hard to explain, I will not try to do it today; I may not even do so later because the description eludes me year after year. All I know is that when camp ends, everyone feels a deep sense of loss and joy. It is a beautiful feeling best expressed with tears, not words.

Thank you for checking in and for appreciating Greystone. I am always surprised by how many people read the blog. The fact that you care is a huge encouragement… your virtual presence is joined by the “cloud of witnesses” that one is aware of during the special moments of the summer. My ancestors loved this place; thousands of campers and counselors from bygone eras shared the same affection. I can’t help but believe that the Holy Spirit is pleased. Much good is accomplished in the hearts of these girls, and we pray that He will be glorified in this community.

• Breakfast: Surprise Chick-fil-A biscuits
• Weather: 86 degrees, UV 11, afternoon showers
• Lunch: Sweet Potato Tacos
• Dinner: Pizza
• EP: Production Night