July 5 2025

The tragic news from Texas hit our team like a ton of bricks. We wept. Many of you did the same; how could you not? Our hearts break for the families who have lost a child, a sister, a cousin, a friend, a classmate, a babysitter, the list goes on. The ripple effect is easy to imagine, but it does not reflect everything. This is huge and we know it. So we prayed.

Our theme verse guided our knee-jerk reactions as we remembered to lean not on our own understanding and Acknowledge Him. This took some time, but gradually peace replaced the tumultuous torrent of thoughts and feelings. A few things took root in our hearts as we remembered the faith of our fathers:

God is sovereign. All-powerful and All-knowing.
God is Good. He loves enough to send His Son so we might live.
We don’t understand. His ways are above our ways, His thoughts not our thoughts. We might never understand.
So we live by Faith and pray.

We have sent an email out to our Main parents discussing how we are handling things in “the bubble” and offering our support in whatever way is needed. Our faith is guiding our response in this moment, and it is very clear that God is present. Andrew’s Devotion at Morning Assembly was written last week. He showed me the sheet of paper with his notes, and it gave me chills. Perfect. The Holy Spirit is here and helping in our need, and I am sure he is in Texas too. Thank you for joining all the Saints who are praying hard today.

You should know that our Fourth of July fireworks experiment was a hit. Honestly, I liked watching the show in Tuxedo better than watching our own private show. We gathered in the river pasture and enjoyed an old-fashioned backyard fireworks display on steroids. The kind of show your uncle would put on… enhanced by the quantity and quality of the fireworks (first-rate, in my opinion) and the enthusiasm of the audience. The girls always enter into the spirit of the day (cheering, dancing, singing, gasping), and their reactions made it a spectacular show. The soundtrack we played while watching the fireworks was enjoyed by all of Tuxedo (about 300 cars and trucks parked on the side of the road to watch the fireworks). This was the first time Rosco’s (the local gas station shooting off the fireworks) had music with the show. We will survey the girls, but I think the opinions will be overwhelmingly positive about the change.

Today, we will honor those girls who have been coming to camp for a long time (five years or more… three of those years at Main Camp). Main Camp is not an easy session to attend. It requires much from the girls and their families. Such sacrifices set these girls up for success (Main Camp requires 100% involvement… it’s not easy), and we celebrate their commitment today. The number of campers who have reached this milestone is remarkable: most of the camper group will be honored. It will be a testimony to experience the biggest Five-Year group we have ever had. The girls wear their white dresses, carry yellow roses, have their pictures taken, and are seated as honored guests for the Senior-Senior speeches.

The Forty-One seniors present short (2 minutes or less) camp memories. Memories that reflect what they most love about the years they have enjoyed at Greystone. Many have been campers for most of their lives (ten years or more). They know this moment is coming and have often prepared their words for many years (thinking of what moment is worthy and how to convey that feeling in a short speech). Some will present with their friends, some alone… all are beautiful. Many tears will be shed. It is a lovely (quiet) event that will be enjoyed by all.

Thank you, parents (and grandparents), for encouraging your girls to attend our camp. The Bubble is profoundly good, but only possible because of your wholehearted support. Our most encouraging emails, insightful letters, kind phone calls, and thoughtful texts are from Main Camp parents. Your appreciation of each facet of camp spurs us to greater efforts to delight and inspire. We are grateful to have your support.

Breakfast Omelets and hash browns
Lunch Cheese Ravioli, Meatballs, Watermelon Feta Salad, Sauteed Spinach
Joke “A Grazing Mace”
Weather Lovely sunny day 84 degrees.
Dinner Rice Bowls by the lake (spicy chicken, Pico de Guiao, assorted sauces, yellow rice, lettuce, cheese, salsa, green salad, fancy drinks)