Introducing Our Summer 2026 Theme Verse

Each year at Greystone, we choose a theme verse to anchor our summer; it is one of our favorite traditions!

This verse is woven throughout so many parts of camp life - from the quiet, prayerful work of spring preparations and staff training to Morning Assembly talks with the camp minister, all the way through to Banquet night and a goodbye gift. It serves as a steady reminder to our staff and campers of what matters most, and we return to it day after day, learning as we go.

Each year we pray that this verse will take root in all of our hearts, and we trust that the Lord will use it in our community, starting during the summer and continuing all the way into the next year. We hope that one day, campers might hear this verse again and immediately go back to that summer at Greystone, the fun they had, and the ways they grew.

As always, choosing this year’s theme verse was a process! We had so many incredible passages to choose from, and narrowing it down was no easy feat. But over time, our Head Staff team felt drawn towards this verse, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Any time the Bible says something like “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,” it’s worth sitting up and paying a little extra attention! We love how this verse serves as a simple roadmap, whether we’re waking up to Reveille in Tuxedo or getting ready for a day of school at home. No matter what, we are to rejoice, pray, and give thanks - always, without ceasing, and in all circumstances. It’s as simple (and as difficult) as that!

Of course, these commands are rooted in the truth of the gospel. What gives us the joy, faith, and courage to rejoice, pray, and give thanks at all times? It’s the person and work of Jesus and what that means for our present and future.

We rejoice because we are His beloved children, confident in the gracious care of our Father. We pray without ceasing because we know that we are seen and listened to; He loves when we bring all of our burdens to Him. We can give thanks in all circumstances because we know that He is working all things together for our good and His glory. This is the way we were created to live, and this is His will for us!

So here’s to making this summer one of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks together because of our incredible Savior. We’d encourage you to go ahead and write this verse down and maybe even memorize it as a family before camp. Summer 2026, we are so ready for you - to God be the glory!