June 12, 2026

Sarah came up to me unexpectedly before dinner and asked, “Take a look, Boss. What do you think?” I was wearing my newly acquired blue/gold/silver sequin suit ($19.99, Amazon), and she was wearing a shiny jumpsuit thing. The Group Leaders each had surprisingly fun (if not shocking) Disco-themed outfits and were giddy as we prepared for our big reveal at flag lowering (to be followed by a theme dinner; all of camp was dressed up for the occasion). She showed me the radar image of a very small, but intense storm cell moving our way and asked if I thought we could still “risk” doing Council Fire outside.

Last year, I would have quickly said: “We’ll be OK”. The cell was tiny, the sky was blue, the sun was low in the sky, it is rare that we get rain that time of day… odds were with us, just go with the original plan. But after Mystic, we second-guess all weather-related decisions. The new standard is: “Let’s decide in 30 minutes to see if anything has changed.” Dinner was a hit (ABBA playing as we feasted on pizza), and I quietly snuck out to check the radar. The cell evaporated as it moved our way…crisis averted.

We were thrilled. Our first Council Fire would not be held in the FORT (safe, comfortable, uninspiring) but in the Pines (comfortable, sacred, special) with a blazing fire and the aroma of woodsmoke and pine mulch. File in, take seats, light fire, sing song, hear story… all exactly as expected. Then a shocking change: bagpipes abruptly cry out with a cacophony of pleasant (but jarring) notes of a tune nobody knows. What’s Going On? Everyone turns to see Natalie playing her pipes (shipped in time for the occasion), leading a procession of ladies carrying hundreds of giant pennants. It was our Presentation of Pennants ceremony (a tradition we started last year to prioritize Council Fire awards). The pennants were introduced last year to provide a place for camp awards and memories to live permanently. The girls decorate them as they choose… representing their years at camp in a lasting way.

The pennants are BIG (lots of room for the patches and artwork that memorialize moments) and really nice (hand-made from nice felt by a local craftsman). We give them to campers who have come to camp for three years. I got chills as the procession solemnly marched in and the girls solemnly leaned forward in anticipation.

We recognized the girls who would have received their pennants last year (four years at camp, then five, then six, then seven). Each group stood, their obvious love of camp evident in those years spent here. Then we invited those who were now in their third year to come forward and receive their pennant. Some draped them over their legs (they looked like blankets), some neatly folded them into squares (about the size of a t-shirt on the shelf), and some tried them out as capes as they took their seats for the rest of the day.

Departments that had campers to recognize for passing levels were then announced, formally and in alphabetical order, one by one. Many girls would accept their award with two hands, head bowed… reverently, then rush back to their seats to examine the patch and show it to their friends.

At this point in camp, there were not that many awards given (perhaps 200 in total). Next week, there will be MANY more! When the girls see the value in passing levels, their interest in class increases, and consequently, their skills skyrocket.

It’s another hot day (88 degrees), chance of thunderstorms (40%)… a bit uncomfortable, so we drink water, apply sunscreen, slow down, and thrive. I love air conditioning, but I embraced it reluctantly. When Margaret and I moved into Grey Lodge (our house on the outskirts of camp), it had no air conditioning. This was the house I grew up in, I didn’t notice… but Margaret was pregnant at the time and was very uncomfortable with the heat. She insisted we install a system immediately! We are now comfortable twelve months a year, maintaining a comfortable temperature despite the extremes of our four-season climate. No more sweating in summer, no more shivering in winter… but I miss that intimate connection with nature. The girls have been in cabins long enough at this point not to notice the weather but simply adjust their pace to the circumstances without comment. It is the best way to enjoy camp!

Tonight, Margaret and I will invite the birthday girls (anyone who celebrated their birthday at camp) to our air-conditioned house for a party. We empty our great room of furniture, add a bunch of tables (elaborately decorated), favors at each place, Chick-fil-A, Mac & Cheese, Fruit, Waffle Fries, Cake, and Ice Cream… home run event! The girls love it. Everyone envies the birthday girls… mission accomplished.

EP is the camper Talent Show, a wonderful variety show we have been looking forward to all week. The birthday girls have reserved seats in the front row and will enjoy wearing their nicer clothes (that they wear to their fancy party) to an EP. Their formal attire helps the whole program feel special! From now on, all EPs are big EPs. Momentum builds with every day, culminating in our big banquet on Thursday. Spirits are high, and all is well with the world.

Thanks for checking in… one week till Closing Day. Unbelievable.

Breakfast Breakfast Sandwich Buffet
Weather Hot, 88, chance of thunderstorms
Lunch Carne Asada Tacos
Dinner Ravioli and Cheese, Meatballs (or Chic-fil-A at JB’s)
EP Camper Talent Show