June 18, 2026
First, a public service announcement: Heavy Rain is forecast for WNC tonight. If the rain comes (100% chance at this point), the soccer field will be very wet tomorrow morning. Appropriate footwear (LL Bean Duck Boots or similar) is recommended. The approaching rain can be felt, even as the sun is shining today. There is a stiff breeze from the Southeast, the humidity is 90%, and low clouds blanket Thunderhead Mountain despite the sunshine. A change in the weather is always exciting, particularly on this day.
Tonight, we will celebrate our last night together with a Banquet, an event keenly anticipated by the campers from the start of camp. It will be a wonderful ending to a particularly perfect session… beginning with a big reveal at Flag, a fun play in the Pavilion, then a delicious feast in the dining room. The counselors act out their version of a popular musical (typically something by Disney), dressed in delightfully innovative homemade costumes, sing and dance, then distribute simple banquet favors to their campers. Before entering the banquet hall, the cabin enjoys one last joyful walk down the lower road, entering the Dining Hall together with big smiles and wide eyes. We serve a meal they LOVE (chicken strips, mac and cheese, fruit, broccoli salad) in a lavishly decorated place. Toasts, awards, presents… it is wonderful. The night culminates in the announcement of the team scores, accompanied by a shockingly loud roar of exuberant campers. So much fun!
But first, we enjoy our last day. I said that this session has been particularly perfect… this is not an exaggeration. Never have we had a better group: camper and counselor alike. The girls who joined June Camp unexpectedly (we asked our Main Camp community to consider switching to June Camp to help us out… a big group of girls answered the call). Such a group has an oversized impact. They were bright lights to us all, inspiring excellence and a Great Day attitude for the rest of us. Our staff has settled into their work with professionalism and authentic joy (perhaps arising from their Junior Camp “training”). Campers and counselors alike love this place, and it shows. Our last hours will be marked by expressions of gratitude, joyous laughter, spirited games, and dance parties. It is going to be a Great Day!
Last night’s Council Fire theme was unselfishness. It is the secret of Greystone and provides a good template for shining in any community. I always tell the Meme Bird Story… it is very simple and conveys a truth in a way that the girls remember. They sat in absolute silence, relishing the tranquil beauty of the Council Fire. Hundreds of awards were handed out, and we concluded by forming a giant circle around the flagpole, holding our candles high. The oldest campers were sobbing as we sang taps and said, “Good Night, Greystone Girls”.
The girls keep their candles to tuck them away with other camp memorabilia, just as Dr. Margaret did 40 years ago (she only attended June Camp but was deeply impacted by her experience). Margaret still has the craft projects, class awards, and candles from her years as a camper. Even if you are not a pack rat, find a way to hold onto this “junk” that will be in your camper’s bags when she gets home. It might very well be treasured years from now.
Thank you for your support and encouragement, for sharing your girls, and for reading the Blog.
- Breakfast Waffles, sausage
- Lunch Taco in a Bag (easiest, best, most requested, “crowd-pleasing” meal in the camp menu… do it the next time you have a crowd of children coming to dinner… you will thank me).
- Banquet Dinner Chicken Tenders, Mac-n-Cheese, Green Beans, Rich’s Rolls, Chocolate Stacks
