June 3, 2026

What is the best thing about camp?

This is a tough question and one that has no “right” answer, for camp impacts everyone differently. The answer changes with our age (a 7-year-old, 10-year-old, 13-year-old, 17-year-old, counselor, and director will have different lists), but one thing I always have on my list is Morning Assembly. We gather after breakfast for a high-energy, Christ-centered, loving start of the day. It is wonderful. I bet it is a favorite with many girls.

It begins with two upbeat “classic” worship songs led by a massive group of counselors. Everyone is on their feet, singing the well-known lyrics of songs that are seldom heard outside the gates of camp anymore. Every word has a dance motion, and you don’t have to be a dancer to do it. It is impossible not to join in the joyful party, then the mood abruptly shifts as we sit down (packed like sardines) and sing two quiet (more contemporary) praise songs led by staff (playing a guitar and at least two vocalists). Girls often hold hands during this part, the staff squeezes into the pit to be close to their girls, we see lots of hair braiding as we settle down. Then we hear a quick devotion.

In all of your years as a parent of a Greystone girl, have you ever listened to one of the Morning Assembly devotions? Probably not… and you are missing something special. Todays devotion is worth the click. Only 8 minutes 43 seconds long, but sure to delight and inspire. Following the morning assembly devotions is a great way to better understand what is going on at camp. You will hear “real time” the little jokes and biblical truths that we love.

We have resident camp ministers at Greystone. They come with their families to be a part of our community. They eat in the dining room, go to classes and evening programs, and are deeply connected to camp life. God uses them in a big way every year. Mac Holt is back for his second June Camp and is well-liked by the girls. He is one of the most gifted ministers I have ever heard. He represents Jesus well… with an approachable personality and easy-going manner. Easy to hang out with and ready with wise words when the need arises. I look forward to hearing every talk and going back to the recordings as favorite devotions in the year.

There is a comfort to hearing these devotions that I have grown to appreciate. I get a soothing feeling when I hear the minister’s familiar, friendly voice. I smile when I hear the campers giggle or respond to a question. And the simple messages always make me think… to meditate… and memorize. Check it out, you will not regret it!

It’s A Beautiful Blue-Sky Day. Not a cloud to be seen, very light breeze, warm but not hot, low humidity. More like San Diego than Zirconia, and appreciated after the clouds yesterday. Sunscreen and lots of water are themes we will harp on while having fun. We will have a very active day followed by a much-anticipated EP. Lip Syncs are a big deal at camp, and the older girls consider them a major production. Many cabins chose their song on the first day of camp and quickly develop the choreography. This allowS a couple of solid days of practice and a surprisingly well-honed production. Just a minute long, but jam-packed with delightful costumes, dance moves, and personality. I love hearing the song choices (it is the only way I discover new music), and Margaret points out campers we know and reminds me of family connections.

We will enjoy EP on the Pagent Court again tonight. It is a perfect venue, situated by the Shepherd Gazebo stage, with a lake and mountain backdrop behind and a setting sun beside it. The light changes as the program proceeds, the lake becomes still as the breeze dies down and reflects the rose colored clouds. We will eventually notice the moon (it’s a full moon now) and gasp at the sight. A wedge of geese might land on the lake with a splash and lots of quacking (the girls laugh). The groundhog (I’m not a fan, but the girls love him) waddles his way to his lair under the pickleball hut, much to the delight of the girls. We dance along with the performers when a favorite song is played, but mostly we sit back and watch the show with keen interest. It is a great show.

Thank you for sharing your girls and making this place possible.

Weather: Sunny, 75 degrees, no chance of rain.
Breakfast: Pancakes and sausage links
Breakfast Club: SMILE… a great way to make a friend and spread happiness.
Joke An elephant kicks a turtle, who goes flying into the pond. When asked why, he says that the turtle bit him when he was just a baby… You have an amazing memory: “I have turtle recall”
Lunch: Chicken Fingers, fries, salad
Dinner: Porkchops, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob
EP: Lip Syncs for the older half of camp.