June 30, 2026

Current events do not typically enter The Bubble. Until we announce an event, it is essentially invisible, and we rarely find a news story worthy of the spotlight. This summer, two sporting events have made the cut: the World Series in college baseball (because we have fans from both UNC and Oklahoma), and the FIFA World Cup (because of USA!!!). We play up the drama from the microphone and the girls become more interested than they would be in any other setting. Such contests present dramatic moments worthy of attention and add a little spice to the day. We update the girls on the contest (basic details like when the game will occur and what each team is famous or infamous for) and build anticipation with little tidbits each morning. As we “play the camp game” (fully engage in every class, every conversation, every program), time is compressed: an hour feels like a minute, a day like an hour, and a week like a day. When the final score is announced, the delight and astonishment is shared by all as if we were there. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are best experienced with friends in the moment. Here there is no tedious waiting for time passes so quickly. So after tomorrow’s big World Cup game we have a big announcement planned. Win or lose, it will be a surprise best experienced if they don’t learn the score ahead of time. Please don’t mention it in your emails. I will explain more in Thursday’s blog.

At camp, we have fun with the smallest details of life. A chance meeting on the sidewalk, the UV index, a cool breeze, a cold night, a hot day, a casual joke, a sincere smile, a long conversation, a funny comment, a good salad, a piece of candy, a peach… all these and a thousand other things will mark occasions of delight and inspiration today. We thank God for every circumstance that we face, not only the good but the difficult as well. We thankfully acknowledge God in every moment, glorifying Him and anticipating the endless joy that is ours in Christ.

I hope to go to ceramics today. Not only is it an awesome class; today they have a guest artist teaching advanced techniques to the most skilled campers. Ceramics is a class that exemplifies what makes most classes great at camp. The large number of campers in most classes is not an impediment to fun, on the contrary, the campers make the class fun. While sitting around the table forming projects we don’t just create art… we talk. These conversations often include the entire table but sometimes present surprising DMCs. A deep, meaningful conversation held in such a setting is memorable. A friendship made or a life skill learned is also meaningful. Pretty much every moment in ceramics is filled with delight.

Look at any class that is hugely popular (tennis, cooking, zumba, syncro) and you will find joyful interactions arising in compelling program settings. The counselors are well prepared and knowledgeable, but that is not the secret to success. The counselors are masters at connecting with people. They are great communicators and good listeners. They notice things and remember names.They are authentic (not faking it), consistent, and have great attitudes. Their leadership pulls the campers along, and the numbers only enhance their power. Many of them will look back on this summer as the most significant experience of their lives and speak of it often in years to come. Never discount the value of a summer camp work experience. From cabin counselor to dishwasher, every job builds life skills that are invaluable.

We would like to suggest that you send some encouragement to a counselor. Just fill out this form and we will print it to deliver as a surprise “hug”. Such an act of kindness is deeply appreciated by the staff because it is so rare. As Directors, we encourage the staff on a regular basis so when we tell them what a good job they are doing or how much we appreciate their hard work, they expect it. Greystone is a place marked by gratitude so we always thank eachother. The impact of our words is sweet in a “normal” kind of way. It is rare, however, for a parent or alum to thank a counselor in the middle of the summer. This is not a complaint (the staff loves this work and consider it a blessing to do it… the work is the reward). They don’t expect to hear from you so if it happens, the effect can be profound. Remember the example of the Lepers that Jesus healed (Luke 17). Be the one who says thank you to a counselor or staff member. It is always a good idea!

Breakfast French Toast Sticks and Sausage Patties

Lunch Greek Bowls

Dinner Flank Steak and Polenta

Weather Sunny, 85 degrees, UV 8, chance of showers.

Breakfast Club Mental Growth: See the good.

Joke What is a Brazillian?

EP Council Fire