June 4, 2026

On the Closing Day of each session, we send out parent surveys. We have found it important to get feedback as quickly as possible, and surveys are the most effective way to meet that goal. Even parents who LOVE Greystone are quick to let us know ways that we can improve. We appreciate it greatly, as evidenced by how I spend my time off between sessions…reading surveys!

It gives me an interesting perspective during this first week of June Camp, as we all adjust to camp life and cabins settle into a routine. A number of Junior parents wanted us to add a couple of days back to Junior Camp (we shortened it by two days this year). We understand the heart of this request (more camp!), but we have found the shorter session is perfect for the younger girls, while the longer amount of time (espeically for these older campers) gives breathing room for cabins to get comfortable and learn to live with each other well. This first week occasionally has moments of adjustment for cabins as they “gel” and work through the small disagreements that come up when you have girls living together.

Time benefits these moments! The counselors lovingly respond, they loop in the Group Leader, and they help the girls make up with each other. Best friends arise from such moments (cue The Parent Trap), and God is glorified. I bring it up, not because we’re seeing these situations all over camp, but to put this dynamic on your radar. It is possible you might get a sad letter at some point this summer.

It is rare for a camper to be homesick at Greystone. They are in a beautiful place, with wonderful people, doing awesome things, eating amazing food, making best friends, meeting new friends, gaining confidence, learning skills, discovering gifts, and experiencing the love of God. They are great, but it is possible they will be sad from time to time. Just being sad at some point is not a problem. It is good for them to unload those feelings on someone, and parents are good people to tell. When that happens, know that we are probably aware. Use your judgment as to whether you need to check in with us.

We don’t usually let you know about the little moments of sadness or adjustment we might observe. Such things are good growth opportunities, and the growth occurs in a healthy and empowering way. Campers who learn how to deal with such feelings are campers who are developing resilenance (perhaps the most useful skill in life). The Group Leaders and Laura are quick to let you know if there is anything that you should be aware of in your camper’s experience. That said, don’t hesitate to let us know if you have a concern. We will check into it and make sure all is well.

It is hard not to be with your daughter while she is away for a long time. That being said, remember that camp is good. It is an experience unlike anything else for growth. You will see it in a couple of weeks when you pick her up on Closing Day. At some point after the reunion, you will exclaim: “You have grown up so much, I’m so proud of you.” The truth of this observation will be felt by both of you, and it will make both of you so happy.

Cabin Lip Sync was so good. My anticipation of the setting was spot on… a beautiful setting for a delightful show. The Chan twins (10-year campers, longtime counselors) were our hosts (playing the Parent Trap twins) as we went through the Bungalow and cabin groups. Each act was awesome in its own way. Some had jaw-dropping choreography, some featured crowd-pleasing music, and some referenced TikTok dances that almost everyone joined in. Remember the time when you were in a large group and everyone joined in a dance together? It was wonderful, wasn’t it? The program was exactly right… and when it ended, a bunch of girls stayed around to dance together on the stage and take in the beauty of the first stars appearing in the clear night. No full moon was seen (I guess it didn’t rise till later in the night) as the girls went back to their cabins. Groups strolled up the hill slowly, basking in the moment.

All is well. The miracle in the mountains is quietly growing in a picture-perfect setting. I think God looks upon this place with pleasure.

• Breakfast featured scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage patties
• Weather is a little better than the perfection of yesterday… high of 83, sunny, no clouds
• Lunch Pesto Pasta (nut-free) with roasted broccoli. Dinner last night had a surprisingly popular side… roasted cabbage, fennel, and apples… I was sure the girls would turn up their noses at the big bowl of grey shredded “stuff,” but one bite was all it took. Every heaping bowl was emptied, and we ran out of seconds!
• Dinner Baked Potatoes with Chili and all the fixins - our theme meal for our Evening Program event!
• EP is a Parent Trap-themed camp-wide program (I have no idea of the particulars except that Sarah is really excited about it, which means it will be a lot of fun).