July 11, 2026
Today is the Birthday Ball and Talent Show, one of the big nights in camp and a wonderful experience for all. Girls whose birthday falls during camp dates (Opening Day to Closing Day) are invited to a nice party at Grey Lodge (Jimboy and Dr. Margaret’s home). This is a big deal for our house is legendary around here! It is the oldest building in camp (it was the only building on the property in 1920) and has been updated over the years to be a perfect venue for entertaining campers of all ages. Ideal group size is between 25 and 75; today we host 72 birthday girls. We moved out the furniture and put in 8-foot tables with chairs. Decorated all with tablecloths, table runners, place settings, name cards, flowers, presents, food, drinks, and cake.
The girls love checking out the house. Highlights include air conditioning, family portraits, artwork, the fire pole (access to the game room from the second-floor music room), a hidden closet, a treehouse, and a home theater (in the basement, accessed through the pantry). They feast on a combination of catered and camp-made food then gather to “wave out” candles on a group of beautiful cakes while singing happy birthday to each other. Everyone is giddy with the joy of the moment! It’s such fun to see how much the girls enjoy little things like this.
Afterward, they are the guests of honor in the Talent Show. Campers put on an amazing talent show that comprises a mix of acts from the “mini-talent shows” earlier in the week. We choose a mix of acts that represent our campers’ talents with a memorable evening (silly acts done with flair, amazing dance, songs, musical instruments, and improv). It is one of the great nights of our summer; now that I think about it, we have a great number of great nights at Greystone! I am excited about it.
I never made it to Farm & Garden yesterday. Elizabeth had some riders in the big ring, and I stopped for a minute to watch the horses and eavesdrop. The girls were fully engaged, having a blast, focused, and “in love” with their horses. There is something about the bond between horse and rider that girls seem to “get” more than boys do. Catherine rode horses in middle school and high school, eventually becoming an accomplished event rider. Seeing her tear up when hugging her horse made the inconveniences and expenses of this sport seem like a bargain to me. The same is true today. Our program is slowly returning after a COVID-forced break, and it is important to do it well. Based on what I saw, we are on the right track!
The light rain (it is sprinkling this morning) will turn to thunderstorms in the early afternoon (Rest Hour?), then hopefully move off for the Talent Show tonight. The change of weather is appreciated by all after the busy week we have enjoyed. Do Nothing Day, while wonderful, didn’t fully restore our bodies. We get weary as the weeks pass, and all these big events are hard for the counselors to pull off and require significant engagement from the campers as well. Classes are pushing to pass levels and bring projects and performances to a finished state in just a week’s time. We feel the pressure, and we enjoy the moments of accomplishment that arise from the anxiety. A little rain slows us down just enough. We are looking forward to Sunday!
Thank you for checking in.
- Breakfast Truckdrivers Special
- Breakfast Club Self-image as a part of Physical Growth
- Joke I can see Clearly now Loraine is gone
- Weather Cloudy, 83, light rain, afternoon storms
- Lunch Korean Beef Balls, Cabbage, Green Beans, Rice
- Dinner “Tiny Chicken” and Baked Potatoes
- EP Birthday Ball and Talent Show