July 12, 2026

Is there a venue more exciting for a performing artist than Camp Greystone? For a talented young artist, it is just about perfect. The setting (large sloping lawn before a glistening lake and majestic mountains) is as good as it gets. The stage (before a lovely, simple yet architecturally interesting gazebo) is perfectly sized. The audience is large (750 or so) and adoring, sure to encourage even if the performance is not perfect. If I had talent worthy of watching, this is where I would want to show it.

Jared, our photographer this week, is overqualified for this camp job but chooses to accept the gig because of our community (which he has grown to appreciate almost as much as the counselors). He laughs with us, plays with us, shares his family with us, eats with us, and captures moments with his camera while having fun. He rarely does talent shows, but last night spent the entire night capturing what he could. It is helpful, for my words will not adequately describe an evening that now is added to my golden memories of this summer.

It began with rain. We did not get any heavy rain, but it did sprinkle off and on for most of the day. The forecast called for a storm cell that would move our show into the Pavilion (a nice but less magical and more crowded setting), but the clouds moved out at 5:00, allowing us to set up without fear. Temperatures hovered around 80 degrees, a light wind came off the lake, the sun set as we watched, and it finished with time to play afterward. Each act was wonderful and we proceeded through the show without a hitch; the counselors (wearing “nice camp clothes”) announced each girl with polished poise and a smile. The birthday girls had the prime front row seats reserved for them.

Which brings me to the Birthday Ball. A team of counselors descended upon Grey Gables in force after lunch, preparing our old home to shine for a blowout party. You know how hard it is to host a large celebration; the hard work honors the people that we love and is a delight for all who attend. Camp allows an easier path: the campers have fun just talking to each other, add some food, and any party is likely to be a success. We don’t always take the easy path; sometimes we go all out, and last night was one of those times.

Birthdays are special, particularly (or mostly) when we are young. To be ten years old and spend your birthday at camp is a big deal to that child. One tenth of your birthdays is a lot of commitment. Dr. Sevier (my great-grandfather) had a daughter who was a bit of a prima donna. Gigi was adored by all and valued the attention that such moments as birthdays afforded the guest of honor. When he started camp, he was confronted with the fact that his little prima donna’s birthday was in the middle of the summer… and there were other girls with the same dilemma. His solution was to throw a big party for the entire camp. Ever since, our Birthday Ball party has been happily given to the campers, as we would for our own children. Camp is family. That is how it feels.

Seventy-two birthday girls arrived at our house promptly at 6, allowing Margaret and me a moment to say a few words and bless the food. We munched on a gorgeous charcuterie and cheese board as we waited our turn at the buffet line, then took our assigned seats in the great room and on the front porch. Great food, great company, exciting exploration (fire pole and theater), delicious cake, ice cream, and presents were accentuated by the decorations. That team of counselors put up balloon arches, flowers, candles, banners, and decorations in every room. They also vacuumed, shined, and swept everything so all vestiges of a long summer of use were removed. The girls felt honored… and loved every minute!

So today we enjoy another Sunday. You know the routine (Stumblers, breakfast buffet, cabin cleaning, church, lunch, rest hour, free time, picnic dinner, and a concert on the lawn). It is a good routine, one that will be savored as we are all in need of some rest. We hope you do the same.