July 14, 2026

Today, we will enjoy another slower-paced “rain day” morning, but temperatures are rising, and the sun will return soon. Yesterday’s high temperature of 70 degrees was fun for all. Want to swim? No problem (the water is warm and the air not cold). Want to read? Open your book on the Hostess Cabin porch and slouch into an Old Hickory rocking chair in your comfy sweatshirt. Want to play? Grab a trash bag, cut out head and arm holes, and walk around camp or slide on Apple Hill. Messy time at rotating group night was enhanced by lighter cloud cover and no drizzle. While the rain will continue this morning (with the same light showers), change is clearly coming.

The change in temperature today will be noticed by all (8 degrees warmer than our 70-degree high yesterday). Sweatshirts will go back in the trunk, activity levels will increase, and we will gradually shift into “maximum setting” camp mode as the campers push to accomplish goals. Art projects are already in this phase of things (glazing pottery, glass beads, painting, metal jewelry all demand tight time frames), and the performance and drama programs have always known they are on a tight schedule. The skies will clear after lunch, ushering in warming temperatures for the rest of the week. Tomorrow will be significantly warmer (87), and our highs for the rest of camp will arrive on Thursday and Friday (89). The end of camp is going to be picture perfect!

It is hard to believe that Closing Vespers is one week away. Time is slipping through our fingers, a fact that the older girls know very well. An “older” girl at camp has a complex demeanor at this point in the summer. They are more intense in their friendships, more intentional in their time, more present in the moment, and more appreciative of camp. They love it here. It is a place very different from anywhere else, more than “just camp” to many of them.

Here we are free to be children. Young, happy, innocent, kind, mischievous, funny, insightful, optimistic, talented, curious, tough, brave, strong, fast, dependable, trustworthy, and sincere. These attributes are no accident. They arise when we live in a community that glorifies God. You form such a sanctuary in your home; we do it in a remote little town; and it is wonderful!

The Great Day lifestyle is one that we hope the girls will take home with them next week. Encourage them when you see glimpses of that light. It might arise in a brilliantly unexpected way (an act of kindness), or it might be more subtle (a warm glance or a casual touch). Their resilience has grown; they will face difficult situations more confidently when they arise. They will contribute to family life in surprising ways, creating memorable moments shared by all. Such light should be celebrated, but it is easily missed. We pay special attention to such things at camp, and the honor we give to such behaviors (camper, counselor, and director alike) provides leadership in our community that we deeply appreciate.

Tonight will be our last crazy EP, and it is a big one! Greystone’s version of The World Cup is certain to become a moment remembered long afterward. The entire camp has been divided into one of four teams (Narnia, Genovia, Arrendale, Neverland), each of which has camper leaders who were announced a week ago. At breakfast, the leaders were given iconic headgear to wear as an inspiration to their “country” and build anticipation for the program. Everyone in camp will receive custom T-shirts after lunch to wear during the picnic dinner and the competitions that follow early in the evening. It all concludes on our center court, with representatives from each team playing “The Wave” (a tennis game the girls always play on special occasions). We are going to have a GREAT DAY!!!

Thanks again for making this moment; this camp, possible. We appreciate your support.