July 16, 2026
The Senior Celebration last night was amazing. It was a perfect reflection of the playful, talented, funny, beautiful Senior group. Sixty-three 17-year-olds and sixty-three 16-year-olds (the first time that has ever happened) made for a very large group. We give them a lot of latitude in choosing the show’s content. Apart from getting dressed up, formally introduced one by one, carrying a sunflower, and singing a song with their cabin, the show is theirs. They choose the acts, and we introduce them one by one (in between cabin songs). Thirty-three acts were on the program. We suggested 20-25 was more reasonable, but they insisted; so many of us expected that it would be a very long program (and might get “long in the tooth” before ending). Boy, were we wrong! It was so very funny, so very witty and interesting; the time just flew. Between the funny acts were some very moving speeches, dances, songs, and an amazing piano recital. There were standing ovations for some particularly notable performances, and when Catherine took the stage to thank the girls and announce “The Queen and her Court”, we were genuinely surprised it was almost over.
The Queen of Love and Beauty is a tradition that dates back many decades (the 50’s?). Greystone girls have always loved it, but before adding the “Senior Celebration,” it was not a program that ranked in the top ten of the summer. Now the Queen and her Court are announced with little fanfare, just calling their names (the Court had 24 girls, and then the Queen was announced). With each name, the entire camp cheered, some groups of girls jumping to their feet and yelling loudly. These were much-loved campers, and we were all glad that they were being recognized. Cat then gave a short talk on inner beauty and the marks of a Proverbs 31 woman, and we ended the night with a prayer. It was lovely.
The beauty of the night was enhanced by the Craftsmen, a group of artistic campers and counselors who have been chosen to join this lifelong club. The Craftsmen announced new members at last week’s Council Fire, and they had a wonderful time transforming the Shepherd’s Gazebo with lights, a backdrop, and HUGE flower arrangements. As the sun set, the scene became even more beautiful, with the lights setting the mood. Margaret and I went away thinking it was the best Senior Celebration we had ever seen.
Such moments are marking our days from now on. Tonight we will enjoy the Junior Play (Annie). Our Play Production program is superb. A large number of campers commit to taking this double-period class, allowing us to do every aspect of a complex production. Lead acting, support acting, chorus, choreography, set design, props, makeup, costumes, lighting, and sound all have teams of campers working under the leadership of talented counselors who love the art and are passionate about their craft. The combined efforts culminate in a great show every time. We can’t wait to go to the theater (Pavilion) and see Annie tonight!
Our perfect weather is as good as any in the country today. Sunny skies, warm temperatures (88), light breeze, slight chance of rain (15%). We will turn on the misters after I post the blog, but it is mostly just for fun. It really feels good, and that is something to celebrate with the weather some of you are dealing with this week. We are very grateful.
Thank you for checking in!
- Breakfast Quiche Loraine
- Breakfast Club Treating Jesus like a friend
- Joke Cat Scan and Lab Report
- Weather Sunny, 88 degrees, slight chance of rain
- Lunch Sloppy Joes
- Dinner Chicken Picatta
- EP Junior Play Production (Annie)