July 21, 2026

Margaret and I settled into our seats promptly at 7:25, eagerly anticipating the opening of the Senior Play. Deirdre, the Irish-born director of the production, was on the microphone giving instructions to the audience on proper theater etiquette. Her nervousness was not evident, but I could see that she was on pins and needles as she prepared for the show. All of the directors, cast, and crew felt the same. It was a mammoth undertaking.

Two hours forty minutes long, in two acts, with thirty musical numbers, a cast of dozens, and a script that was thick as a hardback first edition Harry Potter book. The sound crew had to keep track of ten head microphones and a soundtrack that ran in every scene (many lines were spoken in sync with the background music). Lighting was also an important part of the show, as were costumes, set changes, and accessories (many of which were shockingly funny with their fairy-tale violence). My goodness, how could they have accomplished all of this in just four weeks?

The campers made for a perfect audience; the actors’ choreography and singing was confidently delivered and they hit their lines right on cue (I did not notice a single missed line or hesitation as the scenes moved quickly from one to the next). To say that it was a success minimizes the accomplishment. Every person who saw the show will remember it for years to come.

As we ate breakfast, there was a palpable feeling of joy in the Dining Hall. The conversations were more intense, the songs sung with more gusto than normal, and when we sang the Breakfast Club song, almost every camper stood in honor of the moment. We took a moment to thank the kitchen crew for their hard work all summer; thirty young people and Gervais filed into the dining room to thunderous applause and a standing ovation. It touched me deeply to see such a heartfelt response from the campers. They are genuinely wonderful people and their light is shining brightly this week. You would be proud.

Today we enjoy another full day of classes and the weather is cooperating nicely. High of 84 degrees, made comfortable with a strong breeze and cloudy skies. It might rain during Rest Hour, which will perhaps lead to a more pleasant packing experience in the cabins. It is always exciting to pack up after a long summer at camp. There are so many items of clothing, accessories, books, projects, and artwork to gather and safely tuck away. We do this today because of our Banquet Day schedule (which is busy for camper and counselor alike). This is our last “regular” day and we must use it carefully.

Tonight is Closing Vespers, one of the most memorable and poignant programs of the summer. The Honor Council campers will lead by lighting the camp candles, praying, singing, and speaking on the Honor Code (seeing the good, taking ownership, and glorifying God) and Honor Council character traits (sincerity, courage, honesty, kindness, and truth). Each trait is spoken of with the thoughtful consideration of campers who have attended camp for most of their lives. They have known this moment will one day arrive and they know exactly what they want to say. It is a wonderful program. Afterward, we float our candles on the lake as we sing from the shore, clasping hands and tearfully regretting the passage of time. The soft sound of held-back sobbing will be noticeable during the closing prayer. How is it already over? Almost every person in camp today (camper, staff, worker) has that sensation. Time has literally flown by; we wish we had a little more of it. This is the feeling of camp today and will be the feeling of the girls for the rest of the week.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing your girls. Thank you for appreciating camp.

Breakfast Pancakes, Sausage
Joke Pavement?
Lunch Hamburgers and fries
Dinner Greek Chicken Bowls
EP Closing Vespers
Weather Cloudy, breezy, 84 degrees, chance of rain