August 4, 2026
Only three more “sleeps” till closing day. This fact hit me this morning like a ton of bricks. How can it already be ending? It should not come as a surprise, for camp life is carefully planned out (we prepare days and months before events occur), and I have been doing this for a long time. That being said, closing week (in every session) always surprises me. There is something about doing a lot of big events in one week that condenses time. We frantically work to pull off one thing and then set up for another. Camp is like that: the days are long and the weeks are short. For staff and campers alike, time just flies!
As time flies, it also lifts us up. We are somehow better when we’re together. God draws this community together every year; surprising connections are discovered everywhere. Bunkmates that are distant cousins, counselors who used to babysit campers, campers who used to be neighbors or classmates. And that is just the beginning… the best part of these connections is the way our personalities mesh to bring out the best in each other. We discover that we comfort each other, compliment each other, and encourage each other in so many ways. Individually, but also as a group. This is why we love being here; it is why the time flies.
Camp builds confidence, grit, and resilience. As some of you dropped your girls off on opening day, tears welled in your eyes. You were happy and nostalgic at the same time. Camp represents a step up the stairs of growing up. You are happy about this, but also wish things wouldn’t change. Rest assured, this was a good decision. Camp provides a growth experience unlike anything else. We hope that every camper will be stronger and better equipped to handle life’s challenges after a session at Greystone.
Today, we are looking forward to the Birthday Ball and Talent Show. Seventeen birthday girls (campers who celebrate birthdays while at camp) will put on their pretty dresses and come to a special dinner at Grey Lodge. To have an invitation to Jimboy and Margaret’s house is like getting an invitation to the White House. It is one of the most appreciated places in camp for good reason.
- It is where Jimboy and Margaret live and the same house Dr. Sevier lived in when he started Greystone.
- It is the oldest building in camp. When we started camp, this was a 2-room “Mill House” (serving the local textile mill workers). We think it was built around 1910.
- It is the “coolest” building in camp. Renovated over the years it is almost perfect as a camper dream house. Features include: Game Room, Fire Pole, Music Room (with hidden access to the fire pole), a huge porch overlooking camp, giant kitchen/dining room/great room with a huge fireplace, family portraits in every room, and a home theater (with 11 chairs) in the basement. Super fun, indeed!
Margaret decorates lavishly for the occasion which features two banquet tables set up in the great room for a special occasion. Each place setting has a name card and gift waiting to delight a birthday girl. We will feast on Chick-Fil-A nuggets, waffle fries, fruit salad, and macaroni & cheese… and, of course, cake and ice cream for dessert. Afterward, the birthday girls will be the guests of honor at our camper Talent Show. It is a fun night.
One last thing… Consider encouraging your daughter’s counselor with a shout out. It is an online form that is super easy to do, allowing you to share a few words of encouragement for a job well done. They are doing a GREAT JOB!
Thank you for checking in; we are REALLY excited about EVERYTHING!
- Breakfast French Toast Sticks, sausage
- Weather Cloudy, 76 degrees
- Lunch Shepherds Pie
- Dinner Poppyseed Chicken
- EP Birthday Ball/Talent Show