We got awesome feedback from parents that Opening Day was smooth, easy and convenient with the new drop off! Thank you for all that you did to make today possible. We are incredibly grateful for your support over the last year, and we were SO EXCITED to open the gates and welcome you and your children HOME to Highlander! As each car pulled through the gates of camp, the staff got more and more excited about the session ahead. We woke up to gray skies this morning, but the sky cleared and the sun came out right as the first car pulled up to the gym. I knew it would be a great day, because it was the campers who brought the sunshine!
On Opening Day, we don’t waste any time and jump right into the fun of camp after lunch. In just one day, we have already formed new friendships, tried new activities and learned new skills. Today cabins had TCOB (Taking Care of Business) where they had their swim evaluation, took a cabin photo and got their new 2021 camper t-shirt. Tomorrow many cabins will head out for new adventures off-camp like whitewater rafting or day hikes, while others will spend the day exploring adventure on Old Forge Mountain.
Favorite Details of the Day
- Meals: This morning for breakfast we enjoyed blueberry muffins, scrambled eggs, and bacon. For our Opening Day Camp Highlander tradition, we had grilled cheese, tomato soup and green salad for lunch. Our Sunday night dinner was delicious pot roast with potatoes and vegetables,warm rolls and mixed green salads. To everyone’s surprise, the disco ball went off and the entire dining hall cheered when the Highlander Mudslides were served. Yummy!
- Weather: The weather could not decide what it wanted today. We had rain and a lot of sunshine. In fact, it was raining while the sun was out for a large portion of the day. The rain didn’t stop us from jumping feet first into the fun of camp today!
- EP: Our evening program on opneing night is always campfire. Due to the rain this afternoon, the ground at campfire was wet, so we chose to have campfire in the gym tonight to keep our campers dry. We did get a light sprinkle during campfire, but we stayed dry. We loved listening to our favorite campfire songs and enjoyed the gift of live music. There is no better sound than the campers and staff singing along to songs during campfire!
I love Opening Day because it is filled with the joy and hope of another magical summer at Highlander. (This year has felt even more special because we are all so grateful to be back on the mountain.) I love the traditions on opening day like grilled cheese and tomato soup and opening campfire, becuase of the comfort it brings to our campers. I love watching the campers dance to the songs they love and teach their new friends all the right moves. Most of all, on Opening Day I love seeing all our camp families, meeting new ones and welcoming returning campers home!
We want to thank you for the privilege of partnering with you on the journey of growing your child. Thank you for making Camp Highlander a part of your summer. I can’t wait to share the adventures of this session with you. This blog will be a window into our world at Camp Highlander. It’s going to be amazing, so stay tuned!
