We cannot wait for ALL of our campers to arrive, but there’s something truly special about welcoming our new campers for the very first time. That feeling of pulling through the Camp Highlander gates, driving past the lake, and hearing the cheers as you roll down your windows—it’s magic. There’s nothing quite like it, and we’re counting down the days until you experience it too!

As you get ready for Opening Day, you’ll find plenty of helpful details on our website about arrival times, luggage drop-off, and what to expect when you get to camp. But what happens after you say goodbye to your parents and walk into your cabin for the first time? That’s when the real adventure begins.

Here’s a peek into what the rest of Opening Day looks like for your camper:

First Meal Together

We gather in the Dining Hall for our first meal—full of energy, cheers, and table bonding. Whether your camper is a returning pro or trying everything for the first time, we’ve got something on the menu for everyone (and counselors are there to help every step of the way).

Rest Hour & Cabin Time

After lunch, campers will head straight to their cabins to unpack and settle in with their cabinmates. Unpacking with friends is a great way to bond and connect with your new camp family. It’s the start of what we hope becomes a tight-knit cabin unit and a home away from home.

Afternoon Activities

The excitement continues after lunch as cabins head out together for an afternoon packed with fun! During this time, each group will take their official cabin photo, make a splash in the pool for their swim evaluation, and swing by the camp store to pick up their very own Highlander t-shirt. Cabins will enjoy their first activities on camp and practice names as they get to know their new friends. It’s a great way to dive into the camp spirit—literally and figuratively!

Evening Program

At Camp Highlander, we begin every session with one of our most treasured traditions—campfire. These gatherings are the bookends of the camp experience, marking both the hopeful beginning and the heartfelt end. Our opening night campfire sets the tone for the session ahead, giving us space to talk about expectations, build community, and ignite the spirit of camp. We’ll gather as a camp family to sing our favorite songs, dance with joy, and soak in the warmth of new friendships and shared memories under the mountain sky.

Cabin Talks

We wind the day down with cabin talks—going over camp expectations, what a typical day looks like, and a good old-fashioned “get to know you” chat. Counselors use this time to get to know their campers on a deeper level with goals for growth and personal stories. This is when those first camp friendships begin to bloom.

Lights Out, Hearts Full

After a busy day of travel and new beginnings, campers head to bed tired but excited. Counselors are always in the cabin for any last-minute questions or missing home feelings, and we do all we can to make every camper feel safe, supported, and seen.

Opening Day at Camp Highlander is a day full of joy, connection, and the beginning of something unforgettable. We can’t wait for your camper to experience it!