Today was one of the most anticipated days of the session—Camper’s Choice Day—a time when camp buzzes with possibility and campers step into the driver’s seat of their own experience. On the surface, it looks like simple sign-ups and activity rotations, but beneath that, something much deeper is happening. Today, our campers were learning how to make decisions, navigate friendships, and choose FUN—all essential life skills wrapped up in a day of pure joy.
Choosing activities might seem like a small thing, but for many campers, it’s a bold step. It takes courage to try something new, to go solo when your friends pick something different, or to sign up for something you’ve never done before. It takes courage to speak up, to take the lead, or even to take a break when you need one. And today, we saw that kind of courage everywhere.
Whether it was a camper trying riflery for the first time, tackling their fear of the giant swing or the ropes course, or simply walking into an unfamiliar activity group with their head held high, they were making brave choices. That’s what Camp Highlander is all about—creating a safe, supportive environment where children feel empowered to take healthy risks and grow in confidence.
As a parent, I know how often kids look to us for guidance and reassurance. But here, they get the chance to decide for themselves. They learn how to weigh options, compromise with friends, and follow their own curiosity. They’re not just gaining independence—they’re discovering who they are when no one else is choosing for them.
And woven into it all is one essential value we hold dear: the choice to be kind. Every camper, every day, is encouraged to choose words and actions that lift others up. Thanks to our dedicated staff—who model compassion, patience, and grace—our campers are learning that kindness isn’t just about being nice. It’s about including others, listening well, cheering someone on, and offering forgiveness when things go sideways. And just like any other skill, kindness takes practice.
We’ve seen tremendous growth this week—from quiet moments of courage to bold acts of kindness—and I couldn’t be more proud of our campers. They’re not just learning how to make choices; they’re learning how to make the right ones. And that’s where the magic happens.
Speaking of magic…tonight’s evening program was truly magical. Disney visited Camp Highlander tonight and transformed our world for another unforgettable night on the mountain. It was incredible to watch our campers and staff embrace the fun, make priceless memories and radiate authentic joy, reminding us all that Camp Highlander is a place where the magic is real!
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: This morning at Reflect, Ed, one of our boys division heads, shared with us a story to remind us that camp friends are the best friends!
- Weather: The weather was fantastic today. We have been so lucky to have sunshine during the day at activities and the rain at night. Today was the same. We had sunshine all day and the rain started right after dinner before EP. We don’t mind rain when it doesn’t slow us down!
- Meals: For breakfast we had Mrs. Kaye’s homemade whipping cream biscuits with gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar. For lunch we had baked ziti, breadsticks, salad bar and sandwich bar. Dinner was teriyaki chicken and vegetables, fried rice, egg rolls, salad bar and sandwich bar. There was no dessert in the dining hall tonight, but our EP has plenty of delicious treats for campers and staff to enjoy!
- EP: Tonight, the Gillespie Gymnasium became a magical wonderland as Camp Highlander transformed into Camp Disney—a carnival straight out of a fairytale! Campers and staff brought the magic to life, dressed as their favorite Disney characters or sporting Highlander Camp Disney tees, ready to dive into an evening of fun. From classic carnival games to exciting prizes, the energy was electric. And the food? Absolutely magical— soft pretzels, seasoned fries, cotton candy, sodas, candy and more delicious treats filled the night with joy. This evening, we didn’t just imagine the magic—we lived it at Highlander!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
