The last day of camp always arrives faster than we expect — but today, as we enjoyed out last five periods of activities in Session A 2025, it was clear that this one will go down in Highlander history as something truly special. From the very first day to this final one, our campers and staff poured their hearts into every moment, making memories that will stay with us long after we leave this mountain.
After 24 summers at Camp Highlander, I can truly say that every summer on Old Forge Mountain is unique. No two sessions are ever the same — and that’s what makes them so powerful. The people, the energy, the inside jokes, the cabin dynamics, the unexpected moments — they can never be repeated. And that’s why we work so hard to embrace each day and squeeze the joy out of every single second. Because this summer, this group, this Session A… only happens once in a lifetime.
Today, our campers were all in for their final Camper’s Choice. They picked their favorite activities, surrounded themselves with the friends they love, and made sure to cool off as much as possible in the lake, the pool, and the river. The heat didn’t slow anyone down — it was just part of the adventure. Joy echoed across Old Forge Mountain, laughter danced between the Carolina pines, and the day was FULL of unforgettable moments.
But the memory that will stay etched in my heart forever wasn’t on the lake, or the zipline, or the field. It happened at dinner. Around 4:30 pm, the power went out at camp. Thanks to our amazing kitchen staff, dinner was served early and our final evening meal as a camp family became something straight out of a storybook. Campers and staff gathered in the dining hall, eating by lantern light and soaking in the magic of something unplanned and beautiful.
In that moment, I didn’t see disappointment — I saw resilience. I saw positive attitudes, laughter, and campers who took a challenge and turned it into an adventure. They even approached conserving water (no showers until we had power) as something to be proud of. That’s what camp does. It teaches our children how to handle adversity with grace and grit — how to make the best of any situation and find joy even when the lights go out.
I hope that through this blog you understand more about this amazing gift we call Camp Highlander. Tomorrow I will spend our last day enjoying time with our campers and soaking up every minute. I want to thank you for trusting us with your children, for sharing them with us and allowing them to make an impact on our camp family! As we prepare to say goodbye, my heart is full. This session has been rich with growth, courage, friendship, and fun. There will never be another like it!
Session A 2025, you were one for the books.
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: One of our Division Heads, Charlie, talked about investments, not the money kind but the relationship kind. He reminded us that the richest people on earth are those who put their time, energy and heart into the people in their lives. They invest in relationships, and their return on investment is happinesss, love and joy!
- Weather: Today was another sunny, warm day. We were grateful for the light rain that started to fall in 5th period that cooled down the mountain air. The temperature is now perfect for a wonderful night of sleep.
- Meals: For breakfast we had Belgian waffled, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar. For lunch we had hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, tater tots and a salad bar and a sandwich bar. Dinner was amazing - THE BEST grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls along with our salad bar, sandwich bar and whole fruit.
- EP: Rock at the Top! This is one of my favorite EPs of the summer. This is our lip sync night where cabins dress up to dance and sing along to their favorite tunes. We had everything from Justin Bieber to Barbie Girl and Frozen! It was fantastic!!
Tomorrow We Will:
- Take our Session A panoramic photo
- Eat popsicles while we pack our trunks
- Enjoy two more activity periods with our cabins
- Have an awards program
- Eat Papa John’s pizza in the cabin as we laugh about the memories from the session
- Close out our session with one final campfire
See you Friday!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
