Today at Camp Highlander, we were all in for our first Camper’s Choice Day — a day built entirely around one beautiful thing: the power of choice.
Campers woke up today with excitement knowing that they were doing exactly what they wanted to do today. They had chosen their own schedules, picked the activities they love most, and had the opportunity to spend time with friends across camp — not just in their cabins. There’s something truly special about watching a camper step into that kind of independence. Their faces lit up with joy, pride, and confidence as they moved through a day that they designed.
All of our traditional camp activities — like archery, crafts, rock climbing, crow’s nest and canoeing — were offered today, and many campers chose the familiar fun they’ve grown to love. But Camper’s Choice Day also brings something extra: special activities that aren’t part of the regular schedule. From running or fishing at the lake to making slime, Zumba, Just Dance, and even library time or UV lounging on the sundeck — campers had a full menu of options to explore.
Some chose to slow down and savor the connections they’re building — curling up with a book in the library or making bracelets with friends at stacks. Others chased action and adrenaline, jumping into Highlander Basketball Association games, ultimate frisbee on the athletic field, or dance-offs in the gym. Whether they were trying something new or diving deeper into a favorite activity, every choice reflected a growing sense of self.
At Camp Highlander we believe there’s power in every decision. Power to rest. Power to move. Power to explore, connect, and simply be yourself. And today, we saw that power in action — in the laughter, in the freedom, and in the confidence that comes from saying, “This is what I want to do today.”
Camper’s Choice was full of fun, full of freedom, and full of the kind of moments that help young people grow into themselves. And that, in itself, is a powerful thing.
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: This morning at Reflect, Paige talked to us about being humble, especially in friendship. Being a humble friend is about showing love through small, steady acts of loyalty, honesty, and grace. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being real, being present, and choosing others over ego.
- Weather: We had sunshine all day. It was beautiful! We had a brief rain shower during EP, but we were all distracted by the fun we were having in the gym.
- Meals: For breakfast we had belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, gravy, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar. For lunch we had copycat Chick Fil A sandwiches, waffle fries, a salad bar and a sandwich bar. Dinner was flank steak, roasted red potatoes, green beans and homemade rolls, with a salad bar and a sandwich bar. For dessert we had a Highlander favorite, Ice Cream Dream.
- EP: Tonight’s evening program was Highlander 500. This is Camp Highlander’s version of NASCAR. Each cabin participated in different races and everyone had an absolute blast.
About Melissa Fitzgerald
