One of the best parts of camp life is the deep sense of tradition woven into every day. Traditions at Camp Highlander are the threads that connect our past, present, and future, creating a shared experience that is both comforting and powerful. Some traditions happen by accident, yet they become the tapestry that makes the Highlander experience unique. Other traditions are intentional, created to teach a lesson or build connection and comfort for our camp family.
This session, we’ve loved sharing so many of these beloved Highlander traditions with our campers. Beginning our morning with Reflect at the Rock, raising of the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance at Assembly - traditions that are grounding us in unity and gratitude. The familiar sound of the bell keeps time for our day and structure in our routine, and of course, the sweet tradition of the apple cart in the afternoon or surprise Gus’s after dinner are traditions that are always met with smiles.
From campfire songs and honor camper recognitions to cookouts on the field and Sleep-In Saturday, these moments bring rhythm, meaning, and joy to camp life. I love that traditions offer comfort and familiarity to our campers and staff, reminding us that no matter how much we grow or change, there are things we can always count on and come back to each summer at Camp Highlander.
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: One of our Division Heads, Madeline, talked about the power of teamwork. She reminded us that teamwork is seen not only when we congratulate a win, but also when we lift up a loss. At Camp Highlander, this teamwork is called integrity. Win with integrity, lose with integrity.
- Weather: Today was the warmest day of the week, possibly the warmest day of the summer. We have had unusual heat for the mountains this week, so we have been drinking LOTS of water! We had sunshine all day, and just as Camper’s Choice sign-ups were ending, a pop-up shower was welcomed to cool off the mountain.
- Meals: For breakfast we had Mrs. Kaye’s homemade whipping cream biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar. For lunch we had grilled chicken & bacon club sandwiches with sweet potato fries, a salad bar and a sandwich bar. Dinner was spaghetti and meatsauce, roasted broccoli and garlic bread, along with our salad bar, sandwich bar and whole fruit. Everyone went CRAZY for Michael’s spaghetti, and I heard a lot of people saying “this is my favorite camp dinner EVER!” As campers and staff started the Gus’s chant after dinner, Bryan agreed we could have candy or soda again tonight after Camper’s Choice sign ups.
- EP: Square Dance on the field! That rain shower was short, and we were so grateful because we were still able to have our last dance of the session on the field!
- Special Event: After EP, our Senior Camp Division Heads, planned a surprise. Right after the hot and sweaty square dance, senior campers were allowed to go and jump in the pool for a spontaneous senior camp pool party. Fully clothed, these campers jumped in feet first to cool off and socialize with their friends. It was an unforgettable evening for senior camp!
Tuesday night Square Dances are arguably the most loved tradition at Camp Highalnder. Honestly, I don’t know another camp who does square dance like we do. It is a Camp Highlander thing, and something that we all love. Square dance is full of energy, laughter, do-si-do’s and promenades, the classic tunes that bring everyone to their feet—it’s the best, let loose, dance like nobody’s watching, kind of fun. Tonight’s final square dance was no exception. We danced our hearts out, sang every word to “Footloose,” and squeezed every ounce of fun from the night. As the music faded and the night came to a close, there was that familiar bittersweet feeling… because just like this session, we just didn’t want the dance to end.
About Melissa Fitzgerald
