
Every year, when the last camper departs and the mountain quiets down, our year-round team sits together and asks the same essential question: “How can we make next summer even better than this one?” We think deeply about what EVERY camper dreams of experiencing here, and how we can make those hopes come alive in new, meaningful ways.
This question isn’t just something we ask once and forget — it shapes every plan, every schedule, every tiny detail of camp. We work all year to design moments of pure joy, create unexpected surprises, and ensure there’s something magical here for every single camper. It’s not easy to meet those (often unspoken) expectations — but at Camp Highlander, we’re committed to making each summer the BEST summer yet.
And to make that happen? It always comes down to two essential ingredients: amazing staff and devoted campers.
This year, for Session B 2025, we truly have both. The energy on Old Forge Mountain is electric. Campers and staff alike are bringing so much enthusiasm, spirit, and positivity to every moment of our camp day. They’re cheering for everything — from Thursday’s laundry day (yes, even that!) to the loud and proud Gus’ chant for dessert tonight.
These campers are ALL IN. They’re diving headfirst into activities, making new friends, singing at the top of their lungs, and laughing until it hurts. It’s their openness, excitement, and willingness to say yes to it all that makes this summer feel so special. This is what I love about my job…your kids and the way they embrace and appreciate all this mountain has to offer. Your children are what make this the BEST summer ever — and watching them embrace every moment is exactly why we do what we do.
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: Today Mac talked to us about teamwork. He shared the image of geese flying in a V formation, and the significance of working together to accomplish a goal. When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag and resistance of going at it alone. But when one goose falls behind, another is waiting to take the lead and stand in leadership. This is what makes the flock successful - teamwork. If we support one another at camp, we will go far. If we try to go at it alone, we will not be as successful as we could be as a team.
- Weather: We had a truly beautiful, sun-shiney day up on Old Forge Mountain today. EP was scheduled for the gym due to forecasted showers, and just as the third dance began, the rain started to fall. It was light, and actually perfect to cool down the heat on Old Forge. Gratitude is found in giving thanks for the rain, and since we run on well water, today I am grateful for the drizzle!
- Meals: For breakfast we had Mrs. Kaye’s homemade biscuits with gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar.For lunch we had walking tacos, a Camp Highlander signature - frito bags stuffed with taco meat and all the fixings. And yes, we eat out of the bag…why…becuase this is camp and we are all about making memories, like eating out of a bag. We also had a salad bar and a sandwich bar. Dinner was delicious! We had Michaels’ famous flank steak, mashed potatoes, green eans, homemade rolls.
- EP: HOOOOOWDY! Tonight was the first square dance of the session, and everyone was SO excited! The entire camp put on their dancing boots and cowboy hats and gathered in the gym for a wonderful night of dancing. We danced the Macarena, Cotton-Eyed Joed, do-si-doed our partners and Footloosed until we collapsed. It was a fantastic night!


