Camp is full of adventure—climbing walls, swimming races, epic games, talent shows, and of course… COLOR WAR. It’s a place of big moments and bold achievements, where kids push themselves, try new things, and have more fun than they ever imagined.

But if that were all camp was, we’d be missing one of the most important parts. Because camp isn’t just about what we do—it’s about who we become while we’re doing it.

Yes, we cheer when someone reaches the top of the Crow’s Nest or wins an event at Evening Program. But we cheer even louder when someone lets a younger camper go first, comforts a homesick friend, or offers a helping hand without being asked.

Camp Highlander is filled with games and challenges, but the most important competition we witness all summer is the unofficial one—the race to build character.

Here, character counts in everything we do. From cabin clean-up to camp-wide competitions, we’re always building integrity, courage, kindness, and compassion. Campers are constantly inspired by the good they see in others—and it pushes them to do better, to be better.

It’s not about being the fastest, the funniest, or the strongest. It’s about being the most encouraging. The most forgiving. The most generous version of yourself. Greatness at Highlander is marked by honesty, humility, and heart. That’s the kind of competition that lasts far beyond summer.

Of course, today competition was on everyone’s mind. I can’t tell you how many times I was asked, “When is Color War breaking?!” Rumors were flying, campers were guessing, and during the grand finale of EP tonight, the lights at the pool suddenly went out… the music stopped… and the mic got cut. Screams erupted. Campers went wild—some even sprinted to change into their team colors from their break bags. But then, right on cue, the Green Giants stepped in with a special message:

Red & Blue, we know you’re hype,

But Color War’s not breaking tonight!

Yes, Color War is coming—and the anticipation is half the fun. But until that moment arrives, we’ll keep showing up for the everyday competition. The one that matters more than medals or trophies.

Tonight, as campers drift off to sleep, their dreams will be full of cheers, surprises, and victories to come. But here on the mountain, we know that the greatest victory of all is the one we’re winning daily: the victory of character. And that’s the competition that truly counts.

Favorite Details of The Day

• Reflect at the Rock: Today Anna shared with us her story of taking a chance. For years she told friends and family she wasn’t interested in coming to Camp Highlander. One summer, she finally agreed to take a chance on one session at Highlander. That session turned into two more and three additional summers. She encouraged us all to take a chance. Don’t let the opportunities at camp pass you by. Take a chance and you will find joy!
• Weather: We had a beautiful day at camp today. It was warm and sunny. A few clouds offered some shade throughout the day, but it was a perfectly beautiful day!
• Meals: For breakfast we had french toast sticks, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar. For lunch we had shredded chicken soft tacos, fresh homemade pico de gallo, sour cream & cheese, along with our salad bar and sandwich bar. For dinner we had greek chicken with vegetables, red pepper hummus and pita bread with a salad and sandwich bar. Everyone went crazy when the disco ball went off, and we enjoyed some delicious strawberry shortcake!
• EP: Tonight was Water Olympics Camp was broken into 5 teams - The Mills Militia, The Creatures of the Creek, The Pool People, The Water Fountain Warriors and the Silver Lake Spartans. Each team competed in various competitions on the field, all involving some element of water in their challenges. The final was a belly flop competition at the pool, and the Silver Lake Spartans took the win.