When I was growing up, Saturday mornings were pure magic. I’d jump out of bed excited to enjoy delicious donuts and watch cartoons on the couch, with those catchy commercial jingles stuck in my head all day long. “I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid!” It promised endless fun and a million things to do — the kind of pure childhood magic that felt unreal.
Today as a camp director, I realize that the magic Toys ‘R’ Us promised is real, but it is found at summer camp. Camp is far better and more fun than any toy store I dreamed of as a child, and that little jingle is better fit for Camper’s Choice days at Highlander.
I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Camp Highlander Kid! There’s a million things to do here and kids to play with! From crafts, sharp aims to basketball games, The GREATEST summer camp there is! I don’t wanna grow up, cause if I did… I couldn’t be a Camp Highlander Kid!
The spirit of being a kid was SO alive today for Camper’s Choice. Today I saw your children embracing adventure, friendship, learning, growing, relaxing and having so much fun just being a kid. Their laughter was contagious, their energy was high and their love for camp was authentic. The pictures tell the story best…we don’t wanna grow up…we love being Camp Highlander kids!
Favorite Details of The Day
- Sleep In Saturday: We were blessed with the most awesome, jam-packed, fun-filled Sleep-In Saturday on Old Forge Mountain today! Campers and staff got to catch up on much-needed rest, after a fast-paced, full, and busy week. There was no Reflect at the Rock or assembly this morning — just a relaxed start, a yummy breakfast, and then straight into the fun of Camper’s Choice Day!
- Weather: I’m feeling especially grateful for the beautiful sunshine and cool mountain breezes we’ve enjoyed at camp. People often say you need the rain to truly appreciate the sunshine—but honestly, I don’t think that’s true at all. This session’s weather has been so incredible that it’s easy to be thankful for every bright, breezy day without needing a single cloudy reminder.
- Meals: DUNKIN DONUTS FOR THE WIN!!! Campers and staff were SO excited to walk in the dining hall and see boxes of donuts stacked on their tables. In addition to donuts, we had scrambled eggs, sausage links, grits, oatmeal and a fruit and yogurt bar. For lunch we had french dip sandwiches, tater tots, salad bar and sandwich bar. And we ended the perfect day with everyone’s favorite dinner - PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA!
- EP: Tonight’s Evening Program was Monte Carlo, and it turned the Gillespie Gymnasium into the most epic carnival in town! The gym was full of excitement as campers strolled in to find game booths, bright lights, and the smell of delicious fair food in the air. Everyone feasted on carnival classics like fried Oreos, seasoned French fries, fluffy cotton candy, juicy watermelon, corn dogs, and warm cinnamon soft pretzels. There were fun games, plenty of laughs and quality time with friends. It was a fantastic night for all.
About Melissa Fitzgerald
