Before Bryan and I got married, we were advised to read a great book by Dr. Gary Chapman, The 5 Love Languages, which outlines five ways people give and receive love. With love being our mission at Camp Highlander, I often reflect on that book and on how we are intentionally loving our campers. To me, Camper’s Choice Day is one of the best ways the love language of quality time is shared. It’s about being fully present, sharing experiences, and investing in moments that say: “You matter to me.”
Camper’s Choice is one of the most anticipated and beloved days of the session, a day where our campers get to lead the way. They choose their schedule, sign up for their favorite activities, and spend the day doing what they love — with the people they love. While it might look like just a fun, free-spirited day on the surface, it’s really something much deeper: a full-day expression of quality time, and one of the most meaningful ways we show love at camp
Today I saw love demonstrated through quality time in the most beautiful ways. On the basketball court during an HBA (Highlander Basketball Association) game, the smallest camper on the team dribbled down the court with seconds to spare and made the winning basket, becoming a Highlander legend in an instant — surrounded by teammates and friends who cheered like crazy for him.
At the pool, one of our lifeguards spent an entire hour helping a young camper work toward passing his swim test. Even when it got hard and frustrating for him, she stayed calm, patient, and encouraging, making sure he felt supported every step of the way. But the moment that truly brought tears to my eyes? The other campers in that period, who were gathered at the edge of the pool, cheering, shouting, and celebrating their friend’s effort — no matter the outcome.
That’s what Camper’s Choice is all about. It’s not just about picking your schedule; it’s about choosing to invest time in the people and things that matter. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and loved. It’s about spending quality time with your Highlander family.
Camper’s Choice isn’t just a day full of fun (though we had plenty of that today) — it’s full of moments that remind us all that here at Camp Highlander, you are family, and you are always, deeply loved.
Favorite Details of the Day:
- Weather: We had a truly beautiful, sun-shiney day up on Old Forge Mountain.There was a fresh breeze in the air today that felt like a dream. It was truly perfect!
- Meals: For breakfast we had belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar.For lunch we had meatball subs with tater tots. We also had a salad bar and a sandwich bar. Dinner was a delicious Asian senssation! We had teriyaki chicken with broccoli & carrots, white rice and fried rice, vegetable egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce. We also had a sandwich and salad bar. For dessert we had Mrs. Kaye’s homemade berry crisp, and it was a HUGE hit!
- EP: Tonight’s evening program was Hogwart’s Haunt. We had a Harry Potter themed fun house that was put on by our 2025 CIT class. Campers had a blast as they went through the house as cabin groups, and then enjoyed a relaxing fun evening of casual games and dancing in the middle of camp. Everyone LOVED the fun house, and we are so proud of the CITs for all the hard work they put into making this night so fun for our campers. I loved all the costumes and the creativity of our campers tonight. The dance party was a huge hit, and everyone loved all the line dances from the WOBBLE, to Soldier Boy to the CHURCH CLAP!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
