Today is National Be a Kid Again Day—and it got me thinking: if you could go back and pick just one day to be a kid again, which day would you choose? I know exactly what mine would be: A DAY AT CAMP. A day spent outside in the sunshine, surrounded by my best friends, and capped off with my favorite thing of all…dancing. And that’s exactly the kind of day we had today on Old Forge Mountain—and it was amazing.
We soaked up the carefree spirit of summer and filled every moment with joy. We leapt off the diving board into the cool, refreshing pool, held our noses as we got drenched by the riverball bucket, and laughed until our sides hurt at the ridiculous costumes we wore in drama. Today was all about embracing the simple joys of being a kid and living life to the fullest here at Camp Highlander.
This morning at breakfast, I reminded everyone that today was our last full day of activities as a cabin group. A chorus of “No!!” and “Boo!!” rose up from campers and staff—no one wants this session to end. It has absolutely flown by because we’ve been having so much fun together. I encouraged everyone to make the most of the day and not waste a single moment.
As I drove around camp delivering apples on the apple cart, I couldn’t help but smile. They took my words to heart—jumping into every activity with both feet, embracing every moment with their cabin. Campers were soaking up the sun, splashing in the pool, and later, dancing in the rain on their way to square dance. They were savoring their time together, making memories and having fun.
Your children are incredible, and I am so proud of all they have learned and accomplished this session. I am beyond grateful that I get to be a kid again every single day right alongside them. Thank you for sharing them with us—and for giving us the gift of reliving the joy of childhood together.
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: Today Mac read Mother Theresa’s “Do It Anyway” poem. If you haven’t read it, you should. He reminded us that even when people are difficult or unkind, choose to love them anyway—because kindness and love matter, no matter how they’re received.
- Weather: We had sunshine all day until the end of 5th period. The clouds rolled in and it started to rain just as we opened the canteen and the camp store for free time. The sky got dark quickly, and we knew this wasn’t a summer pop up shower. We knew that tonight’s square dance would be in the gym! The rain wasn’t heavy, but it continued through EP. To be honest, I am grateful for the rain. We needed it!
- Meals: For breakfast we had Mrs. Kaye’s homemade whipping cream biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, grits, oatmeal and a fruit and yogurt bar. For lunch we had copycat Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, waffle fries, salad bar and sandwich bar. For dinner we had my favorite…greek chicken! It was SO good! We also enjoyed roasted rosemary potatoes, grilled vegetables, and red pepper hummus with warm pita bread. Campers and staff started the Gus’s chant after dinner, and Bryan agreed…Gus’s for everyone tonight!
- EP: Tonight’s Evening Program was Square Dance! After a sweaty and fantastic night of dancing, our senior campers were called to the pool for a surpise jump in - fully clothed in their square dance gear, campers jumped in feet first and embraced being a kid! So fun!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
