Today at Camp Highlander, we entered the wild world of Survivor—our evening program inspired by the iconic TV show—and it got me thinking about how camp itself can feel like one big, thrilling adventure or challenge. Much like the show, camp challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, work together as a team, and tap into strengths we didn’t know we had.
In Survivor, contestants are dropped into unfamiliar territory where they must navigate alliances, overcome physical and mental challenges, and adapt quickly in order to succeed. Sounds a lot like summer camp to me! New territory, new people, new physical and emotional challenges and the need to adapt in order to grow, succeed and be your best self. Whether campers are tackling a ropes course, learning to live in close quarters with new friends, or figuring out how to contribute to their cabin’s dynamic, they’re constantly learning to adapt, persevere, and thrive.They are building confidence, learning how to work with others and discovering their unique value in a community that loves and supports them.
Tonight, our campers were split into “tribes” and competed in high-energy challenges that tested their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. They strategized together, cheered each other on, and celebrated small victories. But beyond the excitement and competition, what stood out the most was the way they supported one another—lifting up a teammate who was struggling, giving encouragement, and never giving up, even when the challenge seemed too difficult.
To me, Survivor isn’t really about winning—it’s about discovering who you are when things get tough. That’s exactly what’s happening here at Camp Highlander. Every camper who steps up when they’re nervous, who helps a friend before thinking of themselves, who perseveres through disappointment—that camper is growing in ways that matter far beyond the summer.
Camp is not a game you win or lose. It’s a journey you take, with moments of challenge and joy, connection and self-discovery. And unlike Survivor, it’s not every man for himself—at camp we are a team that lifts each other up and measures victory through love, joy and kindness. At camp we aren’t just surviving, we are thriving!
Favorite Details of The Day
- Weather: It was a beautiful day at camp today. There were clouds that had us predicting rain, but the sun continued ot shine all day on Old Forge Mountain.
- Meals: For breakfast we had cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, sausage links, grits, oatmeal and a fruit and yogurt bar. For lunch we had turkey and cheese ciabatta sandwiches with Miss Vickie’s chips, with a salad bar and sandwich bar. For dinner we had everyone’s favorite Friday tradition…Papa John’s pizza, carrots and cucumbers with ranch and Gus’s for dessert after Camper’s Choice sign ups..
- EP: Tonight’s Evening Program was Survivor! It was a blast!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
