There’s a unique kind of energy that takes over the mountain when our campers step into the driver’s seat of their own experience, which is exactly what happened today during Camper’s Choice Day. On the surface, it looks like simple sign-ups and activity rotations, but beneath that, something much deeper is happening. Instead of following a traditional cabin schedule, our campers stepped up to design their own “BEST DAY” on the mountain. They took full ownership of keeping track of their water bottles and strictly honored our foundational rule of three. Walking around camp, you could practically see them growing before your eyes—walking a little taller, shoulders back, and radiating a sense of pride and independence that only comes when you are trusted to pave your own path.

Choosing activities might seem like a small thing, but for many campers, it’s a bold step that goes hand-in-hand with real responsibility. It takes courage to try something brand new or to choose something different than your friends. By giving them the freedom to weigh options and follow their own curiosity, our campers aren’t just gaining autonomy; they’re discovering who they are when no one else is choosing for them. This day proved that they are capable of incredible things, wrapping up essential life skills in a day of pure, independent joy and adventure.

That spirit of independent adventure carried right into tonight’s evening program, which took things to a whole new level. Disney visited Camp Highlander, transforming our mountain world with spectacular decorations, jaw-dropping costumes, and a few surprise guests that absolutely no one saw coming: alpacas!

The alpacas were an absolute, undeniable hit. Campers loved petting them, feeding them, and snapping hilarious photos with our new fuzzy friends. However, as the directors, we were feeling a little less certain about our new guests. Why? Because the rumor was true: someone was going to have to literally kiss an alpaca goodnight.

Throughout the evening, campers used tickets they earned to play games, buy treats, and—most importantly—cast their vote for which director would be the lucky winner of the alpaca kiss.

I’ll admit, I agreed to this crazy idea when our EP Director pitched it. But once I saw those alpacas in person? I started having serious second thoughts. Cute? Sure. Kissable? Absolutely not! Fortunately, Girls’ Camp completely had my back… and by that, I mean they overwhelmingly voted for Mac! Watching Mac lean in to give a real-life alpaca a big goodnight smooch was a moment none of us will ever forget. The laughter from the campers echoed across the mountain.

From choosing their own activities during the day to voting for a director to kiss an alpaca tonight, today our campers truly held the power of choice. Their decisions directly led to a day packed with laughter, pure joy, adventure, fun, and deep friendship. Honestly, I can’t think of a more perfect way to wrap up our session.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow we will already be packing bags for Friday’s good-bye. Because these moments are so fleeting, this will be my final blog post of the session. Tomorrow, I am making a choice of my own: to step away from the screen entirely so I can spend every available minute playing with your kids and soaking up our very last moments together here on the mountain.

Bryan and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your precious children with us this session. Having them here is a gift and a joy that we never take for granted. Safe travels on Friday, and we will already be counting down the days until we get to see you all again next summer!

Favorite Details of The Day

• Reflect at the Rock: This morning at Reflect, Lyndsey shared with us a story to remind us that camp friends truly are the best friends!
• Weather: We have been so blessed with great weather. We have had some rain, but it has not been during activities and I am so grateful. Today we woke up to wet grass and sunny skies. We had a short rain shower during rest hour (the best kind of rain) that quit just before the bell rang. Our afternoon was full of fun in the sun!
• Meals: For breakfast we had bagels and cream cheese, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar. For lunch we had chicken tenders, french fries, salad bar and sandwich bar. For dinner we enjoyed a Disney themed “Be Our Guest” dinner in the dining hall. Our menu was grilled flank steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls. For dessert we “tried the grey stuff it’s delicious, don’t believe me ask the dishes” - cupcakes with grey icing and white sprinkles! Yum!
• EP: Tonight, the Gillespie Gymnasium became a magical wonderland as Camp Highlander transformed into Camp Disney—a carnival straight out of a fairytale! Campers and staff brought the magic to life, dressed as their favorite Disney characters, ready to dive into an evening of fun. From classic carnival games to exciting prizes, we had a blast. And the food? Delicious— fried oreos, cinnamon pretzel bites, crinkle cut fries, popcorn, cotton cany and more! We went to bed with full bellies and happy hearts!