We woke up to rain this morning.
Not a light drizzle. Rain. The kind that settles into the mountains and makes everything soft and gray and quiet. The kind that lingered all night and completely changed our arrival procedures. But as I stood in the dining hall this morning looking at all our smiling staff decked in their rainboots and raincoats, I knew we were ready. I knew that we would do what camp people do - we would sing, we would dance, we would cheer because the Session B campers were on their way.
Here’s what I know after 25 years as a camp director: no amount of rain can touch the joy of welcoming 280 campers home to Highlander! Nothing could steal our joy today, certainly not a little rain!
There is nothing quite like opening day at Camp Highlander. The energy that builds as the first cars enter the gates is something I will never get tired of — the anticipation, the nerves, the excitement, all of it swirling together into something beautiful. Rain or shine, that feeling doesn’t change. If anything, watching campers leap out of their cars into the gray morning with full hearts and big smiles made it even sweeter. They weren’t waiting for perfect conditions. They were just so happy to be here. And honestly, I was the happiest!
Reunions happened in the rain today. New friendships began under cloudy skies. Trunks were hauled and bunks were claimed and cabins filled up with laughter and chatter and the beautiful chaos of a community coming together.
And then — just as the last car turned off Dalton Road and headed back down the mountain, just as we exhaled and looked at each other and said they’re all here — the clouds parted.
The sun came out.
The afternoon turned out to be gorgeous. We had the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of fun. After rest hour, cabins set out for learning, play and adventure. Every cabin participated in TCOB (Taking Care of Business). During TCOB, campers complete their swim evaluation at the pool and go through our camper orientation. Camper Orientation is where we lay the foundation for what it truly means to be a Highlander camper. We reviewed our safety and emergency procedures, talked about staying healthy and happy, and our foundational “rule of three” to ensure no camper is ever navigating camp alone. We talked about our culture of kindness and making everyone feel included at Highlander.
Our returning campers came home today with so much joy — back where their hearts have been all year long. And many of our first-year campers jumped right into the fun of camp, as if Highlander was where they have always belonged.
There are some campers who are still finding their footing and that it is okay. This is a big, new, wonderful adventure, and it takes a little time to settle in. Our counselors are right by their side, and in a day or two, this mountain is going to feel like home.
For those first time parents, just breathe. Your child is safe, loved, and so well cared for. If they reach out in a bunknote missing home, the best thing you can do is remind them that you believe in them, that you love them, and that you cannot wait to hear about all the fun they are having at camp. Many of you joined Mac and me for our family webinar where we reminded you not to make promises of rescuing your child in their struggle, but to support them through it. Being uncomfortable is not bad. It may be hard, but your kids can do hard things when they know you believe in them. This is your moment to help them learn and grow. You’ve got this. They can do this. We are here to help them and you.
Session B is here. The sun is out. And we are so, so ready for everything that comes next. The gray skies didn’t stand a chance today. They never do — not when the campers are here. Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us. We are so grateful!
Favorite Details of The Day
- Weather: Overcast skies turned to sunshine…it was a beautiful day on Old Forge.
- Meals: Lunch was grilled cheese & tomato soup with french fries. Dinner was delicious pot roast with carrots, mashed potatoes, and yummy rolls. Our salad bar, sandwich bar, and buttered noodles were available as alternates at both meals. And after dinner tonight, the disco ball turned on and the dining hall erupted in screams. When the disco ball is turned on it means we are dancing in the dining hall or we are having dessert. Tonight we had both - we danced the cupid shuffle for dessert - our famous Highlander Mudslide.
- Evening Program: Tonight’s EP was one of our oldest traditions - Campfire! We enjoyed live music, dancing with our friends and making memories by the fire’s light.
- Special Shout-Out: Thank you to all of our parents who waited so patiently at check-in today as we adjusted our normal opening day procedures to work around the rain. Your flexibility and understanding mean the world to us, and the fact that you rolled with the changes with such grace and good humor set the perfect tone for the session ahead. We couldn’t do what we do without your support.
A reminder about bunknotes: Bunknotes are printed twice a day. We deliver them in the morning during cabin inspection, and campers should see them when they get to the cabin for rest hour after lunch. We deliver afternoon bunknotes with mail sometime before dinner. Campers get thest notes and their mail typically after dinner. Counselors do not MAKE your kids write you. If you attach a reply to your bunknote and do not hear back, it may be because your camper is choosing to play cards or sleep or read during rest hour. Remember that no news is usually good news. We do have staff in our office who scan outgoing bunknotes for alarming language or situations. This is for the safety and well-being of your campers and their success at camp.
About Melissa Fitzgerald
