Friday Edition

I will be honest with you — I thought it was Saturday all day today.

That is what happens when you live at Camp Highlander. We run on routine, and when the schedule shifts even a little, we all look at each other sideways and think, wait, what day is it? But there is a very good reason today felt a little different: tomorrow we have a very special celebration planned for our country’s 250th birthday — and there was simply no way we were going to let our campers miss Camper’s Choice Day. It is everyone’s favorite day of the week, and we protect it fiercely.

So today was Camper’s Choice… the Friday Edition. And it delivered.

The second Camper’s Choice of the session tells us everything. The moment campers sign up, their priorities become crystal clear: some are chasing a passion. Others are chasing their people. Very different motivations. Equally beautiful outcomes.

Our passion-driven campers were on a mission today. They came in laser focused on one thing: getting better. Some signed up for archery all day. Others planted themselves at the climbing wall or the lake for kayaking. Through our Master of the Mills progression program, they’re building real skill and real expertise in the things they love most — and today they were all in, completely focused on leveling up. I love this. I love that camp is a place where a kid can fall in love with archery or climbing or kayaking and then go all in — building real skill, real knowledge, real pride in what they can do.

Our friendship-driven campers had a different kind of focus. One camper said it perfectly: “I don’t care what we do today, as long as we are together.” Whether they were with cabinmates, campers from other cabins, or siblings, these kids knew the real win wasn’t the activity — it was the people. They embraced the Highlander motto completely: it is not what I am doing, but who I am doing it with that matters most. They were along for the ride of today and knew thier happiness was found next to the people they love.

There is not one priority that is better than the other — friendship or passion. Both pursuits promise joy and an unforgettable day because each camper made their choice about what mattered most.

We offered our regular camp activities and a few new ones — hacky sack, nail painting, quiet reading spots, disc golf and so much more. The most popular choice…it was a tie between the pool and the lake. On a day this hot, campers knew exactly where they needed to be. And here’s the beautiful part: whether they were there chasing a skill, chasing a friend, or just chasing relief from the heat — they all left happy. Because today wasn’t about what was on the schedule. It was about what mattered most to each camper.

And that is exactly what Camper’s Choice is all about.

While it felt like Saturday all day to me, I gratefully found routine with our tradition of Friday night pizza. While it was a tradition, tonight was no ordinary pizza night. It was a full-on celebration. The dining hall was transformed for Campchella: disco balls, flags, signs, balloons everywhere. A DJ had the music going from the moment campers walked in, and what followed was one of the most fun meals I have ever witnessed at Camp Highlander — not because of what was on the plate, but because of what was happening all around it. Campers singing. Campers dancing in the aisles. Campers absolutely alive with the energy of the room.When the Highlander Hood Boys took the floor to perform, the whole dining hall went completely wild. That dance group never fails to bring the house down, and tonight was no exception.

But this was just the opening performance…

From there, we moved to the gym for the Session B Talent Show — one of my very favorite evenings of any session at Camp Highlander.

I love the Talent Show because of what it asks of our campers. It asks them to be BRAVE. To stand up in front of their entire camp family — hundreds of people — and share something that matters to them. Tonight we had piano performances and dance routines. Gymnastic performances, magic tricks, vocal solos, yo-yo tricks, skits and more. Lots of Michael Jackson, which speaks to this 80’s girl! Acts of every kind, from the deeply heartfelt to the wonderfully silly. And every single performer who walked onto that stage tonight got there by choosing courage over comfort.

I was beaming with pride watching each one of them.

But I want to say something about the audience tonight, because they deserve their own moment. The crowd at our Talent Show was incredible. Clapping along, waving their hands, on their feet for standing ovation after standing ovation — this camp family showed up for every single performer with a fullness that is hard to put into words. The message of that room was loud and clear: we love you. That kind of support — the kind that fills a nervous performer’s chest and turns their fear into joy — is what brings tears to my eyes every single time. It is what our community has built on this mountain. And tonight, it was on full display.

What a week it has been. I cannot believe how fast the days have passed — but then again, that is what happens when every day is a GREAT DAY. Tomorrow our schedule will change again, but today I see that a change in routine is full of wonderful joys that I definitley don’t want to miss.

Favorite Details of The Day

• Reflect at the Rock: This morning at Reflect Spencer talked about one of his best friends from camp, Sam Church. Sam hasn’t worked at Highlander for a few years, but his legacy lives on. Spencer talked about how he admired Sam for the way he allowed camp to change him and influence his life in a positive way. Overcoming adversity and stepping out of his comfort zone, Sam went from a shy, unsure kid to a confident, successful man…because of camp.
• Weather: We had a hot, sunny day at camp today.
• Meals: For breakfast we enjoyed cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola. Lunch was grilled chicken club sandwiches, sweet potato fries and a salad bar. Dinner was a huge hit - PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA!!
• Evening Program: Tonight’s EP was Talent Show! And in case you didn’t know, Highlander has a lot of talent!