Imagine

Imagine a place where you are loved just for being you.

Imagine being in a community where you don’t have to prove yourself to be valued, respected, and included. Imagine all the pressures disappearing and feeling truly free to let people see and know you — not just the best version of you, but all of you.

This place exists. It’s called Camp Highlander.

Today was day three as cabin groups. The sky was gray and overcast all morning. But honestly? It didn’t matter one bit. Our campers brought their own sunshine.

While at the ropes course today, I witnessed something that brought tears to my eyes. A camper who has been coming to Highlander for six years — six years — was standing there facing a fear she’s carried with her all that time. The giant swing. And surrounding her were her cabinmates. Not pushing her. Just there. Encouraging her, supporting her, loving her exactly as she was — scared and all.

And she did it.

She took the leap.

The joy on her face was the kind that reminds me why we do this. It wasn’t about conquering the swing. It was about knowing that her friends had her back. That she wasn’t alone in her fear. That cabin — that family she found here — made it possible for her to be brave.

That’s what’s happening all over this mountain each and every day. Our cabin groups are being so intentional about making new friends, about including everyone, about being together. I see it in the dining hall — campers saving seats for each other, making room, checking in. I see it in how they show up for each other during activities.

And here’s the funny thing — it’s honestly hard to get them to listen to announcements or pay attention when we’re trying to talk about schedule changes or camp business. You know why? Because they’re too busy laughing and talking and making memories with their friends. They literally cannot stop being with each other.

And I love that problem. I’m so grateful for it.

Because what it tells me is that our campers are fully here. Not worried about what they left behind, what their friends are doing at home, posting on social media or what comes next. They’re just living. Being loved for exactly who they are. Finding their people. Finding their voice. Finding fun like they’ve never known it before.

Tonight at dinner, one of our first year staff members handed me an envelope accompanied by a hug. I went back to my table and opened the note. It was a thank you note for camp, for hiring her, for leading her this summer. She talked about the love she felt at Highlander and how wonderful it was to be a part of our family. She thanked me for allowing her to be in the lives of our campers, and how being a role model to them has made her a better person. My heart melted because our staff are kids too. Just like our campers, they are seeking their people, their voice, their fun and they too feel so grateful to have found it at Highlander.

After 25 years here, the joy is alive as ever. I’m watching veterans and first-year campers and staff all doing the same thing — learning that this place is safe. That you belong here. That the people around you have got your back.

For almost 70 years, campers and staff have come to Highlander carrying things — shyness, uncertainty, insecurity, fear. And this mountain has a way of giving them something back: their confidence. Their joy. Their people.

It’s the same beautiful story, that I never tire of hearing…Camp Highlander truly is A Place Like No Other.

Favorite Details of The Day

• Reflect at the Rock: Today Mac talked to us about geese. When geese travel, they stay in a V formation which gives them a longer range. If a goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag and the struggle trying to fly alone. Mac compared this to the importance of the cabin unit. At camp, we go further and achieve more together than we ever could alone. By sharing the load, supporting those who struggle, and constantly encouraging one another, a cabin unit can overcome even the longest journeys.
• Weather: It rained all night long and we woke up to cloudy skies. Most of the day was overcast with no rain, but right as 5th period was starting the sun came out and dried up the land’s sports field allowing us to have square dance outside.
• Meals: Breakfast was biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and bacon. We enjoyed fresh fruit, yogurt and granola. Lunch was turkey and cheese ciabatta sandwiches with Miss Vickie’s chips. We also enjoyed a salad bar and sandwich bar. Dinner was fantastic. We had spaghetti, kale salad and garlic bread, with our salad bar and sandwich bar. At the end of Camper’s Choice announcements, the staff broke out in the Gus’s chant…and we all got Gus’s for dessert. (Gus’s is our candy and soda shack and a very popular treat for campers!)
• Evening Program: Tonight’s EP was Square Dance. It was the best way to get everyone out of their shell and into the HIghlander spirit! We do-si-doed our partners, line danced to Proud Mary and ended our night with one of my favorite traditions, the Footloose dance! It was perfect!