There’s a reason campers wait for this day before they even unpack their trunks. Camper’s Choice Day is exactly what it sounds like: the day where campers get to do exactly what they want to do, with exactly who they want to do it with. No assigned periods, no compromises — just a full day built entirely around choice, friendship, and fun. And today did not disappoint.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The sun was out, the sky was clear, and camp was buzzing from the first bell. Campers grabbed their best friends and set off in every direction, chasing down their most exciting adventures. From the giant swing to learning to play Mahjong, we all embraced the joy this day had to offer.
While seeking adventure, we weren’t expecting the excitement the afternoon brought us. As you know, an electrical fire broke out in the kitchen, and our staff jumped into action quickly and safely to handle it. True to camp form, our campers barely noticed — they were far too busy having the time of their lives at their chosen activities to be phased by anything happening behind the scenes. The only ripple effect they clocked all day? Dinner ran about 30 minutes behind schedule.
And honestly, it was worth every minute of the wait.
Tonight’s dinner transformed the dining hall into something out of Augusta National. The lights were dimmed, with only the warm glow of string lights strung overhead. Tables were dressed in white tablecloths, flickering candles, and fresh flowers, and a beautifully crafted Masters-themed menu awaited every camper. You could see it on their faces the moment they walked in — mouths dropped open, eyes wide, taking it all in. It was the kind of moment that makes camp feel magical.
Dinner was just the appetizer for tonight’s main event: ESPN Night. Camp split into divisions for a lineup of sport challenges, building energy and division pride all evening long. It all came down to the finale — a belly flop competition at the pool, division heads only.
The crowd went wild, the splashes were enormous, and in the end, Lower Camp took the win thanks to an absolutely picture-perfect belly flop from Granison.
Camper’s Choice Day always reminds us why we do what we do here at Camp Highlander. When you hand campers the freedom to choose their own adventure and surround them with their favorite people, incredible things happen — even when the day throws a curveball or two. Today had sunshine, courage on the ropes course, focus at the riflery range, Mahjong discovered, a showstopper of a dinner, and a night full of division pride splashing its way into camp history.
Here’s to more days just like this one.
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: Today Granison, our Lower Boys Division Head, talked to us about courage. “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” - John Wayne. Granison has been at HIghlander for over 10 years. This is a quote he heard at Reflect many years ago, and it has stuck with him. There might be times at camp where you feel nervous or afraid, but it’s important to tell yourself that saddling up and trying is the most valuable thing you can do for yourself. Some of you might be still settling into camp and afraid of what people may think of you. Some of you might try something new today that you’ve never done before and you’re afraid of being embarrassed. Some of you might sign up for an event in the next couple weeks that you don’t quite feel capable of doing. Courage does not mean you’re fearless. It means you choose to take that first step even when you’re feeling unsure. You introduce yourself, try things out of your comfort zone, and speak up when a change needs to be made.It takes courage to face challenges, and the greatest memories and the biggest moments of growth at camp have never come from playing it safe. They have always come from the courage to try. Whenever you find yourself feeling scared during this session, remind yourself that you never know what could be on the other side of fear.
- Weather: BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE!! We are so grateful!
- Meals: Breakfast was Belgian Waffles, scrambled eggs and sausage links. We enjoyed fresh fruit, yogurt and granola. Lunch was Walking Tacos - literally taco salad explosions in a bag. We LOVE walking tacos at Highlander. Dinner was incredible. We had grilled lemon butter chicken with lemon rosemary roasted potatoes, haricots verts and delicious french bread with whipped butter. Tonight’s dinner was so fancy that we had an appetizer - Master’s style - pimento cheese tartelttes with bacon crumbles. Absolutely divine, with our salad bar and sandwich bar. The leadership team were the caddies tonight and we served the guests from dinner to dessert. For dessert, we enjoyed Masters Cupcakes. Chocolate and Vanilla cupcakes with Green buttercream frosting and yellow Masters Flags. It was truly a day/night to remember!
- Evening Program: Tonight’s EP was ESPN night. Cabins competed in various competitions for points for their division. The finale was between Lower Camp and Upper Camp, but Lower Camp took the EP trophy tonight.
About Melissa Fitzgerald
