I made a resolution this year that I need to tell you about.

This is Byran and I’s 25th summer at Highlander and upon reflection I’ve realized that the thing I value most is time with campers and staff. That time holds my fondest memories over the last 25 years and make up the best part of my day. So this summer, I made a commitment to spend more time with my camp family, which meant I needed to let a few things go.

One of those things I determined would be my weekend blogs. To honor my commitment, Saturdays and Sundays will look a little different Instead of a longer post, you’ll get a Weekend Update featuring my Favorite Details of the Day—the facts and highlights that made me smile.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to spend my days with your amazing children. Trading a little writing time for a little more camp time is a trade I’ll gratefully make every single weekend of the summer, and I appreciate your grace!

Favorite Details of The Day

• Sleep In Saturday: The dining hall erupted last night when Spencer announced Sleep In Saturday. Who knew 45 minutes of extra sleep would be such a gift to our campers, but they were so excited! When we sleep in, we skip Reflect at the Rock and Assembly. We have an efficient morning and head straight to activities after breakfast to stay on schedule. And there’s another perk besides sleeping in: no cabin inspection! I was very popular this morning when I announced this.
• Weather: Sunny skies all day at activities. During dinner, the sky opened up with a rainstorm that cooled down the mountain. We all ran to our cabins in the rain to change for EP. Right before the EP bell rang, the rain stopped.
• Meals: For breakfast we had donuts, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and yogurt. Campers went crazy for the donuts — it was so fun to see their faces and hear their cheers when they walked into that sweet treat. For lunch we had fried chicken tenders, grilled chicken tenders, french fries, a salad bar, and a sandwich bar. Dinner was a Camp Highlander tradition: Mac’s BBQ. Smoked overnight in our smoker and seasoned to perfection, we enjoyed pulled pork, pulled chicken, macaroni and cheese, vinegar coleslaw, baked beans, and slider buns. The campers had a busy day at Camper’s Choice, and they were hungry! It was a fantastic dinner.
• Camper’s Choice: Today’s Camper’s Choice was filled with campers doing exactly what they loved most at camp or what activities they wanted to improve in or grow. Color War is approaching quickly, and campers made choices today that they hope will impact their team.
• EP: Tonight we had Prom 2026 at HIghlander. I just wish you could have been there — it was so much fun! Campers and staff dressed up for the occasion, from tutus and tiaras to collared shirts and suits. The Gillespie Gymnasium was transformed into a classy prom venue with a disco ball, a photo booth, and a fondue station that had campers coming back for more. The cheese fondue was served with soft baguette bread, pretzel bites, and french fries. For the chocolate fondue, campers built skewers from bananas, strawberries, apples, and marshmallows — and the fried Oreos were a huge hit! I can’t forget the prom punch, lemonade with frozen berries, which they couldn’t get enough of. The food buffet was popular, but the dance floor was even more on fire. Campers had so much fun dancing with their friends, doing the Macarena, the Cupid Shuffle, Soldier Boy, and more. To make the night even more memorable, we hired a limo service to give our campers rides around camp — they loved it! I spent my time at the food station tonight and loved every minute of hearing how much fun your children were having.

OUR PROM COURT

• Our Prom King and Queen for Campers: Matthew Allmand & Julia Singer
• Our Prom King and Queen for Staff: Caleb Berger & Besty Neal