A Weekend to Remember!

Friday, October 29th, 2010 | 0 Comments

alumni
It does not seem so long ago…that is until someone reminds you they haven’t been back to camp in over 25 years! All the years had turned into merely a yesterday for me. Our first alumni camp reunion started off just like any other opening day. The sky was Carolina blue, the sun was shinning brightly, and our campers were arriving. They pulled up in different vehicles, family mini vans and SUVs, but the excitement was the same. Everyone wanted to know who was here and what cabin they were in, and they all quickly headed toward their cabins commenting on how great camp looked and how extraordinary it was to be back. It did not take long to unpack and get back into the Highlander spirit! On our opening tour around camp, every camp spot had unique memories for each alumni. In fact, entering the Gillespie Gym brought tears to many eyes; it was the magic that everyone had so missed. Before long everyone was engaged in a bombardment game. The years had not affected their spirit, but the skill level was something else. The first bus ride off camp for dinner was just like always; full of laughter, songs and cheering for the bus driver, "Hey Gaynell, someone’s calling my name?. " and on it went!

The next morning the bell woke up all the “campers” early for an old fashioned Farmers Market trip. Although, this time we had to stop at the coffeehouse before the bakery! We hurried back to camp for a full afternoon at the wilderness camp and the lake. The zip wire was a favorite, but for some reason it seemed a little harder to stop these campers than it used to be. By the way, the “Wet Willie” and the “Blob” are still laughing. But remember, if success is measured by participation, we all are heroes regardless of the outcome. After a full afternoon, we limped back to camp to get ready for Saturday’s EP. It seemed that walking there with the anticipation of fun on the water had made many of the alumni forget that the lake is a tad bit further then they remembered and that camp was located on Old Forge Mountain, but they sure remember now!

The Highlander staff put together a great barbecue. The food and drink were remarkable, but the company was better! It was wonderful to hear the stories of everyone’s stay at Highlander. The stories were great, and it was so inspiring to see and hear these “old campers and staff” remember them as if they had just happened. The evening ended with everyone gathered around the campfire. The general feeling from all who sat around the campfire was that their days spent at Highlander were the best days of their lives and made them into who they are today. The campfire with s’mores and singing ended a magical day for all!

Well, I know we can’t turn back the hands of time, nor do I want to, but for one weekend a year it sure is FANTASTIC to be a wide eyed kid again. To have a chance to return to Highlander, a place that has shaped so many lives just to say thanks was an opportunity that everyone who attended the weekend are sure to never forget.

Going home today I’m going home?.can’t you just hear the voices singing?.sure you can!

One Love!
Gaynell

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