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Friday, October 29th, 2010 | 0 Comments
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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Thursday, October 28th, 2010 | 0 Comments
The mountain is alive with the sound of music. All around camp, music is seeking into our lives. As campers unloaded their bags opening day, guitars were also pulled out and have been serenading everyone around camp ever since. From nights at the Bistro to performances at the Talent Show, it is clear to see the immense interest in music. Last Wednesday on Camper Choice day, Music and the
BLT combined third period for a music appreciation class. Thirty campers sat on the Quarterdeck listening to Jared play the guitar, while writing about their favorite bands and singers, and what music means to them. Songs were picked apart to uncover the deeper meanings behind them, and in doing so, we realized the importance of music in our lives. Logan Dubnick of Cabin 33 said, “Of every genre of music, my favorite is definitely heavy metal/rock. I realize that I don’t look as if I would remotely enjoy such songs, but I actually do. It’s not that I don’t like other kinds of music, it’s just that I love the fast pace of heavy rock.” There is a lot to learn about a person by simply looking through their I-Pod, like Emily Causey of Photography said when charging a fellow counselors I-Pod, “I feel like I’m looking into his soul?”, music can speak for us. Another camper, Kaitlyn Samons, also pictured singing at the talent show, said, " For every genre of music, every song, and every beat, there is a story. Sometimes the stories are easy to decipher, sometimes they are complicated, sometimes they mean nothing at all. That’s why I think music influences so many people’s lives, because who doesn’t like the thrill of exploring and discovering the hidden treasure? My personal musical preferences range from: pop, country, old rock, new rock, rap, gospel, and multiple other songs. It’s too hard to choose. So why would I?"
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Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 | 0 Comments
Here’s a special poem:
Happiness for everyone
Incredible memories
Good food to eat
Humility is found here
Learning new things
Adventures everyday
Nothing but fun
Different things to try
Excitement in your heart
Respect for the mountain
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Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 | 0 Comments
There are many things you may not know about Gaynell. Well, no need to fear, Cabin 9 during Session B asked all the questions you would want to hear!
Cabin 9: Gaynell, why do you always roll your white socks over your shoes?
Gaynell: My dad played football for the Chicago Cardinals and he was photographed catching a football for the Wheaties ceral box. He had his socks rolled over his cleats and I do the same to remember him everyday.
Cabin 9: Why do you always wear your red hat?
Gaynell: I lost a bet with my son while watching a football game and I have to wear it for two years, and it has a Cardinals symbol on it.
Cabin 9: How did you find Tux?
Gaynell: A breeder sold him to a family, but they had to give it back. The breeder was moving, so I got Tux for free!
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Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 | 0 Comments
The beautiful fall leaves are here and the air is crisp and cool. The nighttime makes you wish for a blazing campfire and s’mores. Fall is officially come to Camp Highlander. All of camp is surrounded by golds, reds and oranges, as the leaves begin to change and are ready to fall. If you haven’t already go to our Facebook page and see all the amazing pictures we posted of the colors.
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