6th Annual Campfire Society Alumni Reunion A Huge Success!!
Monday, September 12th, 2011 | 0 Comments
The 6th Annual Camp Highlander Alumni Reunion was a huge success! Many thanks to all the alumni who made their way back to Old Forge Mountain – it was a fun-filled weekend spent with great friends and family.
The festivities began on Friday, September 9. Alumni arrived in the afternoon and enjoyed the camp scenery and fresh mountain air. Later that evening, the group shared many stories and laughs over a delicious dinner at Neo Cantina in Asheville. This dinner was a very special one and not just because of all the alumni but for another reason. Over the years Gaynell has given out countless cakes to campers and staff for their birthdays. On this night we were fortunate to celebrate Gaynell’s first birthday ever to happen at camp. Upon returning to camp, Greg Galloway treated alumni to a sneak peek, pre-campfire show.
On Saturday, alumni took a trip into Hendersonville and had coffee at Black Bear and, of course, decadent pastries from McFarland’s Bakery. After returning to camp, alumni enjoyed lunch in the dining hall, followed by an invigorating tubing trip down the (chilly) Mills River. After a quick defrost, the group made their way to the woodshop to create great keepsakes to take home.
The activities continued well into the evening. After a tasty BBQ dinner, alumni made their way to the gym for a lively square dance. Shortly into the dance, the lights went out. A familiar, Session C-song came on and Gaynell donned his famous green robe – Color War had broken! An intense game of Rock, Paper, Scissors ensued, and the alumni White Knights came out victorious!
After a stop at Gus’s Place for ice cream treats and drinks, alumni walked together to the campfire area to hear Greg Galloway and Beth Jeu De Vine sing familiar favorites. The group roasted marshmallows and made s’mores, and the night was capped off with singing, laughing and even an occasional tear.
Sunday started with a terrific brunch in the dining hall, followed by shopping in the camp store and exploring every corner of camp. It truly was an action-packed weekend! We were sad to see the festivities end, but we look forward to seeing many of our fantastic alumni in the future!