It has been a quick month since Camp Illahee’s 96th summer closed, and we are celebrating a new year of getting ready for the next Best Summer Ever! Enrollment opened on August 15th with a record number of applications coming in that first day. Returning campers have until September 15th to re-enroll and after their deadline, we will begin enrolling new applications as space allows.
Since camp closed we have been cleaning up and looking toward new opportunities for next year. A day long directors’ retreat got us recharged and ready for the year ahead. After a morning planning session in Pinecrest, we trekked up to Court House Falls for a dip in one of the prettiest swimming holes in Pisgah.
Parent surveys and counselor feedback helps us to get ideas for programs and facilities. Last year’s new activities, running club and Sparks 101, were popular and will continue to evolve. Meanwhile, a new Willow is under renovation and will include a pavilion and outdoor fire ring! This area will serve as a base for the trips program as well as other camp activities and will offer a great gathering spot for campers. A new set of stone steps to replace the railroad ties is under construction next to the rec lodge and will include places for campers to gather around new landscaping.
Mary Lou is busy “constructing” the camp video with summer highlights and has been sending us glimpses to preview! We’ll look forward to watching it and to telling you more about activity plans and facilities when we visit your cities later this fall!