Thankful for Camp Illahee

Thankful for Camp Illahee

Monday, December 18, 2006

It's hard not to be thankful during this season when you live in the heavenly world! Today, I felt especially thankful as we loaded our year-round crew up for our annual holiday lunch. The girls in the office had just finished playing Santa's elves. Campers will be excited to check out their mailboxes in the next couple of days as the sleigh arrives with some great memories of last summer. New campers will get a preview of all of the fun we're going to have in a few short months! But wait! I don't want to give the surprise away!

This year, we made the short trek to Asheville to the Grove Park Inn for a magnificent lunch. For those who have not visted Asheville, the Grove Park should be on the must-see list with the Biltmore House. A grand old inn with exquisite native rockwork, wavy shingle roofs and fireplaces that you can stand in, an added attraction during the holiday season is the annual gingerbread house competition. Hundreds of crafters of all ages submit holiday-themed entries made of all things edible. Many are nothing short of amazing.

But, the best part of the day was hanging out with our crew. Many of you who will read this already love camp. Those who do know that the best part of camp are the people who call it home. Our year round team embodies this love for what we do, and much of our success hinges on their skills as leaders and mentors. So, this Christmas, I am thankful for them and for you...our camp family. To all, we wish you a most blessed Christmas and joyous New Year. Check back in a few weeks for some exciting news about plans for the summer of 07-the BEST summer ever!

Tis the Season!

Tis the Season!

Friday, December 01, 2006

I wonder if time really is moving faster. This fall seems a blur to me, and with each passing year, it seems to get blurrier! Our family has been busy getting used to a new school for our son Turner with lots of driving to and from soccer practices, and now we are in to daughter Gardner's basketball season. We have been navigating the early teen years with her as she finishes middle school and gets ready for high school. Having a new baby around has made me a little nostalgic about how fast our own children are growing...but not so much so that I wish I was back there changing diapers and burping babies!

I am amazed at our parental challenges as Gardner herself is faced with decisions that carry ever-greater consequences. We continually walk the fine line between allowing her to mature and grow, and stepping in to slow the process down every once in a while. Between cellphones (she tells us she's the only one of her friends who does not have one), the computer (we just allowed her to set up a MySpace account as long as we have the password...talk about interesting), and the telephone (never rings for anyone except her), it sure makes me thankful for the respite from school that a simple, wholesome summer at camp offers! 2007 will be my 18th summer as a girl's camp director, and I am humbled by the challenges of raising children in today's world! That said, we are blessed with two great children, and I am nicer than ever (especially to Laurie)...because I cannot imagine being a single parent!

On the other end of the challenges parents face, Associate Director Gretchen Greene is back in the saddle after some time off to adjust to life with new baby Ezra. He is growing like a weed, and despite some sleepless nights, new parents are doing well. We are wrapping up a great season of fall travel all over the south and east, and are changing gears to meet great new staff, who will join lots of returning staffers to make sure that 2007 is the BEST SUMMER EVER!

We have moved quickly into holiday mode at camp...starting to get ready for Santa's Workshop, putting up wreathes and decorations, and planning time with friends and family. Tomorrow is the Brevard Christmas Parade...there will be lots of tractors and folks walking their dogs, as well as every firetruck in the county. It's small town at its best. We are hosting Kris, Gretchen, Carol, Gallagher, Megan Bel, Courtney Jones, Virginia Pleasants, and Emily Ocheltree for brunch prior to the parade. They are all visiting for the weekend. I'll be sure to snap a picture to add to this post.

Need a Christmas present for your favorite camper? We have limited items left in the Ship Store including...Nalgene Water Bottles, Crazy Creek Chairs, Blankets (2)Pink Sweat Pants - Adult M and Adult L, Long Sleeve T's - All sizes , Sweatshirts - Adult M and PJ pants (05) - Adult S, M, and L. Keep checking back for more news and GET EXCITED FOR CAMP!