Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
What a whirlwind the holidays have been so far! The end of the year brings so much activity around camp as we make decisions about everything from what will be sold in the Ship Store next summer, to activity needs, staffing decisions, and things that need doing to the buildings and structures around camp. Couple all of that with some big mailings and the holiday parties that come this time of year, and I will sigh relief when the new year comes around and we can start to countdown to CAMP. It's going to be the BEST SUMMER EVER!
It's a great time of year to remember what we are thankful for, and I don't have to look very hard to thank God for each of you who make Illahee what it is. Camps come in all sizes and flavors, and we are fortunate at Illahee that almost all of our campers and staff come through the recommendation of an existing camp family. We don't advertise, and in essence, all 1000 girls who come to camp each summer have been "pre-qualified" by another family. What are the qualifications to be an Illahee camper? "Be a Great Girl!" As many returning campers know, I wear a ratty old safari hat around that says Be a Great Girl, and there is even a sign on Hillbrook that says the same thing. We have the BEST campers anywhere.
Now, with all those great girls, you have to have some pretty special counselors to hang out with them, and we do! We get a little more specific with what makes a great counselor. You start with a great girl and then add intelligence, humor, strong faith, terrific skills, and an "ease of expression." We spend a lot of time seeking out the very best, and we have an amazing start for 2008. Be sure and email your favorite counselor and encourage her to be back in 2008!
Laurie and the kids and I are packing up for a different sort of Christmas as we join her mom and dad and brother and his family in New Orleans tonight for a departure tomorrow on a big cruise ship to Belize, Roatan, and Guatemala. We'll be on the high seas for Christmas (also Laurie's birthday!) We'll miss the Heavenly World, but it will be great to be with them for Christmas.
Finally, I am thankful for our year round friends who work with us in the office or around camp twelve months out of the year so that we can all enjoy the BEST camp there is! We have the dream team in that regard. From Brian and James on grounds to Carol, Gretchen and Kris helping Laurie and me in the office, I couldn't ask for a more committed and FUN group to care for camp. I hope you will take time to think about what you are thankful for this "Christ" season, and certainly hope that it includes Camp Illahee! Merry Christmas!
