From Bell-Ringing to Leaf-Blowing!

How has it already been eight weeks since we lowered the cabin flaps, deflated the lone swim-lake tube, and cleared out the last box of salty snacks?! Other than a few furry four-legged barn animals, Jasper and Dahlia, the final members to leave the camp community for the season were nurses Mary and Denise. They … Continued

March-ing On!

The daffodils have moved beyond small hints of spiky tufts, and now sprinkle the hillsides in bright yellow blooms- signaling spring is just around the corner! The trees are still looking bare around camp, and I think we would all agree that it would be nice to shed our winter coats and retire the space heaters … Continued

Changing Seasons!

Camp is full of color right now. The rhododendrons are spotted with yellow leaves, crisp red maples are turning and the colorful oaks loom high above us. The pines stay green for a while and tease us that winter is a long way off. We wake up to freezing temperatures, but the afternoons have left … Continued

Camp Bells- Wedding Bells?!

We have been tight-lipped about some very recent and exciting news in the Illahee world. The youngest Strayhorn, Turner, is headed to…THE ALTAR! Turner and his fianceé Marie got engaged last month in Seattle, Washington two weeks before Marie flew across the pond to spend the year in Ferrol, Spain on a Fulbright scholarship. While … Continued

April Showers Bring…EXCITEMENT!

This month’s mantra, “April showers…” has been broken and we have now had 72 hours of sunshine! Despite waking up to freezing temps, we are singing praises. The Heavenly World is a-bloom and looks beautiful. After a month of grey mist, the trees and grass have reaped the benefits and are greener than ever. The … Continued

Happy New Year – Camp Style

Two campers reunite on opening day

It’s the beginning of a new season at Illahee- summer #97# BESTSUMMEREVER. A few years ago, we defined this time of year as the Busy Buzz of May! Our riding director, Sellers, arrives next Wednesday to wrangle the horses; Lifeguards take their first slide down the Streak on Thursday. Van drivers and trips’ staff will … Continued