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 for the season. We have had a particularly rainy few months, however, this week has brought a sunny change as the days are officially longer- we are thankful for lighter evenings to get outside and play!
The pace of off-season life has picked up as the warm months approach. Our tireless maintenance crew is full-steam ahead as they start dusting away the cob-webs of sleepy buildings and checking off their to-do lists on their way to get camp up and running.
While physical changes are something we continue to improve each year, camp really doesn’t undergo much internal change. Our director team works closely together through each season, and we usually expect this year after year. This year, change came a knockin’…and left us with a fist bump. Longtime program director, Dave Hartsock, finished his final off-season in the camp office. We are excited for his new role as a Brevard Racquet Club Tennis Pro.- where he will work a short mile distance from the Heavenly World.
Dave’s passion is teaching tennis, and 15 years ago this is what brought him to the Illahee tennis courts. Over the years his role developed as Program Director- activity liaison, staff cheer-leader, and air-traffic controller for all of camp’s moving parts. His enthusiasm for camp and his love for people will be missed, but we know it will translate to his success on the courts. We have a feeling he may be making some visits to the Illahee courts this summer…
Change is good. It’s what keeps life fresh and allows for curiosity and growth! We are excited for the opportunity to shake things up this summer! And are even more excited about the staff we have in place to support this community in its upcoming season. We have no doubt this is going to be the best summer ever! And in the words of Dave, “Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!”
Feel free to send notes to camp, wishing Dave well on his new adventure!
Thanks for reading Illahee Family!
Thank you for everything you’ve done for all of us and we will miss you so much!! We all wish you the best and thank you again for doing so many great things for so many kids!
Enjoy your new gig, Dave!!