Good evening from Laurie. Gardner and Lucas are enjoying a day off and they gave me the “microphone. ” My first time for this summer 2025- a far cry from the days that Gordon and I alternated nights reflecting on the day and visiting with camp parents. Gordon and I were camp directors for 34 years (21 at Illahee) before turning over the executive director roles to Gardner and Lucas in 2023. In the spring of 2002, Illahee owner Frank Tindall approached Gordon and me- at the time directing Camp Merrie-Woode- with a proposition to buy camp. A former Merrie-Woode camper, I couldn’t see going to another camp, but as the months went by and the summer ended, I had this nagging thought- if we had our own camp, maybe it would be something our kids would do one day..Here we are…one day and a few miles later with Gardner and Lucas shepherding the next generation of Illahee girls. The transition has been bittersweet but mostly sweet! As a director, my favorite part of camp was laughing and talking with campers and staff, just getting to know them. This summer, I’ve been able to do that!
Gordon and I have become the “grandparent-directors,” and it’s a great gig. For the past two days we’ve been at Lake Jocassee in a state park cabin that we rented as a base camp to host the CIT’s, Sparks and later this week the JC’s and counselors on their days off. It’s our version of the lake house…pretty much imagine Pine View Lodge and Pine Branch (the Spark cabins) with air conditioning and a small kitchen. We bought a gently used pontoon boat and a tube named Big Mabel, filled our car with Cheerwine, Le Croix, Pringles, watermelons, peaches, sandwich fixings, chicken to grill and pasta salad, and we were ready to greet some girls. Having a full day to spend with each of these groups has been really special as we remember many of them as 8, 9 and 10 year olds.
Yesterday, when the CIT’s arrived, they thought they were coming for a hike. Instead, we slathered on the sunscreen and headed out to tube, swim and to climb a large rock on the far side of the lake that is perfect for jumping off of. They were feeling a little tired from hosting Surprise Day but also really proud of how it turned out. CIT summer is the beginning of seeing camp from behind the scenes and knowing what it takes to plan an event and make pieces of camp run They also talked throughout the day wondering how the camp meals were going. CIT’s act as the dining hall hostesses setting up the plates and silverware and passing out the food. This is a big job that helps camp run smoothly (and also give them some privileges and access to the kitchen.) Lydie kept saying, “I wonder how it’s going without us. I kind of hope it’s not going as well…do you think they miss us?” I decided not to tell her that I could relate to the feeling! At lunch we were all on the porch talking and I asked them what misperceptions my generation has about their age group. And they all said that they can live without social media but the adults think they depend on it. They talked about how they dread having their phone handed back to them at the end of camp. Also, (a note to parents with younger girls) most of them said that they used to hate the restrictions their parent placed on their accounts and knowing that they have access to them, but that looking back on it they really appreciate it. We ate dinner, enjoyed a beautiful sunset and sent them back to camp- just like grandparents dropping the grandchildren back at home!
Today the Sparks arrived with counselors Virginia and Maggie and trip leaders Lee and Janna- both women have been leading trips and working with us for 10+ years. A year younger, the Sparks giggled and stayed in the water ALL DAY LONG enjoying their best day ever. Champion boat driver Gordon would loop through and pick up five campers and drop five off to play on the tubes and paddle boards. I was swimming sunscreen out to the girls on the tube insisting they put it their cheeks and noses. They chattered about Final Night theme and played group games on the porch. They also shared their ideal Saturdays at home and those included big breakfasts and time with parents! A shoutout to parents! I loved seeing how kind this group was to each other and inclusive. After two days with these groups, I feel great about the next generation of Illahee counselors! They are well on their way!
While we enjoyed the sun and water, camp was buzzing. Just as two families arrived for their scheduled tour, the local health inspector arrived for her unscheduled tour. Gabby is our new inspector and Gretchen drew the lucky straw as tour guide! I have to admit, when the inspector arrives, we stall them in the office! I always said that I needed to use the bathroom leaving the inspector to wait a bit for me, at which time I would text the kitchen, the nurses and the barn! Meanwhile directors duct out the side doors to run through the hills checking the shower houses and making sure bunks are head to tow in the cabins! This was Gabby’s first solo inspection at Illahee and she is known for being exceptionally thorough, which is probably a good thing! Four hours later, she hung her score- a 96- same as last summer, on the dining hall door. I just hope that Gretchen was able to catch a little bit of rest hour!
Ainsley took a sign up climbing trip to the Nose on Looking Glass and cabin 37 hiked in Pisgah on the Cedar Rock Trail. The CIT’s hosted bag supper the outdoor Wednesday night picnic with cabin groups circled up outside the dining hall and then campers got decked out for Illahee prom featuring celebrity couples. Celebrity sitings included the Biebers, Prince William and Kate, George and Martha Washington, and even camp’s favorite couple Lucas and Gardner. DJ Marcus keeps the dance moving and rated “G “with his collection of line dances like Cupid Shuffle, YMCA and the cha cha slide. He’s been coming to camp for years and is an honorary staff member.
The crickets are chirping and the sun has set. I imagine doors are slamming back at camp as the dancers head into their cabin to get ready for bed. Time to circle up for highs and lows or wows and pows. My high…a beautiful day on the lake watching girls play and giggle and celebrate friendship…my pow…I think I got a little too much sun….
Thanks for reading Illahee family! It’s a privilege to share with you.
Laurie