I may need a new travel agent….six flights in seven days! What was I thinking? Asheville to Tampa to Ormond Beach to Houston to Dallas to New Orleans and back home in time to drive over to enjoy camp movies with Raleigh girls and counselors who trekked over from UNC Chapel Hill! While it has … Continued
The Strayhorns came home after a post-camp vacation to some really sad news…Liza and Newton had been missing for two days! Generally, we board them at our local doggy camp when we leave town, but this time, we decided to leave them under the capable care of Gallagher, who is living in the “Villa” through … Continued
Not much surprises me after 23 years of camp directing, but I am often touched by the kindness of others. Tonight it came in a small package at an unexpected time. We had just finished floating Wish Boats on the swim lake, when a Hillbrook Camper, probably around 8 or 9 came up to me … Continued
One of the things that I love about Junior Camp is reaching that point in the session where it is obvious to me that camp is feeling comfortable to the girls. They walk with a little more purpose, and a lot more confidence…they have found their way around, and everything doesn’t seem so big and … Continued
One of my favorite things to do during camp is to take pictures to post on our website. First, it gets me out of the office, where I have a fairly consistent list of things I could attend to. I guess I’ll eventually check most of it off. During camp, office work feels kind of … Continued
If I didn’t know better, I would expect Junior camp to start with a whimper and end with a roar, but it’s really the other way around (except the whimper part). These girls are wide open, and ready to go….which is a good thing, because camp is designed for lots of energy! It is fitting … Continued
For some reason, two week final night is more dramatic than other sessions. By dramatic, I don’t mean dramatic in a derogatory sense. It is real. Maybe it’s that my gauge is Pineview…and right after a pretty sentimental closing campfire. It sounds like a “turkey farm” outside my window…girls arm and arm, some crying softly, … Continued
My choice of my highlight of the day was one among many. Things were back to normal today…as normal goes in the camp world. It was the last regular day of Pine Day activities. Tomorrow will be action-packed as we have final shows in dance, puppetry, vaulting, riding…fun stuff and a great way to end … Continued
I am exhausted, but feeling good about the day…looking forward to meeting my pillow, but amazed that this day was such a positive one despite our outside challenges. It’s hard to know even where to begin. Maybe not. It began in praise and thanksgiving. Tuesday morning early is our Bible study with our counselors. This … Continued
Sunday is my favorite day of the week, year round. It is the one day that I try to keep low key…one of the challenges of loving what I do, and living where I work…is leaving it behind occasionally during the off-season. I love to work outside…”piddling” I call it. If a tractor needs work, … Continued
