Mini I Close and Illahee Dance

This morning we had to say goodbye to our Mini I campers.  We did get to enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and sing some of our favorite camp songs before they headed out.  This morning we had a few showers that helped keep things nice and cool.  We had a great day visiting with the Mini I parents and wish well to all those boys heading home today.   This group of “minis” was more than half first-time campers. It was a big step to jump into all that we have to offer.  I heard several stories about the boys not wanting to leave and how they would be back next year.  Some even threw out that they would be back for four weeks next year!  It was a great group of boys and parents. I look forward to seeing many of them for years to come!

With a smaller group in camp lunch was a very efficient affair.  The kitchen staff spoiled us with Cuban sandwiches- a real treat!  We decided it would be a great day halfway through the Four Week Session to add a little extra rest with an extended rest hour.  After stumbling out of their cabins when the bell rang this afternoon the campers enjoyed one of their regular activity periods. Then they headed back to the cabin to shower and to get ready for the upcoming square dance with Camp Illahee this evening.

That’s right big event of the night was the dance with the ladies of Camp Illahee.  My two girls grew up at Illahee and loved it.  My oldest, Grace, who is now entering her fourth year at Davidson, is still working at Illahee.  She is now in her 13th year and is assistan program director, and JC Mom.  Izzie, who is off to her second year at Sewanee, went to Illahee for 9 years as a camper and one JC year.

After enjoying pizza with their cabin groups, the campers loaded up in vans to go to the dance.  As you can imagine there are varying levels of excitement amongst the campers. The dance provided opportunities to square dance and to show off some of their line dance skills.   It is always fun to see brothers and sisters and friends from home reconnect. The evening also provided a fun chance to meet some new friends and enjoy another beautiful camp. 

I can hardly believe we are already halfway through the Four Week Session.  These guys have reached full stride and are navigating camp like pros.  It will be so fun to watch this next week as the adventures and challenges in their activities continue to ramp up.