After months of preparations, renovations, upgrades, training, communications and planning for FUN, finally opening day of term camp arrived at Camp Alleghany.
It’s always such a pleasing sight to see our top notch staff decked out in their crisp uniforms and smiles on their faces as they greet parents and campers both on the other side of the world (across the Greenbrier River) and campside, at the barge landing where they sing their welcome song.
Those smiles are infectious, it’s easy to see, as families and excited campers-to-be make that crossing. Every inch of every arriving girl seems to be saying, “At last, camp’s here!” At least for our returning campers. They know it’s going to be a great time and are usually more than ready to give those final good-bye kisses and head into camp.
New girls often have a look of wonder. “What is this camp like? Will I make friends? Three weeks, really?” But as one of our campers told it in a blog entry recently, feelings of uncertainty pass quickly. (Maybe she’ll write again soon on what it was like to be a 2nd year this year.)
Opening night
After all campers get that final good-bye kiss, trunks are distributed, and everyone settles in, claiming cots and exploring the grounds, seeing old friends and making new ones, and having some dinner, then it comes time for our evening activities.
Opening night activities are always a blast, and a chance for our ham-it-up counselors to really shine. I don’t mean shine with their excellent leadership and guidance skills as counselors (though that happens, too). I mean shine on stage as they act out Department Skits designed to entice campers into choosing the activities that speak to their hearts…or tickle their funny bone…or challenge their minds and bodies. Or all three at once!
Our counselors make good work of this skit stuff. Last night’s roars of laughter among campers and staff alike loosened everyone up and got the bonding in motion! Camp is off to a great start.
If you haven’t already, remember to register to view pictures of your camper. We’ll post new photos almost every day. On that page you can also purchase bunk notes or send care packages.
Until next time…
–Elizabeth Shreckhise, Assistant Director
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