The Best Start to the Best Summer Ever

Though today started with some heavy rain showers, Mother Nature delivered just in time with blue skies and plentiful sunshine as we opened our gates and welcomed campers to the Piney Woods!

Similar to last year, Opening Day looked a little bit different with our Chick-fil-A-style drop-off process. But what stayed the same was seeing the bright and smiling faces of campers as they stepped onto campgrounds. Having both new and returning campers finally arrive was a BIG moment for our summer staff, who have been training very diligently these past few weeks to help create the best summer experience ever.

One of the best traditions of Opening Day? Enjoying Ms. Ada’s Famous Fried Chicken for dinner! The inaugural batch to the summer season definitely did not disappoint, especially when accompanied with counselors singing and dancing around the Dining Hall!

Meeting new people on the first day of camp can seem intimidating - that’s why we have Opening Night Show to help us break the ice! Our counselors - and even some campers - took to the stage and participated in a series of Minute to Win It games. From the cheese puff toss to egg roulette, our staff showed off their goofy sides. And if they were lucky enough, they got to spin the Wheel of Opportunity (ooh aah!).

Capping off this Opening Day, we played Capture the Flag, remixed as a relay race! Campers cheered their cabin mates on as they leaped, ran, and rolled through the obstacle course. Counselors also dressed up in silly and colorful costumes. We had special appearances by a shark, cow, and an inflatable tube man! Congrats to Sun Up and Berry Patch for winning their heats - and an ice cream party at the end of the session!

How do you end a fun and eventful day like today? With a dance party, of course! Both campers and counselors danced the night away on the Front Lawn.

Our first Opening Day was a huge success, and we’re super excited for all of the fun planned ahead this summer!