The last of '13

We had a long discussion at lunch about how today was the last turkey dinner until Thanksgiving. Wait, WHAT? The last turkey dinner? That means tonight is the last Sunday Night Sing, and tomorrow is the last Monday (and so on). And while it’s true that we are verging on five days left of actual camp, Andy pointed out in Sunday Assembly (also the last) that we still have a quarter of second term left. Plenty of time for boys to accomplish new things in this summer of ’13.
In fact, in the past few days my kid accomplished two of his goals for the summer: to drop a ski and to climb to the top of the Clubhouse chimney (don’t mind this proud mama). But he’s been working on these things since June 23. Can you imagine? I watched that boy climb that chimney dozens of times this summer. Dozens. When was the last time you saw your kid try, fail and try again? And AGAIN? And again. (and so on). To me, more impressive than the actual accomplishment, was the effort. Perseverance. Grit. I’m lovin’ it. And trust me, it’s happened to your boys, too.
The past few days have been cool and beautiful. Of course we wish it was 78 and tanning weather, but I guess I ought to be celebrating I’m not at home in Gainesville, FL where it’s 97 every day. The boys have been amazing. In fact, you’d never know it was chilly. They’ve been running, playing and swimming every day.
This coming week starts to get a little crazy, so I’ll give you the run down on what’s going on, that way in case I can’t knock out as many blog posts as I’d like, you’ll still have a sense of what’s going on. Monday and Tuesday there will be several open activity periods so that boys can choose which activities they’d like to go to. That way if they’re really close to graduating tennis (or riflery or whatever), they’ll have the chance to get the last ACs (achievement credits) necessary. On Tuesday, we’ll have our last Division Day. Everyone will be in camp, and I’ve heard from reliable sources that the Juniors will be having some sort of Survivor Day. I’m hoping someone will tape it and make it into a movie for…..
Stunt Night. Which is on Wednesday evening. As many of you know, Stunt Night is the Highlands version of a talent show, however, history has proven that one needs not talent to perform in said show. It’s always a laugh. Thursday is the Kerchief Ceremony, a solemn, lovely ceremony. And then of course it’s Friday. The noon meal will bring with it the Honor Tripper awards, and starting at 3 p.m. is the Water Carnival and family picnic and banquet.
We love being able to share some of the camp spirit with you during this last day. In our eyes it brings a sense of closure to this remarkable experience your boys have had. They have grown so much, endured cooler temps and rainy weather. Blazing heat and pretty much the worst mosquitos I’ve seen in my 15 years up here in the North Woods. This night gives everyone the opportunity to process the summer. And when your son mopes around for a week or two as he readjusts to “the real world,” you’ll have a good idea of what it is that’s happened to him these four (or SEVEN) weeks. And of course, in my opinion, the best thing is hearing Mike read “Goodnight Little Cabin.” That coupled with the last Taps is magic.
Don’t worry, I’ve still got a post or two left in these fingers this summer. I’m still processing the INCREDIBLE Sunday Assembly this morning where we heard from long-time Highlands men express their love for Highlands. Let me just say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. But that’s another story.
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.
 

If this weather could make up it’s mind, that sure would be great! At this exact moment, it’s balmy and over cast. Ten minutes ago it was sunny and warm. As long as it’s not raining, we will take it!
I have to tell you, we have hit the sweet spot here at camp. Those first week jitters are over, the boys haven’t been living together long enough to be on each others nerves and the end of term fever has not yet set in. Most of the Colt cabins (except for cabin 16) have already come and gone on their canoe trips, and the Juniors will all be back from their trips by Friday night. It’s nice we have this mellow week before this weekend hits…
This weekend. It’s huge. I mean, you don’t turn 110 every day. We’ve invited alumni and friends of Highlands to help us celebrate. If you are in the neighborhood, we’d love to see you. The Steeplechase starts around 9:30 a.m. and finishes up around 11:30 a.m. At 2:30 p.m. you can be entertained and amused by the Senior Carnival (silly games, rewarded with Bachmann Bucks). You’re invited to eat a picnic supper on Junior Hill, followed by Games on the Hill. It’s an action-packed day!
While it’s true we are only half-way through the term, we know many of you are starting to make your end of term plans. If you have not noted your son’s travel home plans on your account page, please do so as soon as possible.
Remember the final banquet is on Friday 8/9.
• 3 p.m. CH water carnival (more silly games, one involving a greased watermelon)
• 6 p.m. picnic supper (please RSVP on your account page with names of all attendees)• 7 – 8:30 p.m. banquet and awards
You may take your son home that night, or you can take him home before 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.
But for now, let’s not talk about the end. Let’s talk about 16 short days of breezy afternoons sailing, shooting bulls eyes at archery, getting up on skis and repelling down the stone chimney on the club house!
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.

Hello Highlands fans!
What a great day of camping yesterday! Pancakes for breakfast, Meatloaf   meatloaf for lunch and tacos for supper. The boys played all-camp capture the flag last night. For the occasion, they are split into two teams, Army and Navy. Cabin assignments and Army/Navy assignments are attached below.
Click here for the Army/Navy assignments.
Click here for the cabin assignments.
Today was muffin and sausage day (my favorite breakfast) and this afternoon is Division Day, where boys hang out as a division. Seniors have a social with Red Pine Camp today and, yes, I’m totally putting Ross on the scene to get a visual on my daughter (cheating!). Juniors are paddling canoes and kayaks to the Sayner landing, having a picnic supper at the park in Sayner and playing basketball and softball and then paddling back to camp. Cubs and Colts are joining forces on a short hike to the Star Portage and picnicing on the pristine waters of Star Lake. I mean, honestly, does it get any better?!
Here’s a little idea of where the littler guys are hiking, it’s only about 3/4 of a mile each way. (Incidentally, Track ran around Back Bay today to have a go on the rope swing over there!)

It’s a hot day here at camp, but the breeze is blowing and we are having a blast. Everyone is starting to get into the swing of things. We always say it takes about a week to settle in. Cub head counselor, Nick Katzmarek calls it the camp circadian rhythm. I talked to a first time camper today and when asked how things were going he said, “This place is awesome!!” We concur!
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.

Seriously. This day. 84° F, 28.8° C. A light breeze. Sun. Puffy white clouds. Clear sky. It was a true north woods kind of day. Your boys had safety talks for their first activity period and were OFF! I can tell you that they have jumped head-long into their great summer adventure at camp.
I got to see so many boys today that I know and love. Two of my nephews are here (cousin power!!!), kids from my hometown of Gainesville, FL are here. A whole slew of midwest, Mexican, and Colorado-and-beyond-boys I’ve known since they were *this high,* are here. It absolutely amazes me how much these guys grow at this age. I’m talking FEET here, people. And the voices. They leave as boys and come back a year later with beards. Seriously. It happens.
We keep all this growing happening with the most amazing food. Thanks to our nutrition team of Lois Craig (head chef) and Sharon Bachmann (meal planner) these boys eat amazingly well. Did you know we do it old style here at Highlands? (I know this shocks you, 110 years later) The noon meal is called “dinner,” and the evening meal is “supper.” And we must be half Hobbit, because we have two breakfasts, starting with hot and cold cereal and yogurt bar, followed by a hot breakfast like pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. No one goes hungry at camp, no matter how picky.
While your boys were off having a blast at activities this morning, Andy B. and I were dropping our second-born off at girls camp for the first time.
Woah.
I’m ok, thanks for asking.
I have to admit, I was glad I had some big, dark sunglasses for the event. But it went really well. Partially because of an email I received last night from one of our Highlands moms, Sara Reed. Sara’s a first-timer, just like I am. And her words had me weeping at 11:30 p.m. as I answered my last email last night.
Sara, thank you so much for allowing me to share your fortifying words (my idea, not her’s!). I’m thrilled, awed and amazed my daughter is “at the right place, in the right time that one brave boy [girl!] is poised to have the time of his [her] life. HIS [HER] life.”
By Sara Reed, first-time camp mom to a boy in cabin 18
One very brave and excited boy chose one weepy Papa to walk him to the plane.
One very brave and excited boy kissed his sisters *on the lips* and told them that he loved them. Sisters were brave enough not to register the shock. Later, they said, “That’s the first time he kissed me OR told me that he loved me!” Their delight was evident.
One stinky, grumpy five year-old boy announced that he was glad that the brave boy was leaving. Then, he pouted all day and announced he does not like “so much girls at ‘diss house.”
One brave boy called approximately eleven hundred times on his phone. He’s in bunk #18. The lake is cool, it’s 7 miles long and his counselor is named Ben but he has NO idea where Ben is from. It’s very pretty here and not too hot. Lots of trees and he likes it. He ate all of the candy and chips we gave him for the plane. He saved the free cookies from the plane for his Papa. 
One excited sister moved promptly into the brave boy’s room to take advantage of the larger bed. More stuffed animals can fit, you see. The girl was scolded by one Mama who was ready to clean and purge that room. Mama cleaned. Girl skulked and was moody about missing brother.
Mama told the brave boy about the mess in his room. He laughed and said, “I’m too far away for you to tell me to clean it! You do it your way!”
One boy, released into the world and into his life…to the right place…at the right time said, “I am so excited. A little nervous, but SO excited. Thank you for letting me come to camp! I love you!” 
One Papa continued to weep intermittently all day and into the evening. But all told, he did not cry as much as the day that the brave boy was born – when he managed to sob for hours straight, and sobbed at record amounts. Papa announces he cannot live without his boy; however, Papa manages to appear as though currently alive and registers all vitals.
“Our boy is gone! I hope he’s okay!” announced the Papa. “Our boy is HAPPY! And he’s okay!” announced the Mama.
Three siblings, briefly un-moored by the temporary loss of their leader, renegotiated their tethers…with the now-oldest announcing, “I am the oldest available sibling now and you have to do what *I* say!” 
One great-grandmother called to say she was proud of the parents and thrilled to have seen her oldest great-grandchild have his first out-of-the-home experience. One Mama was filled up with joy at the approval of her greatest Mama-mentor and true love.
One lovely fellow-first-time-Mama (who may also have felt a little anxious) texted to share, “I saw him, he looks happy. He is in the bunk with mine and all seems good. They’re okay!”
One Mama took a celebratory nap, cleaned the boys’ room, drank the best wine in the house, took the beloved brave boys’ calls, chided the Papa and knew that above all else: at the right place, in the right time that one brave boy is poised to have the time of his life. HIS life.
Does anyone have a Kleenex?
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.
 

Well moms and dads, your boys made it! And they are all tucked snug as bugs in rugs. Taps blew for the first time tonight and I betcha these guys will sleep well. The first leg of their summer adventure is complete. Some of them traveled over 17 hours to get here today – making that drive from Chicago seem like a jaunt around the block, right? They arrived on the buses at 5:15 or so, and quickly sorted out where they needed to be. Counselors helped the guys make their beds and everyone headed to the dining room to eat spaghetti at 6 p.m. After supper they had camp fires where the head counselors gave them a quick overview of how camp works. A little what-to-expect-when-you’re-expecting at camp. Tomorrow they’ll get more safety talks, take swim tests, learn the buddy system at the waterfront and more. They’ll be shooting hoops, kayaking and playing football or soccer by 11 a.m.
We are beat here at CH HQ. I’d like to award Ross Freeland with some sort of honor award for most heroic efforts in transporting campers EVER. Ross delivered 13 boys to the airport on Saturday night (with the help of Chris), picked up five boys for an overnight in Chicago, and then picked up ten more boys today (with the help Pablo and Seth). That is remarkable!! Thank you ROSS!!!!
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.

I’m a shopper, what can I say. Who doesn’t love a little retail therapy? At Highlands, each boy has a $100 store allowance and we only charge you for what your boy spends. You can feel good that if your child forgets (or more likely, loses) his toothbrush he can buy a new one in the store. We stock soap, shampoo, chap stick and lots more!
Remember parents, you’ll have time to shop yourselves if you are coming up for the banquet on Friday! And if your son qualified for a free store account with early enrollment, it’s a use it or lose it situation! Tell him to stock up on those hoodies!

Oh my goodness. Can it be? We only have how many days left of camp?! I don’t know how you feel, but it’s gone by in the blink of an eye for us.
This coming week is filled with many traditions. From the Stunt Show on Wednesday night to Kerchiefs on Thursday, Honor Tripper recognition, Water Carnival – the list goes on. Tonight is the last Assembly, the last turkey dinner and the last Sing for our first-termers.
I have the inside scoop that Andy Bachmann and Co. will be talking about making the most of these last days at Highlands this morning at Sunday Assembly. We should all probably listen to that advice! Andy and I have had many interesting discussions recently about Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous and brilliant quote, “Happiness is not a goal, it’s a by-product.” At Highlands we believe that a worthwhile life, is earned by working hard, persevering and adhering to those camper qualities we hold to be sacred. By making the most of every opportunity, by putting the other fellow before ourselves, by being helpful and productive – happiness is inevitable!
Happiness also prevails when you get that boy you love so much home on Saturday, July 13th. Here are details on the last days of camp.
The final banquet is on Friday, July 12. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. during the water carnival (think ski show, synchronized swim routines, and something with a greasy watermelon – only at camp!). This is followed by supper at 6 p.m. and the banquet which wraps up around 8:45 p.m. You are welcome to take your son home at that time, OR they can sleep the last night in their cabin and roll out of camp at 9 a.m. on July 13. It is up to you.
The bus schedule on the way home is:
1:00 p.m. drop off in Madison at the Pinecone Shell, DeForest exit
2:15 p.m. drop off at Rockford Clock Tower
3:30 p.m. O’Hare Airport drop off
3:45 p.m. O’Hare Oasis drop off
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.

We posted a little Facebook gallery yesterday titled, “What did YOU do today?” I tell you, these guys just GO here at Camp Highlands. And today’s no exception. It’s all in a day’s work.

Today is “Division Day” at camp. That means Lois and the kitchen staff
get a much needed night off. After lunch the divisions split up and do things as a group, including preparing supper. So what are these guys up to tonight? Well, I just got to listen to the Seniors with the girls from Red Pine Camp do a scavenger hunt for the better part of the afternoon. They’ll make hamburgers for our lovely guests and then end the evening with a dance (!!). (side note: I caught my eight year old daughter spying on the whole situation, and my life flashed before my eyes!)
Juniors are in Eagle River playing laser tag, Cubs are on their overnight on a local lake and Colts took off this morning for their three-day canoe trip on an area chain of lakes. My 11 year old son is out with those guys, and I have to tell you, they were psyched!
We’ve had a quiet day in the office trying to catch up on everything. You should see my desk. It’s like a cyclone swept through. We’re posting photos and updating the social media outlets as much as we can – time to shut it down for the day! Enjoy!
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.

I’m telling you, this weather is incredible. It’s the perfect way to start out a summer camping season. Warm, breezy (no bugs), sunny. Just awesome. I’ve seen boys sailing, playing tennis and soccer, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, shooting hoops – and that was just on the walk from my cottage to the office! I’d say summer 2013 has come roaring in!
According to Lois, your boys ate 784 chicken tenders and over ten pounds of rice for lunch today, and they’ll have soup and sandwiches for supper.
I can hear the boys lining up for the store right now, and I just heard the swim bugle blow. I wish you could see and hear this. Happy boys, running and playing. It’s a sight to see.
Over the next few days they’ll be getting to know their cabin mates and their counselors. They’ll be stepping out of their comfort zones in one way or another. Even the older professional campers might be bunking with someone they aren’t crazy about, and guess what? They’ll learn to persevere and figure out how to manage. Some boys might realize that when you are really hungry, there is NOTHING better than meatloaf, and it’s so weird, because they thought they hated meatloaf. It’s the magic of camp, really.
Remember, we are already posting photos to the gallery. We sent you the password in the email earlier this week, or email me and I can give it to you. We do our best to get everyone up there! Keep checking the blog for updates, and if you haven’t liked us on Facebook, you’re missing out. (Check out the picture of the moon from last night!) I’ll email the cabin lists to you guys in the next couple days, in case you want to check out where your son ended up. And if you are on the Twitters, we are there too, posting random “overheard at camp” quotes and other nonsense. We’ll try and keep you in the know!
And on that note…
I ❤ CH // tracy b.

Tomorrow’s the big day. I know this because I got a calendar reminder today on my computer: “Boys arrive tomorrow.” Gee, thanks, I hadn’t noticed. While we here at CH HQ are getting ready to say hello to those boys, you are getting ready to say farewell. Here are some thoughts we have on saying good bye when you send your child to camp. Tomorrow.
1. Recognize that you will be as emotional, if not more, than your son. Being intuitive little creatures, they will pick up on your emotions. It’s important to be positive, even if you are feeling unsure and weepy. Crying or over-worry will undermine his confidence. Remind him that he *can do this*! Remind him you are just a letter away and that you love him and *believe* in him. Tell him you are excited for the experiences he’s going to have.
2. If you haven’t already discussed homesickness with him by now, go ahead and have that conversation. Tell him missing home is natural, and that you’d be sad if he didn’t miss you. Tell him to talk to his counselor if he’s feeling blue. Remind him that you aren’t going anywhere and you’ll be there at the end with open arms dying to hear all the, as one parent emailed me today said, “the usual amusing, heroic, enlightening, and eyebrow raising stories that the boys come home with.” (Remember we are well-versed in helping boys work through homesickness.) If you have any doubt, check out Michael Thompson’s book, Homesick and Happy. It’s GREAT. Also, I recently spoke with Michael Thompson on summer camp and these issues, and it’s available on podcast.
3. Keep it short and sweet. Make a plan ahead of time, so that there’s no surprise at 2:00 p.m. when you say, “OK buddy, we’re headed home.” If you’re taking the bus: Arrive at 9:15 – 9:30 a.m., check in with the counselor on duty at the bus, help your boy load his stuff on the bus. Make sure you’ve communicated any last minute instructions to the counselor and hang out until they move the boys on to the bus. Give him a big hug! Wave! Pat yourself on the back for keeping a stiff upper lip!
If you’re dropping him off at camp, tell him the plan. “First we’ll check in. Then we’ll make your bed. I’d like a tour of camp, and once we check in with the nurse, I’ll walk you back to your cabin and give you a hug from there.” Everyone likes to know what’s happening next (believe me, I have a two-year old, I know what I’m talking about). Knowing what comes next helps set him up for a confident start.
That’s it! Positive attitude, preparation and a plan. With those three things, that goodbye will be sweet and relatively painless.
We’ll Facebook it when the busses arrive and camp is fully underway. If your son is flying in, you’ll get a phone call from the counselor when they arrive.
See you tomorrow!
I ❤ CH // tracy b.