Happy First Day of Activities from Camp Merri-Mac! 

This morning, the girls awoke to the cheerful sound of the bugle, signaling the official start of our first full day at camp! After tidying their cabins, everyone gathered in the dining hall for a delicious breakfast of French toast sticks and crispy bacon. 

We waved goodbye to our rafting girls — Emily A., Caroline A., Mary Rhodes M., Ella B., Julia C., Mary Grace C., Madeline C., Evvie C., Kahlan C., Harriet E., Isabella G., Audrey K., Elizabeth L., Anna Grace M., Tessa M., Hart N., Josephine O., and Helene P. — as they piled into the vans for an exciting day on the French Broad River! 

Eager to kick off the day, Tweedle Dee raced to the chapel to ring the bell, marking the beginning of a spirited morning of singing and praise. After dancing and singing together, we heard a thoughtful story from Will about his “preppy” days—and how God’s love stays with us, even in our most awkward or embarrassing moments. 

Next, the girls attended their first tribe meetings with their newly initiated tribemates. The Sunnysiders passed out tribal wristbands, and then it was off to a fun-filled afternoon of activities! 

No matter the time of day, Lake Doris is always brimming with energy. Today in canoeing, kayaking, junior lifeguarding, and diving, we focused on safety by learning the dock rules before heading into the water. In kayaking, Ali W. practiced her T-rescue while Caroline T. performed a perfect wet exit! 

Meanwhile, over on Pippin Hill at the climbing wall, Anna Clark M. learned the proper commands for belaying before heading off to cooking class, where she baked a delicious chocolate cake. 

Of course, the cake didn’t spoil anyone’s appetite! For lunch, we enjoyed cheesy quesadillas served with refried beans and salsa—just the right fuel for the exciting afternoon competition of finding the Hatchet! The Hatchet signifies the start of our tribal competition toward the coveted banner. After a spirited search, the Black Bears came out on top! 

Following a well-deserved rest hour, the girls visited the Trading Post for sweet treats before heading into their final activities of the day. Mya C. worked on a lemon-themed pottery piece, while Astin M. fired a rifle for the first time in riflery—what an accomplishment! 

In the evening, we gathered on the Back Green for our camp-wide photo, then enjoyed a hearty dinner of ham and potatoes au gratin. The evening ended with one of our favorite tribal games: El Presidente! With paint, glitter, and tribal cheers echoing across camp, the girls raced to uncover the other tribe’s president before settling in for the night. 

We can’t wait to share tomorrow’s update—and reveal the winner of El Presidente!

Signing off, 

Caroline Mank, Kayaking Instructor