Another great day at Merri-Mac began this morning when campers woke up to the sound of rainy weather echoing through senior hill! After a cozy wakeup, the sun appeared just in time for our walk to the Tucker Inn, where we enjoyed a sweet breakfast of waffles and sausage to fuel up for today’s activities! Following breakfast, the Chapel was filled with laughter and community as we gathered together to hear Elizabeth O. share the story of the time God showed her exactly what she needed. She shared her infamous cheeseburger story, connecting the tragedy of her ruined meal to Matthew 6:25-34. Elizabeth explained that although we worry so much about what we think we need, God will provide what we truly need – nothing more and nothing less.

Under the brightened skies, campers headed to their morning classes where creativity and courage guided the day’s activities! In DIY Projects, campers carved their own custom stamps and used them to create one-of-a-kind postcards (keep an eye on your mailbox for a special surprise!). Campers in Pottery were all smiles as they learned how to throw on the wheel, and in Cooking, campers whipped up chocolate cupcakes with 2 flavors of homemade icing! Over on the lake, campers in diving learned exciting skills like falling back dives and front tuck dives, while kayakers learned their T-rescues! In archery, we practiced precision, a necessary skill to advance in the sport and earn bars! Campers competed for the “Plank of Precision” marking the tightest arrow groupings in their class. Today, Frances Z. earned the title of “precision princess” after shooting a grouping of 1.5 inches!

As the morning slowed, we headed back to the Tucker Inn, met with the joyful news that today’s lunch was pizza, a camp favorite! Campers began to return from trips and sat around the table recounting the stories of the morning! Today, girls experienced adventure as Mary Archer Y., Kennedy F., India G., Claire C., Mary Reagan C., Helena S., Emily R., and Carlie T. climbed the nose of Looking Glass Mountain! After lunch, we headed to cabins for some much needed rest until the bugle let girls know it was time for trading post! During free time, girls took advantage of the unscheduled hours, working to earn elective marks that will help them advance through the White Feather system! Josie W. caught a frog measuring an impressive six dots on the diving board! Carlin B. hosted a diving contest, where campers showcased their impressive flips and tricks. Lucy S. and Louise O. took home the victory after many rounds of close competition! Up at the archery range, Elyse S., Haley H., Clara Hartwell F., Georgia N., Hollings G., Mary Hodges W., Mari M., Evelyn G., A.C. M., Penelope W., Kate B., Ella C., Caroline B., Brooklyn O., Kendall D., and Lucy H. competed to score the most points in an archery tournament organized by Carly S. Free time came to a close as Sunnyside and Milky Way checked off the dock after free swim and headed to their afternoon activities!

Campers headed to dinner decked out in their tribal colors and enjoyed build your own tacos for dinner! Tonight’s evening activity is Sock War! Similar to capture the flag, campers aim to infiltrate the base of the other in search of their flag. Campers hope to steal the flag and run it back to their base without being hit by a sock from the opposing tribe! To wrap up the night, Rainbow will get an extra treat, making homemade milkshakes in the cooking kitchen while Moonmist dives into Lake Doris for free swim! As the sun quietly sets over the Blue Ridge Mountains, and campers tuck into bed, we wrap up another great day at camp!

From this haven,

Elizabeth Marchant – Archery Staff and Proud Golden Eagle!