Another exciting and joyful day we’ve had here at Merri-Mac as we finished our first week of camp!

We started with a camp favorite breakfast: pancakes! And then chapel was led by special guest
Caroline E. (Kayaking, Golden Eagle). Caroline spoke about a memory she has visiting an ice
cream truck and ordering a pink Powerpuff girl popsicle. However, when she opened the
package, Caroline found the face half melted and the gumball eyes falling off. But Caroline’s
dad was quick to trade with her so that Caroline could enjoy her icecream, just like Jesus’
willingness to sacrifice Himself as our Savior– He didn’t want to die the gruesome death, but He
did so that we could know and have a relationship with God (referenced in John 3:16).

Then campers headed to activities and out on trips!

On the RAFTING trip down the French Broad Section 9:
Ellie R.
Eva S.
Annika S.
Sammy T.
Blythe H.
Emerson L.
Anna R.
Joie L.
Alice M.
Elliot G.
Juliana N.

And on the CLIMBING trip to Little Lost Cove:
Stella D.
Eliza W.
Shannon C.
Kate C.
Bobbi C.
Virginia M.
Emily M.
Elizabeth B.

Girls continued to master skills in classes like archery where they worked on precision by trying
to shoot an arrow as close as possible to an arrow shot by the counselor and kayaking where
girls learned how to run safety with throw ropes and continued paddling laps and racing each
other in relays.And others continued projects in classes like DIY, pottery where girls trimmed pots, and summer reading where they continued their summer reading (yes, they are working
on those books!). Fitness class and mountain biking were both seen by most of us around camp
as they made camp loops throughout the day!

Tonight’s evening activity is a step back from tribal competition and instead a chance for girls to
showcase their talents… It’s Fine Arts Night! Campers had the opportunity to audition the past
few days during freetime with an act they want to showcase to all of camp tonight. Groups can
range from a solo performance, small groups, or even whole cabins! And performances tonight
will include all types of talents like singing, monologues, dances, and so much more. There
even might be a few counselor skits mixed in… But tonight is all about letting girls build
confidence and be proud of skills they may not be displaying every day at camp.
After all the performances, girls will head back to their cabins and post evenings. On tonight’s
schedule, Stardust will be playing pickleball, Milky Way and Happy Hollow are set to make
s’mores, and I heard Rainbow might be raiding trading post (our candy haven)… hope they’re
sneaky enough to avoid being caught!
At the end of the day, we are proud of the girls who come to camp, and we are proud of the girls
camp is creating! Every day is a new day for adventure, growth, and joy, and each girl at camp
is embracing that completely.
See you tomorrow!

Griffin B., Kayaking, Golden Eagle