A Slower Pace…

It is hard to fathom that we are nearing the end of June. Are we the only ones who feel like time is more blurry this summer? Usually in June, our days are perfectly orchestrated into a schedule dictated by the ringing of the bell signalling activities, rest hours, and evening programs. Adjusting to life outside of this has been…well, strange. Sentiments here are a bit more cheery as we’ve accepted the quiet season and are marching forward.

Earlier this month we re-enrolled campers for next summer. It was crazy to be filling spaces in early June rather than late August, but it’s exciting to know that we will have a full camp next summer as spaces have been filling quickly. We still have openings in our junior session, as well as the three week and four week sessions for younger grades. Let your neighbors and friends with camp age girls know to get in touch with us.

There are things we have done that none of us have ever done during the month of June. Laurie hit the road last week to visit her parents in lower Alabama. It was the first time in 30 years she was able to be home for her Dad’s birthday. They celebrated his 79th with socially distanced sunset watches over Mobile bay, full crab traps, and swims in the gulf. Good for the soul!

Gordon is enjoying more evenings at Hannah Ford Farm, outfitting his Sprinter Van in hopes of taking it on a Canadian adventure some day! He is not one to let moss grow under his feet- constantly on the go. Speaking of on the go, Brooks and I enjoy our summer evenings together and other than keeping him alive I am pretty sure he is convinced that I exist for the sole purpose of being his number one audience member. He is always practicing new basketball trick shots in the rec lodge or jumping off of the gym mats. Gretchen, Gary, and Ezra have taken full advantage of weekends at the farm, letting their dog, Stash, run free and taking dips in the pond. They have also been raising chickens, and protecting them from neighborhood dogs and raccoons. Lindsey and her golden doodle, Lucy, spend a lot of time roaming the empty horse pastures and having puppy play-dates! And we all enjoyed a Sunday afternoon at the local pool last week- which felt strange but nice.

Frequent camp visitors have brought us a lot of joy. From campers, to alum, and staff, it has been fun catching up with “masked” visitors on the driveway. It seems that even an Illahee drive-thru is better than nothing! We are working on creative ways to stay connected with you all, so stay tuned! We love hearing from you and nothing would brighten our day more than getting some snail mail, or even a phone call! We hope you are staying healthy and finding joy in a slower summer.
Until next time,
Gardner