It’s been a long time since I can remember a summer rain like the one today. Usually in the mountains, rains come with thunder, and in dramatic fashion. They leave as quickly as they came, and we clean up the leaves and sticks, and washed gravel left in the wake. Today was just one of … Continued
Tonight had that summer feel to it. There were fireflies everywhere, neighbors were out visiting on their porches, yet it is still cool in the mountains. The sweetness and innocence of summer. There is something that feels very “fifties” about Dolly’s ice cream. It’s a low-slung building with ice cream cone shaped lights slung from … Continued
Every year Laurie gets a bee in her bonnet that is a little outside the plans for the off-season. Usually it’s presented as “it will just take a little of this…or a little of that.” This was a big year for us facility-wise. We started out in September at the farm with major earth moving, … Continued
Most parents don’t consider one of the greatest benefits of camp…that for most girls, it is a love that extends through and well past the “dreaded” teenage years. I’ve always known that Illahee girls count the days down until camp starts, but the advent of Twitter and Facebook have made the excitement pretty easy to … Continued
We are already in our groove! I’ll have to admit that though I love “unplugging” in the summertime, I do love aspects of technology. One favorite is that it allows campers to sign up for activities well before their arrival…most camps do the registration we all remember from the “old days” at college. The first … Continued
Yesterday we celebrated Memorial Day with the arrival of the 2012 camp staff ! After nine months of planning, the start of orientation is a welcome beginning to summer. I have to admit, that I always get butterflies with camp’s opening and the flurry of last minute preparations and projects, but after our first evening … Continued
Those of you who have 17 year old sons (or have been a 17 year old son) know what it’s like to walk that balance of adventure seeking while staying safe. Our son, Turner is a junior in high school, and he is passionate about kayaking. His school’s outdoor program provides opportunities for adventure and … Continued
Camp Illahee is set in the quiet town of Brevard, NC and those of you who have been to camp here know how fun it is to walk down Main Street and visit our shops and enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream sundaes at Rocky’s old fashioned soda counter. There is a definite buzz … Continued
It’s been a great weekend getting ready for camp! On Friday afternoon one of our kindest camp friends and neighbors Miss Nancy, had Kris, Caroline, Gretchen and me over for a “ladies lunch” and for a chance to preview the needlework projects that she is planning for the summer. True to her camp roots, she … Continued
After our leadership planning and brainstorming sessions of the weekend, we have gotten down to the “nitty gritty” with camp preparation. The Parent Handbooks are on their way to all camper families and the Ship’s Store and activity sign-up forms are up and running on the website! We can’t wait to see what activities that … Continued
