stories from camp

In Memory of Frankie

On Monday Frankie Hall’s niece, Paige French, called to let us know that Frankie had passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday morning, May 20th.    She had been diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and in typical Frankie fashion, she called it “kudzu.”  Always full of dry wit and a positive outlook, she … Continued

Happy New Year – Camp Style

Two campers reunite on opening day

It’s the beginning of a new season at Illahee- summer #97# BESTSUMMEREVER. A few years ago, we defined this time of year as the Busy Buzz of May! Our riding director, Sellers, arrives next Wednesday to wrangle the horses; Lifeguards take their first slide down the Streak on Thursday. Van drivers and trips’ staff will … Continued

Leading Lady

One of my favorite things about being Illahee’s newest guest blogger is I get to write about certain people who are not always mentioned in the updates, mostly because they are writing them. So April’s blog features camp director, Laurie Strayhorn- affectionately known as “mom”. If you know our family well, you also know our running … Continued

Roots That Grow

Campers enjoy campfire

It’s about time to dust off those trunks! Camp has been a bustle of activity in the last few weeks. I am not sure if it’s the sprouting of the daffodils and spring’s premature arrival, or just the anticipation of the best summer ever, but the team is full speed ahead. From bunk- bed making … Continued

Introducing…

Illahee's newest pup

It has taken us a week to choose a name for our newest camp “pup.” Ideas ranged from Fig, Sir Isaac, Squirrel, Scout, Buddy, Rufus, to Ranger, Pooh, Sunny, Oliver. So many Camp Illahee options! Gardner picked him up in Kentucky last Friday, and until yesterday, he has been “pup.” While updating the Illahee History, … Continued

Cold Feet Leads to Growth

Why the cold feet? We get it, and it’s a conversation we sometimes have around this time as campers feel the distance between their lives at home and their awesome memories of camp. Their experiences are a little fuzzier, and the smells and sounds of camp are no longer palpable. The jitters are creeping in, … Continued