SPARKS Why They Come Camp is more popular than ever. Period. This is a shocking fact; think about it: In 95 years, camp has NEVER been more keenly A Letter appreciated by our campers when measured by the 1,868 campers who are attending, the 373 from campers on the wait list, the 183 senior campers, and 93% of them booking a year in advance. Jimboy The question to ask is “Why?” Is it the facility? The program? The t-shirts, overnight movies, concerts? No (camp has always excelled in many of these areas). Is it our wonderful Christ-centered lifestyle? I think this is more powerful than any of the other things and probably represents the heart of the answer. The reason for camp’s popularity relates to meeting the most profound need that children face in this amazingly technological world. Camp makes us live with each other the “old fashioned” way… centered in Christ. At camp we unplug (something that is hard to do) and are forced to make friends, resolve arguments, discuss real things, and even just sit together and not say anything as we enjoy a spectacular sunset. Living a good life with a real community that is not diluted by a virtual community is profound. The girls yearn for this connection, and when EVERYONE unplugs and simply lives together, the results are compelling. Tim Keller, a favorite pastor of mine once said “You are the generation most afraid of real community because it inevitably limits freedom and choice. Get over your fear.” Camp is more popular than ever and this trend will continue to grow in the generation to come if we continue to provide real community. It is what our children fear; and it is what they most desire. There are many things that I can not promise about the summer experience ten years from now, but there is something that I can promise: We will not allow technology to buffer the camper connection to this community. Most importantly, we can promise that Christ will be at the center of it all as we become a shining light to an increasingly dark world.

1 After 19 years as editor of the Alumnae Sparks, I am delighted to pass the torch to long-time camper and staff member Sarah Goodman Brown (1990s-2010s). As part of her full-time work as Greystone’s Head Counselor, Sarah is already doing a superb job writing the camper Sparks. Meet I am excited about my new role as Greystone’s historian. I will be working with Sarah to upload information about Greystone’s history to the camp’s website. I hope you enjoy what we have recently uploaded: camp memories that many of you contributed in conjunction with Greystone’s the Editor 75th year reunion in 1994. This is just a start, and I encourage you to visit the website’s alumnae section often to see it evolve and to network with other alumnae. In addition, I will continue to be involved with the Alumnae Sparks by writing an article for each issue.

I wish to again thank Deanie Walburn Strength (1980s-90s) for the exceptionally strong foundation that she laid for my years as Alumnae Sparks editor. Deanie’s monumental work in 1994 planning the 75th year reunion and organizing Greystone’s archives was a gift to us all.

I smile as I think that in only five years we will be celebrating Greystone’s 100th year. I am so thankful to God for the many blessings that I have received through Greystone, for the lifelong friendships I made there, and the difference Greystone continues to make in my life each day. Elizabeth Abernathy (1960s-80s, 2010)

Alumnae Website Update Alumnae Networking

Check the fully updated Alumnae page on our website, which As part of our new website update, we have started a Reconnect includes lists of past Banquets, Odds vs. Evens scores, pictures with Alumnae section, allowing alumnae to network with each from each decade, and more. Also, visit our Alumnae page other. Written a book? Looking for a resource in a particular to submit your camp memories, letting us know what you field? Come find your Greystone friends! Visit the “Reconnect remember most from your summer days at Greystone. with Alumnae” page to have your information added.

2 3 July 4th at Greystone always begins with the morning flag raising, then continues with singing patriotic songs and “Hail, Greystone, Hail” at breakfast. The schedule for the remainder of the In the late 1980s, the Carnival became a new July 4 tradition. For the late afternoon parade along the main road, campers July 4th day has changed over the years. from each tentalow and cabin dress according to the theme (for example, one late 1980s theme was “Refrigerator”). Since the 1990s, Jimboy has staged spectacular fireworks evening programs. Until the mid-1960s, Challenge Day was held on July 4th. Odd-Even competition consisted of at Greystone landsports in the morning and watersports in the afternoon. After the softball game, campers were excited to be served Cokes for the only time during the eight (later seven) week session.

4 5 the 2013 Great Day Fund Donors

In memory of JimDaddy, The Great Day Fund was Ding How $5,000-$10,000 established in 2010 as a way to help campers who Daniel and Adair Sturdivant Bard could not afford a summer at Greystone. JimDaddy inspired us to trust God, do good, live in the land, and cultivate faithfulness in the Lord. He loved to surprise friends with gifts, and always wanted to Bless This Camp $1,000-$4,999 provide for those in need. Katherine Urevig, The Ashmore Foundation, Maria Kelce Crowley, Through the Community Foundation of Henderson Carter Harrison Glenn County, the Great Day Fund provides camperships for girls – both new and current camp families – who are in need of financial assistance. In the 4 years Pines So Bold $500-$999 since the fund was started, we have raised a total of $193.905. As a result, $7235.00 will be awarded in Ann Denson, Andy and Elizabeth Green Ausband camperships for this summer! Most of our fundraising efforts have been accomplished through our yearly Alumnae Reunion Happy Am I $100-$499 weekends held in October. With 100% of the Alumnae gifts from this weekend being donated, it has grown Pikes Peak Community Foundation on behalf of Dr. and Mrs. James E. Strub, Jerry into a significant way to grow the fund. In addition, and Kristi Kessler Walters, Robert and Murray Cheves Thompson, Matthew and there are steady donations that come in throughout Allyson Lee Stone, Frank and Katherine Mahon Robinson, Charlie and Heidi Strub the year. Nelson, Laura Meherg, Fred and Laura Sisk Luquire, John and Duggan Childers Lansing, Bill and Sara Kesten Howell, Scott and Betsy Dodenhoff Howard, Keith We are SO thankful for each and every donation and and Elizabeth McLaughin Hope, Katherine Hanemann, Jane Finney, Jeff and for our wonderful Alumnae support! Over the years to come, many girls will be touched by the gifts you Need an easy way to help the Great Joanie Johnson Erbskorn, Anne Edmunds, Emily Edmondson, Jamie and Patty are giving today! Friend Douglass, Jimmy and Ashley Brinson Cusack, Fran Crook, Shea and Diane Day Fund? The company Name Rose Conley, John and Katie Davidson Chastain, Dean and Catherine McLaughlin Bubbles (www.namebubbles.com) Castaldo, Nils and Sims Hammond Bouwmeester, Jenna Thomas Black, Jeanne Have a GREAT day, donates 20% of your purchase to the Ashmore, Elizabeth Abernathy, David and Beth Vining, Kaitlin Nagle Bomar, Rebecca Marshburn, Caleb S. Phillips, Amy Leone, Zirconia Missionary Baptist Katie Great Day Fund when using the code the Great GREATDAY at checkout. Church, Chris and Beth Bennett Haga, Farrell and Jill Mendelsohn Day Fund Smile Smile $1-$99 Mabel’s Labels Inc., Margaret Bell, Lindsey Hardegree

6 7 Great Day Alumnae Reunion September 27 - 29, 2013

Opening Night Spaghetti Flag Crafts Breakfast Club Great Day 5K Ring Tennis Taco in a Bag Riflery Canoeing Party Barge rides Story time with Libby Banquet & Awards Talent Show Campfire & S’mores Church We Raised $9,000 for the Great Day Fund!

Women’s Men’s 1st Place: Besty Howard 1st Place: Gervais Hollowell 2nd Place: Ashley Cusack 2nd Place: Rob Brown 3rd Place: Sarah Brown 3rd Place: Jimboy Miller

30’s Winner: Sims Bouwmeester 40’s Winner: Jenna Black Upper 40’s Winners: Elizabeth Ausband & Laura Hollowell (tie) Senior Winners: Duggan Lansing & Jeanne Ashmore (tie)

8 9 The thrill of seeing old friends and expectations One of the things that impressed me My summers at Greystone were the most of another fun summer sparked our excitement. the most when I was at Greystone were important part of my growing up. No We rushed to check the familiar things and new the times we would be awakened in the other influence in my life can touch that additions. I remember Sunday “whites,” Dr. middle of the night to have a big wiener of Greystone in character building and Sevier’s favorite “Follow the Gleam,” Virginia’s roast and then go for a walk along Lake spiritual development. I treasure my days crafts and John 3:16, Henri and Claire, lifesaving Summit in the moonlight. That was in spent there and have encouraged my and swim meets, the competition of Odds & 1933, and I wonder if they still do that. I children to give their children the same Evens, being a left handed fencer, pageants, loved everything about Greystone, the experience. awards banquet, campfires-being always busy. counselors, trips to Pisgah in the back of We loved it all. a large truck, dancing classes by Henri, Laura Nance McCaughrin Pickens horseback riding, , the lake. A beautiful spot to spend a summer. (1920’s) Jane Barton Street (1930’s) Dorothy Colmery Webster (1930’s)

Camp Greystone “Smile, Smile” Founded, 1920 Written in 1931 Festival of the Cherry Peter Pan, Never Never Blossoms Banquet, Land Banquet, 1927 1936 First Summer in Tuxedo, 1922 1932 Olympics 1920 1930

10 11 I remember being the Queen, and all of the hydrangeas. I loved Banquet. I remember We used to go to camp for two months, from I loved everything about the sleepovers at Grey Lodge, where mid-June to mid-August. One of the best parts Greystone! I was in L5 my first year, we cooked dinner over an open fire. I about getting to camp was taking the train. We and Jo Durrett was my counselor. I remember riding in the flat-bed truck to go would board in Mobile and then stop in all of the would say that she was my favorite at Lake Summit. little towns in Alabama and Georgia as we headed counselor, probably because towards North Carolina, picking up campers Vaughan Inge Morrissette she was such a great, fun counselor along the way. Once we reached the top of the and got me off to such a good start! mountain, they loaded us into open flat-bed 1940’s I learned many activities... trucks (with all of our luggage) and drove us into archery, ring tennis, riflery, sailing the gates of Greystone. etc etc etc! The best thing that I learned was the Greystyone In the late 1940’s, there was a polio scare across What you’re up to now: the United States. That summer, they locked the Spirit and that concept continues to serve me well! My favorite gates of camp – no one could come in or leave. I live in Mobile, AL, and have loved Greystone since the They even had to leave the food at the front gate. memories are of the friends that 1940’s. Three generations of my family have attended Camp was even extended for the North Carolina I made there, Libby Miller being a campers to help keep them safe, as polio was very Greystone, with my grandchildren attending now. very important one! scary.

My best friend at camp was Dilly Jones. I was the Dilly Johnson Jones captain of the Evens (at 14 years old) and she was the captain of the Odds. We ended up rooming Camper: 1945-48; Counselor: 1970-71 together at Sweetbriar College, and we keep in touch to this day. She is one of my dearest Land of Oz friends. Banquet, 1951 Libby Hanna, Best All Around in 1954 Odds & Evens Tie “Bless This Camp” with 1,912 Points Written in 1952 1940 1950

12 13 I am the Director of The Center for Community Preservation and Planning (www.centernewton.org). I am married to Gary Brown and have 6 children. My daughters attended and worked at Greystone for many years: Martha Lee is currently in Charleston, SC, working at Elliott Davie and applying to nursing school; Catherine Lee is currently in Columbia, MO, working for Mizzou and beginning her PhD.

Interesting fact about you: I fell off the dining room porch and broke my arm.

Favorite Evening Program: Song Contest

Best Camp Memory: Talking to my friends Irene Koerner and Peggy Campbell The night the astronauts landed on the moon - July 1969 - was incredible. The event occurred in the middle Favorite Activity Area: Land Sports, Ring Tennis, in particular. I of the night, so the campers were in bed. But many of was the BOMB! the counselors walked to the edge of Lake Edith - and looked up at the full moon shining on the water below Favorite Counselor: Deanie York - and were stirred with the awe of both God & man’s accomplishments. Something you learned at camp for the first time: Canoeing, skiing, Joann Craig Mitchell “The Mountains, the Something you remember about camp: Nothing beat the anticipation of waiting to hear Mrs. Hanna’s remarks at Valleys,” written 1967 Council Fire. Kay Barfield Lee Jim Miller IV Snow White Moon Landing Banquet 1966 Camper - 1960-1968, staff - 1986 Born 1963 1969 1960

14 15 I still think my blood is not red, but green and gold. I live in Naples, I live in Houston with my husband Sam and our daughters Alice and FL. I’ve loved all my previous professions: Kindergarten Teacher, Sallie. I am the Publisher of Bright Sky Press. I like to read, cook and Preschool Director, Southeast Divisional Sales Leader for Creative exercise, but I seem to spend most of my free time watching my family Memories and of course…Camp Greystone Counselor! I am play sports. currently retired (meaning no official paycheck) and enjoying new activities, one being my new sweet granddaughter Macie Kate Interesting fact about you: I worked with Jackie O. McDougal. Her mom, my daughter, is a Greystone Girl too, Kristen Etzel. Favorite Evening Program: Counselor Dating Game

Favorite Tradition: The first one that comes to mind is Penpals. I Best Camp Memory: Picking blackberries in a thicket below Jim and LOVED getting that hand written letter from Mrs. Hanna with the Libby’s house and getting the kitchen to make them into a cobbler. I name and address of my pen pal. I still keep up with 2 of my Pen also loved watching Pollyanna at all-day assembly on banquet day and Pals! Audrey Smith Feuerbacher and Julie Wallace Johnston. having a Coke and a foot-long hotdog for lunch.

Best Camp Memory: Reading the Hiding Place before attending Funniest Camp Memory: making a shower with our buckets outside of camp one summer (1973) and meeting Corrie Ten Boom who led cabin 7 the year there was a drought and the shower house was closed. me to the Lord. What a lifelong blessing. I still follow Corrie Ten Boom on Facebook. Her quotes are timeless.  Favorite thing to order at candy shoppe: frozen Marathon bar

Something you learned at camp for the first time: Does anyone Anything else you’d like to share: The summer before my mother died, remember the Typing Hut? Yes, there was one! Mary McConnell my girls had just come back from camp for the first time. We went taught typing! She played the piano and we typed to the beat. I to my parents house for dinner, and afterward we all sat at the table can still remember typing A-K-A-Space, Semi-P-Semi! (semi’s and sang camp songs. Even though my girls didn’t get much time with were the semicolon key!) I can still her voice saying that out loud their grandmother, their experience at Greystone and the traditions and she played and we typed. It was a SERIOUS CLASS! But, I and values they shared keeps them very connected. I love that. I never learned to TYPE! understood what Mrs. Hanna, Libby and Jim meant when they said we The World of Pooh would appreciate camp more and more as we got older, but now I do. It “Libby’s Song” Banquet 1970 Kim Lafferty Etzel continues to be a blessing in my family’s life. written 1975 Camper: 1969 – 1976; Staff - 1981 Lucy Herring Chambers Main Camp Play “The 1976 Bicentennial 1972-1983 Music Man” 1971 Celebration 1970

16 17 I live in lovely and historic Charleston, I live in Charlotte, North Carolina SC. I am happily married to Matt Tillman, with my husband, Jerry, my 2 one of the kindest and most unselfish year old daughter, Robyn, and our The Ashmore Family (we number men that I know. Together, we have three yellow lab, Lilly. I am an attorney at 19 in all) have been coming to children, Thomas (9), Mary (6) and Sally Parker Poe Adams and Bernstein, Greystone since 1980. We ran (3). We also have a delightfully neurotic where in addition to specializing in the Riding program from 1980- Old English Sheepdog named Drover. 1994. My husband Jerry built employment law, I serve as the firm’s Best Camp Memory:Two things particularly stand out to me: the Greystone Barn in 1990. My Chief Talent Officer. I love to travel, read, sing, cook, first, the thrill of acquiring a bright red leotard especially to daughter Lisa was involved all those spend time with my family and visit camp! pack and wear to gymnastics at camp...this was my first year; years with running the Riding program and met her I was 8 years old, and I wore that thing every single day of Interesting fact about you: I have travelled to Africa husband at camp. camp as I journeyed to the (then) brand-new, state of the art twice to build classrooms at an amazing school called gymnastics facility. My second favorite memories are of the Renguti. I plan to travel there again in February. Favorite Counselor: Libby. We are about the same thrill and adventure of traveling out of camp to canoe down age, and we clicked from the first moment we met in Funniest Camp Memory: Calling home from the pay local rivers. I believe I learned a great deal about myself and 1978. Our common interest was horses, our children my abilities as I navigated the Nantahala! phone in the Hostess Cabin to tell my parents that I and our faith. We are great friends today!!! We enjoy had been tapped and my Dad asking, “Are you ok?” talking about the “Good Ole Days”. Most coveted camp award received: My senior year as a camper, inspired by Jim Daddy’s excellent speech about Favorite Activity Area: Horseback riding with Momma Notable Camp Memories: Jimboy (at age 15-16) Jeanne Ashmore setting goals, I resolved to take and pass levels in two worked for me in the barn for 2 years in Stable Mgmt. classes that I had hitherto avoided. The first, ironically, was and later 1 yr. as a Riding Instructor. He always wore gymnastics...I had not darkened the door of the gym since Something you learned at camp for the first time: this silly hat that had horsey ears. I asked him one day How to shoot a gun! that first red-leotarded summer. The second class was why did he wear that silly hat. His reply, “The horses tennis. Both sports involve a certain level of co-ordination will think I am one of them and they will like me.” that I frankly do not possess. However, with great effort and Kristi Kessler Walters much kind instruction from David Vining and Derek Galvin, Jeanne Ashmore I managed to pass the beginner *and* advanced beginner Camper: 1982-86 Staff: 1986-88; 2006-present 1984 1980-1994; 1998-present 1985 Fiddler on the levels in both classes. Shazam. Greystone’s Roof Banquet 1981 Libby receives 65th Summer Ainsley Fisher Tillman Council Fire Torch Camper: 1984-1991; Counselor: 1993 – 1998; 2012 - present

1980

18 19 I am from Lakeland, Florida, but I have I am a Licensed Mental Health I teach writing class at Penn State and spent the last 15 years in Cumming, Counselor in private practice. I help direct the graduate and faculty Georgia. I am married to David, the only also have an eco-friendly gift store ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ man in the world willing to put up with Go Gator Green and am a Broker with my husband. I love writing-- our crazy family! We have 8 children - Associate with Keller Williams Realty especially blogging and novels. I have four boys and four girls (Maxton 14, Jack and sell Thirty One! I am married to two beautiful daughters and two cats. 13, Mary-Madden 12, Josh 10, Libby 9, J.O. Spengler and have 2 children My favorite thing is telling others about Jesus. Walker 8, Witt 6, and Finley 3). We love Caroline 10 (a camper), and Matthew 8. I love running! coming back as a family every year to family camp! Interesting fact about you: I read grammar books for Funniest Camp Memory: Carrying a very heavy fun. I love semicolons and vivid verbs. Interesting fact about you: I had the privilege of getting package back to my cabin only to have my camper married at camp at the end of my last summer on open it up and say “look at the cute bear my friend Funniest Camp Memory: Counselor Talent Show skits or staff. sent!” A few red flags went up and I picked it up and it the night I tried to help a mother cat find a place to have weighed at least 5 lbs! It had been stuffed full of candy her kittens. Favorite Activity Area: Tennis - even in the liquid and sewn back together. sunshine. Something you learned at camp for the first time: How Favorite Activity Area: The craft activities incredible authentic community is. And how Jesus could Something you learned at camp for the first use me in the lives of other people. time: That friendship transcends age. Interesting Fact: My husband J.O. was at camp from 1980-1998 (we met at Greystone!) He was inducted Best Camp Memory: Coming up with the motions for Interesting Fact: My niece, Caroline Madden, into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame this past fall Big House! worked as a Junior Camp counselor this receiving the Fame for Fitness award in recognition summer. She is a sophomore at the Florida of his “outstanding contribution and commitment Anything else you’d like to share: I am the woman I am State University. Her favorite memory from to fighting childhood obesity and children’s today because of the wisdom of JimDaddy, Jimboy, working at camp this summer was meeting all diabetes”. He was the first non-professional athlete Libby, and Laura. Working closely with them for six the wonderful Junior Campers and remembering to be inducted. summers shaped my entire adult life. what it was like to experience the magic that The Little Mermaid Mariah Brown Spengler: happens at a girl’s first trip to Camp Greystone! Banquet 1993 Heather Elizabeth Brown Holleman Elisabeth Madden Pehrson 1992 Jimboy 1994-2000 1994-1999 1991-1998 becomes assistant 1997 The Blob was director added to camp. 1990

20 21 I am a freelance lighting I am currently working in Baghdad, designer in New York City, Iraq as a Foreign Service Officer for where I design lighting for the the State Department. Living here stage, television, and film. I is often hard and working security have one sister, Katie, who issues in Iraq doesn’t leave much was a camper as well. I am time for relaxing, but I love that I get originally from Augusta, GA. to meet with Iraqis on the street and Favorite Camp Food: Birthday Ball tomato pie senior officials on important issues. and Banquet mac and cheese Most coveted camp award received: A fishing award Mr. Pete and Mr. Mac gave me for being their Best Camp Memory: When I was in Cabin 4, it lifeguard after I cut a worm in half with my fingernail... rained so hard that we could not go to flag or something I insisted on my first day I would NEVER dinner. Instead of taking showers in the cabin, we do! Ok, so maybe not coveted at all, but I was excited!! all put on our bathing suits and took a shower outside in the pouring rain. Something you learned at camp for the first time: That everyday really can be great. My Funniest Camp Memory: One year during the Carnival bosses and colleagues often ask me how I can fireworks, one of the men staff rode a waterbike be so positive and smiley all of the time. They around the lake and the guys shot fireworks at him. are always surprised when I tell them it’s a choice One of them missed and landed in the trees near I make every morning when I wake up. I will be where my cabin was sitting. It was terrifying and forever grateful to camp and to JimDaddy for amazing all at the same time! teaching me a lesson that I know will continue to serve me for many years to come and helps Favorite Counselor: Kelly Carew (although she was me to inspire others to wake up every morning never my counselor!!) Virginia Waldrop Main Camp Play and decide that it is going to be a great day. Mary Ellen Stebbins wins Best All Around “Annie Get Your Gun” in 2007 2010 Elizabeth Gay Camper: 1995-2003; staff: 2005-present 2004 Aladdin Camper: 1995-04, Counselor: 2006-09 Greystone’s 95th Banquet summer in 2014 2000 2010 Greystone turns 100 in 2019 22 23 Greystone Daily Devotions Follow Along with Us: Did you know we post a new Greystone- Check out our blog (and subscribe!): http://www.campgreystone.com/news/ specific devotion every day, written by some of our former campers and counselors? It is Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campgreystone Happening a wonderful way to get a daily “taste” of the Greystone bubble throughout the year. You Instagram: http://instagram.com/campgreystone can even subscribe, having the devotion Now delivered to your e-mail each morning. Visit Twitter: https://twitter.com/CampGreystone the Devotions section on the News page to read along. Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/campgreystone/ Greystone Songs

Want to sing along with your favorite Greystone songs? Visit the Songs section on the News page to hear recorded versions of Join us at Greystone! our campers singing along to Greystone songs from years past. Interested in returning to your Greystone home? Many Greystone Alumnae spend a week-long adventure at camp, serving on our Junior Camp Staff. Contact Katie Miller Grant for more Greystone Daily Devotions information: [email protected]. Want to join us for our next Alumnae reunion? Contact Did you know we post a new Greystone-specific [email protected] to be added to the devotion every day, written by some of our former mailing list. The dates for the 2014 reunion are campers and counselors? It is a wonderful way October 3-5. to get a daily “taste” of the Greystone bubble throughout the year. You can even subscribe, Greystone Generations on the Web! having the devotion delivered to your e-mail each morning. Visit the Devotions section on the News Our Greystone Generations, the list of Greystone page to read along. alumnae connections to current Greystone girls, can now be found on our website. Check in to see which of your Greystone friends have family at camp today.

24 25 www.campgreystone.com