Alumnae Sparks, I Am Delighted to Pass the Torch to Long-Time Camper and Staff Member Sarah Goodman Brown (1990S-2010S)

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 appreciated by our campers when measured by the 1,868 campers who are attending, the 373 A Letter campers on the wait list, the 183 senior campers, and 93% of them booking a year in advance. fromJimboy 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.

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