We’re T-2 days until the gates open for the most precious cargo the camp road could ever host: campers! While we eagerly await their arrival, our team is busy getting all ends tied together and everything finalized for a perfect and safe summer.
Last night, I hopped from campsite to campsite and kept tabs on all the staff camp-outs. I may have snatched a burger or two when no one was looking. The dark Carolina night sky makes for the perfect cover as I sneak around and steal some s’mores. Who could blame me? Have you ever had a Merrie-Woode toasted marshmallow with melted chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers? It’s no ordinary s’more, I’ll assure you of that!
The cool weather was perfectly coupled with campfires and a clear, starry sky. It was, dare I say, picture perfect. Only, I can’t use flash on my camera in the woods, so you’ll just have to trust me on this one! All of the campsites are fully stocked and ready for some unforgettable nights with our best friends. We’re also so excited to remind everyone of the addition of Pony Lodge to our camping sites. I hang around with my horse friends at night in the warm stables, so it’s nice to have so many campers soon to be nearby! All five campsites are great, but this one is easily my favorite.
Today, counselors found out who’s in their cabins and they’re so excited. Without spoiling it, let’s just say that things look stacked! All of the activity heads have gathered all their summer materials and prepped for maximum fun. I can’t put into words what a feeling it is to see camp coming alive in the most energetic of ways. We missed the laughter echoing off of Old Bald and through the cabin lines.
We ended the night with an open mic and watched as our counselors showcased some exceptional talents form tap dancing to banjo playing. It makes me even more excited for the talent nights throughout the summer!
As much as camp as a whole will be the same, amazing environment it’s always been, some things on Opening Day will look different this year. Rest assured, it’s for the safety and well-being of everyone in our community at-large. Trust me, I love seeing the happy parents on Opening Day. But in these new and unprecedented times, camp has to make some sacrifices in order to operate smoothly and safely. Parents may be on the outside of the gates all of this summer, but I promise to be the eyes and ears on your behalf—on Opening Day and every day after.
One thing that I, Tajar, will ensure happens: beds will be made! Parents love to help their campers set up their bunks (and it’s so cute to watch) but, with the drop-off style of this summer’s Opening Day, this isn’t feasible this year. On that note, counselors and staff all together have taken on the challenge of setting up cabins in a top-notch fashion. Leave it to us! And, to further prove how smoothly things are deep in our corner of the woods, I may just have to upload a ton of cabin pictures from day one!
Speaking of pictures, there may be less this year than in year’s past. Please don’t equate this with less fun happening here at camp. Put simply, to facilitate social distancing and masking up, our environment this year is not as much of a perfect photo op! Camp will be just as fun (in fact, we have two summers worth of joy to experience these next few weeks) but the pictures may be in less abundance.
Not to worry, you will still see your camper’s sweet face! And, if too many days pass without a sighting, please email us at jim@merriewoode.com and we will get that sorted out quickly!
See ya soon,
Tajar
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