It’s safe to say that on the eve of July 20th, the bunks at Camp Starlight were filled with pure excitement and energy. Visiting Day is one of the most anticipated days of the summer, and with good reason; it’s the day where campers and their families are finally reunited, in a party of laughing, crying, and eating.
With the day finally here and the excitement levels high, our campers began the day with the annual visiting day singalong. You could barely hear Jeff Moss on the mic over the sounds of the entire camp singing along to their most favorite camp songs as they anxiously awaited the arrival of their parents. With the grand finale of Celebrate (an all time camp favorite) it was time to head back to the bunks and prepare for the moment that campers and their parents have been waiting so long for.
As cars filled with gifts, candy and excited parents began to pull into the camp road, the parking lot quickly filled up with parents and their families eager to secure a spot along the blue rope. 11 o’clock couldn’t come soon enough, as the lineup of moms, dads, grandparents and siblings, continued to grow. They’re carefully counting down the seconds until they are able to run and greet their kids for the first time in weeks. As soon as the tape is cut, Camp Starlight is instantly flooded with hundreds of people: The sight is like no other.
Once the hugs were hugged and the tears shed, it was time to enjoy the day, with many families opting to set up along the grass facing Starlight’s beautiful lake. Campers put on a visiting day show and dance feature for all to see. Chef and the entire kitchen staff spoiled everyone with a delicious barbecue lunch, packed with hot dogs, delicious burgers and the most amazing grilled chicken. Although many campers were already too full from the mouth watering treats that their parents brought from home.
Most activities are available to partake in, including tennis, Gaga, volleyball, and, with temperatures reaching well into the 90’s, a visiting day first – free swim in the lake, allowing campers and their families to cool off and relax in the lake together and catch a break from the heat.
Fortunately, this is not only an opportunity for families to reunite, but for parents to finally meet the counselors who have been watching over their kids this summer.
Sadly, all things that are happy and exciting must come to an end. At 4:00 in the afternoon, the families must say goodbye as they wish campers a great second half of the summer, All campers are incredibly glad that they were able to invite their loved ones to Camp Starlight for the day, and can’t wait to tell everyone at home about the incredible summer that they experienced this year.
We are thrilled to be welcoming Courtney back as our camp photographer for her second summer at Camp Starlight! Read below to see some of her favorite photos from summer 2018. 
Camp Memories 2018
My favorite memory at camp is the first day. We all sat down at picnic table. We all said hi and played some games to get to know each other better. Camp is a place to make strangers into BFFs! I will never forget my first day at camp. My first summer ever!
In a world where third graders have cell phones and middle school students are striving to be “Insta-famous,” it’s no wonder teachers, and parents are noticing that students lack basic interpersonal skills needed to be successful in the real world. This is why more and more adults are actively looking for ways for young people in their lives to connect with others and improve their communication skills. Camp Starlight is a great option for students not only to spend the summer having fun and trying new things but also provides a safe space for them to work on their interpersonal skills, meet new people and build relationships organically.
When was the last time you wrote a handwritten letter? When was the last time you went out to the mailbox to find a handwritten letter addressed to you? If you are like most people, receiving a letter in the mailbox instead of an inbox is a special treat to be treasured. The idea that someone took the time to sit down and put their thoughts to you on paper, find an envelope, a stamp and get it out into the mailbox is something to be admired in this fast-paced world, which is what makes receiving mail so special.
Written by Hayden (Lakehouse B)
The campers who arrive at camp are not the same campers who go home at the end of the summer. After weeks playing, exploring, dancing, connecting, singing, running and trying new things, they leave camp better than they arrive. There is so much change and growth that happens between the first day and the last day. The first day of camp often looks very similar to the last day of camp, but for very different reasons.