The Caffeine-Fueled Countdown

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We are days away from starting our staff orientation, and our director team is buzzing with excitement (and caffeine). It’s been a year of preparation, and while some might say we are at the finish line, we are actually just picking up the baton (hence the caffeine addictions).

Our incredible “Office Baddies,” Kaylie and Gretchen, are currently the command center of camp. They are going over camper forms and arrival details with a fine-tooth comb, ensuring our medical and kitchen teams have every detail they need to keep your campers safe and fueled.

But their work goes way beyond spreadsheets. They’ve already spent hours stocking the “just in case” closet with extra toiletries and linens. They know that a forgotten toothbrush shouldn’t stand in the way of a great first night, so they’ve built a safety net that ensures every camper can stay focused on the fun, not the “forgotten.” It’s their way of thinking of the little things so that you don’t have to.

While the paperwork is moving, Walker and Amanda are focused on the people. They’ve been living in the parent and camper questionnaires, taking notes on the small stuff that makes a big difference—like which camper might be nervous about the swim evaluation or who is coming to camp not knowing a single soul. They’ve spent the last few days on the phone with families and incoming counselors, making sure the “hand-off” from home to camp is a smooth one. They’re essentially building the support system that will, in turn, support your kids.

Out on camp, Parker and Rylie are already hands-on with our specialized staff. They aren’t just looking at lesson plans; they’re out there checking every belay device, mending and replacing tripping gear, and making sure the mountain bike trails are clear. They’re focused on the “how”, making sure that when a camper tries something for the first time, the equipment is ready, safety policies are known, and the staff knows exactly how to coach them through those first-day jitters.

Meanwhile, JG is splitting his time between the hum of power tools and the kitchen. He’s working with our facility team to put the final touches on our new building projects (we can’t wait for you to see them) while also collaborating with the kitchen crew. They’re currently finalizing a menu that is actually designed for hungry kids, making sure the food is something they’ll look forward to after a long day in the sun.

Supporting that effort is a crew of 10 early staff arrivals who are doing the heavy lifting to get the grounds ready. They’ve been splitting firewood, painting, picking up sticks, and pressure washing every corner of camp. From deep-cleaning the cabins to clearing the trails, they are the ones doing the “final push” to make sure the facility looks and feels like home the second you pull down the drive.

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