Greetings from Hilltop. We’re thrilled to have our Second Session campers safely on the island and settling into life at camp. The energy is high, the counselors are ready, and the feeling of new beginnings is in the air. There’s nothing quite like the first evening of a session—equal parts joyful, bustling, and full of promise.
Travel today, for the most part, went remarkably smoothly. Most flights arrived on time or close to it, and we were able to keep our schedule intact across the board. Families from Los Angeles experienced a hiccup with a flight cancellation announced yesterday, but the rebooking only delayed things by about an hour, and the campers took it in stride.
Once on Orcas, we moved straight into camp life. Boats docked, campers gathered for our first flags circle of the session, and then we all enjoyed dinner together on the Lodge deck, newly expanded and already well-loved.
Afterward, we gathered on the stairs for a few words of welcome and orientation, before everyone headed off to cabins and tents to unpack and begin building the community that will grow over the weeks to come.
Tomorrow we’ll continue with orientation, introductions, and traditions. By Thursday morning, we’ll be fully in the groove—classes underway, routines forming, and that special kind of camp magic starting to take root.
We know the first night can bring a swirl of emotions—excitement, nerves, and a touch of homesickness, too. That’s true for parents as well as campers. Part of what makes camp so meaningful is the chance it offers kids to take a step toward independence in a setting that’s nurturing, safe, and designed just for them. These little leaps prepare them for the bigger transitions down the road, and we’re honored to help guide them through it.
In the meantime, there are plenty of ways to stay connected. The best one is also the most timeless: letters. A handwritten note, especially one with thoughtful, camp-focused questions—“What’s your cabin like?” “Did you pass the swim test?” “What’s been the best part of your session so far?”—can go a long way in keeping the conversation going across the miles.
And yes, we’ll be mixing in a bit of tech, too. If you haven’t already, check out our Instagram Stories—we posted our first update of the session tonight, and we’ll be sharing one every day while campers are here. All stories will be saved to a highlight for easy access. Our weekly blog posts will continue as well, with the next one going up this coming Sunday, July 27th. And if you’d like a more direct update, Daphne and the office team are just a phone call away and always happy to help.
Thank you for the trust you place in us—it means the world. We’re so glad to have your campers with us and so excited for everything this session holds.
Here’s to a summer full of laughter, friendship, community, and adventure.