SmokeSignals Blog

There is lots of winter excitement around camp this week. Something about the holidays makes

people think of summer, so we’re hearing from more campers, and even more staff. Katy Robb (the

older) is visiting this weekend. She’s promised to let us know whether she can return to camp by

next Tuesday, so give her a call and talk her into it if you can!

We’re also beginning to make plans for the upcoming staff reunion. Anne Archer and Claire Kelly

are taking the lead on putting this together. At last count we had about 30 people set to attend.

It should be a great, though probably cold, weekend!

In other news, we’re building a new cabin for married housing. It is by the old chimney behind

the archery range. It is going to have a great view from the front porch. The tough thing is

naming it. Any ideas?

From The Mailbag

Maggie Taylor wrote saying, “Wow just looking at the webpage makes me miss camp immensely! I miss

seeing all you beautiful girls with smiles that add sweet sunshine to my day. So I know it is still

November, but we put up our Christmas tree today. Since my sister and I will be going home during

Christmas holidays, we decided to put up the tree now to get as much holiday decorating time as

possible!” >From Katie Robb (the younger) we hear “My homecoming dance is tonight and I’m really

excited, just got my hair done and everything! I miss everyone so much and counting down the days

till next summer, love you all!” Homecoming should be easy after Rockmont! Rachel S. wrote to say,

“Hey y’all! I miss camp so much! It’s already starting to snow some here in KY. It never really

sticks, but man is it COLD! I can’t wait for summer. It seems so far away! I can’t wait to go to

camp for a whole month. Tonight my academic team has a tournament and tomorrow I try out for all

district band! Wish me luck!” Finally, Jillian C. shared, “I miss camp so much. So far this year I

have gone to this leadership forum on national security. It was really eye-opening. I can’t wait

until June. I have to miss some camp because my school is weird and gets out really late. But I

still can’t wait until summer for Sunnyside year.”

We can’t wait either.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

It has finally gotten cold at camp and we are hoping for a little more snow this year. Maybe

we’ll even get some for the upcoming staff reunion after Christmas. Either way it is sure to be a

cold visit for the staff coming. It’s funny that when things get cold people start thinking about

camp. We’ve heard from a lot of you but our favorite bit of news is that both Brie Owens and Anna

Woodson both signed up to be back on staff this summer.

From The mail bag

Sammy G. wrote to say, “I’m totally camp sick! I made my school soccer team so I’m pretty excited

about that! I can’t wait any longer for camp to start back up again in the summer, but we still

have like 7 more months! UGH! Well, I can’t wait till then!” Emily M. feels the same way. “I am SO

camp sick! I am on the computer at school every morning watching videos, reading smoke signals. I

wish it were summer already! I’m counting the days!” Meg M. picked up on the same theme. “I’m so

camp sick already, my friends are already annoyed with all my talk about Merri-Mac! Our volleyball

season ended about a month and a half ago but I made a travel team which will start soon and I’m

playing lacrosse. I miss everyone so much; I can’t wait till this summer.” Finally, Lee B. chimed

in saying, “I have been talking like crazy with all of my Seminole girls about this summer! I have

seriously been waiting for this all my life and it’s going to be the best ever. You all are always

in my thoughts and I miss you so much! I am so jealous that some of you live near camp and get to

visit! I have been having lots of dreams about camp and it’s making me so sad! I am totally

camp-sick! My life is going well, I am so busy with school and getting ready for track and lacrosse

seasons but I am loving it! Its already really cold up here in Connecticut, I am so jealous of all

my southern girls! Well, I love camp and all of you girls so much! There isn’t a day that goes by

that I don’t wish I could fast forward and be with all of you!”

We feel the same way!

From this Haven…

Adam and Ann

We’re back on the road seeing more camp families. Monday night we were in Atlanta with Carlin S. and Thursday night we will be back for a Merri-Mac reunion at The Chastain Horse Park at 6:30. Everyone is invited so please come and bring a friend. You can find directions at http://chastainhorsepark.org/directions.php.

We’ve been getting lots of requests from campers looking to buy Merri-Mac gifts for friends and I think we’ve found something that will fit the bill. Madison and Nick AmRhein’s parents have begun a new jewelry business and are offering some wonderful Merri-Mac and Timberlake designs. You can see them at www.steelxpressions.com.

From the Mail Bag!

The AmRheins also shared that they are in new schools and a Marching Band. It’s been a busy fall for them! Mary Page Boyd is also in a new school where she sees Brianna D. and Alli B. every day. Chelsea D. wrote to say, “Hey Merri-Mac family! I miss you all so much! The college process is in full swing for me, and I am anxiously waiting to hear back from Wake Forest. If all goes as I pray it will, I will be back at camp this summer to be a JC. Best wishes to everyone in school this year J” Finally, Emily M. also wrote saying, “It’s only October and I’m already camp sick! I have one of my friends coming to Merri Mac next year, and she’s very excited. Singing is still going well, I have the talent show tomorrow! Wish me luck!” Isn’t it more lucky to say “break a leg” in show business? Either way we’re sure you’ll do great.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann