SmokeSignals

124 Days and We'll be Back...

ann boyd — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:07:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Back to Good Ole Merri-Mac!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

The best news of the day is that Sassie Nick and Clare Sullivan will both be back on staff this summer. There are a couple of other old staff that are on the verge of signing up too so now is the time to call your favorites and be sure they are returning. The second best news is that we put the song book on line. Yes, now you can download your own copy of the Merri-Mac Song Book any time you want it. We'd also love to hear from you about what songs are missing. We'll be making periodic updates so just send us the lyrics and we'll get them in the next edition.

From the Mailbag:

Samantha J. wrote just to say hello and Lia S. wanted to say, "Hey guys! Comet '08 is going to be AMAZING!! I can't wait for camp this year. I've already started packing!! Every single night for the past month or so I''ve been dreaming about camp! No joke! Hope to see y'all soon!" Ellie W. has been sick (we hope she does not have the same flu that we've had!). Claire P. wrote to say thanks. "Thank you so much for putting the songbook online! It's been amazing singing those songs over and over again to my heart's content and remembering camp. Only 124 more days!" Finally, Lia wrote again to say, "Guess what? I brought my friend over to the camp meeting at my house in October and today she called to tell me that she is signing up! Yay!" We love having your friends join the Merri-Mac family, so yay indeed!

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

We welcome you in our way....Campers! Counselors and CA's!

ann boyd — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:15:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Friends at Merri-Mac!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

Merri-Mac is all about our friends and there are a lot of them coming. It would take WAY too long to list our campers so we thought we'd just give you the staff. This is not everyone who will be here but it's a great start!

So far this year we've hired Patti-O, Annie Singletary, Janie Southard and Leslie Loughran, Katy, Vanessa, Stephanie Nestor, Anna Woodson, Ann McShane, Abby Bouchon, Camille Chaumont, Logan Chaney, Alli Howard, Katie Lively, Hamsa Haddad, Anne Archer, Brittany Hogan, Elizabeth Beal, Sara Brennan, Grace Rickenbaker, Charlotte Flynn, Kelli Macqueen, Chelsea Dougherty, Lee Lee Taylor, Lindsay Brasington, Lauren Davis, Berkley Arakawa, Sallie Gurganus, Kay Robb, Haley Fulford, Sam Linhart, Alex Generales, Caitlin Stojcich, Molly Seeley, corbin Aiken, Karen Beauchene, Anna Fearheily, Gibbs, Rachel Holloway, Ruth Gibson, Maddy Perino, Elizabeth Webb, Sarah MacElhinney, Jan Bellows, Ashley Herndon, Eileen Rush, Ali Morgan, Kristen Mintz, Niki Swet, Sarah Rogers, Sara Beckwith, Jordan Winn, Casey Willard, Rachel Quinby, Victoria Rice, Autumn Breaux, Kristin Buckingham, Betsy Perkins, Lennon Dodson, Claire Kelly, Lauren Glazebrook, Mimi Dunn, and a posse of hostesses, nurses, trip staff and the like!

From The Mail Bag

We have heard from Alex H. who wrote to say, "I miss Merri-Mac so much and I can't wait to come back." You're not alone Alex! Also Erin B. wrote to say she has a new baby sister. Erin, tell your mother to let us know if we should go ahead and early enroll her for Tweedle Dee in 2014!

From this Haven...

Adam and Ann

We can't wait to see you all!

ann boyd — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:17:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Familiar Faces at Merri-Mac!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

The other day a new camper, Madison wrote saying, "I am so excited about camp! I have never been to camp - tell me more about camp. I am too excited to wait. I wish it was closer to summer!" The only answer we can give is to say, Madison, there's really no way to describe all the great things about Merri-Mac. It would be like trying to explain why you like your best friend. You can give some reasons but in the end you would have to meet them. So we can't wait for our new campers to meet our old campers, and that is going to happen very soon!

You can tell camp is coming soon because your parents just received their camper packets. This means that before long you will begin choosing your activities and getting your health forms filled out. You will also get to order all the new clothes we will have this summer. The two most exciting items may be the return of the flannel pants and... by popular demand...the Merri-Mac Beach Towel.

Yesterday we had something great happen. Ann, Adam, Stephen and Dan all took Katy Robb out to lunch and got her to commit to coming back! Yep, you heard it here. Katy will be back on staff. We're also still working on Morgan, so now would be a great time to call her. There are a few other great ones that we'd love to hear from so give your favorite staff a call and tell them you want them back this summer (and if you are a counselor deciding whether to come back, now is the time!).

See you at camp!

Adam and Ann

Throughout all our camp days...

ann boyd — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:03:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - We'll be pals true blue...

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

Staff is nearly full, as are our camper spots, and we're turning our focus to getting ready for summer. The camper packets should be out soon! We are also about to re-start all of our construction projects around camp (it can be tough to build in the dead of winter!). The next things to happen will be a roof on the Archery Pavilion and a covered firing range on the new riflery range.

From the Mailbag:

Tristan H. wrote to say, "I am looking forward to going for four weeks. Also I was wondering whether an 11 year old girl would be in the seniors or the juniors?" It could go either way Tristan. We'll be making final cabin assignments soon. Rachael S. shares, "Hey Yall! I miss camp like crazy! It's not right for someone to wait this long for the best part of their year: ( I wish I could be at camp ALL YEAR LONG!) I think about all the girls from Comet '07 24/7/365. Can't wait to see everyone this summer! CHOCTAWS GONNA WIN THE BANNER!" Rachael is not the only one cheering for Choctaws. Macky's Bulletin Board has had lots of Choctaw cheering lately too. Finally, Mary Page spent a day with Brianna D. at her new school in Asheville last week. Brianna is doing great!

We also hear from Anne A. what a wonderful time she is having in Costa Rica. She bought the sixth Harry Potter book and is reading it in Spanish!

We're doing great here too, and looking forward to having Merri-Mac back together soon!

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Folks!

ann boyd — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:58:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - 110 more days!

Greetings from Camp Merri-Mac!

Now is the time we all start getting excited about the summer. It's almost March, and camp doesn't seem so far away anymore. The daylilies are already starting to pop up around camp, Bobby has made some adjustments to the water slide to make the ride down a little less bumpy and even Merri and Mac seem to sense the time is drawing near. Donna and Samantha take them for a walk around camp everyday so they can get their exercise, but it's just not the same as keeping up with you guys!

From the Mailbag:

From the campers we hear that Lanier L. is returning and has gotten her best friend to come to camp with her. Lia S. writes, "Hey guys!!! I miss camp soooo much!!!! I can't wait. Merri-Mac '08 is going to be the best!!! Well, my news is that my soccer team is going to the championship game on Wednesday, February 20th!!! And, Morgan B., if you're reading this, I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!" From Ann G. we hear, "Well, I have just had the most amazing month! The first weekend in February, Jill, Rachel, and I went to New Orleans to stay with Mary L. for Mardi Gras, which was SO MUCH FUN!! We even saw Brittany! Then this weekend Abby came to stay with me at Jill's house and we went to see Becca's play. She left this morning, which was sad, but we'll all be together again in 110 days! WOOHOO!!" Ann, we can all get excited about that too! There are lots of you guys getting together out there. Chelsea D. writes, "Hi everyone! I am so excited to get back to camp, but I have been lucky enough to see some camp girls this year. Last month I visited Gibbs and saw Haley, Maggie, and Sam, and this weekend I am going to Wake Forest and staying with Sassie! Miss you all! XOXO." Chelsea, be sure and tell Sassie we said "hello!"

Adam is on the road in Virginia and will be in Charlottsville tonight with the McNellys. He had a great meeting in Roanoke with the Mertens last night and had a wonderful time meeting many potential campers but especially enjoyed his time with the Mertens and some Merri-Mac girls: Sarah and Anna, as well as Tessa S.

The exciting news of the week...Page Porter and Lindsay Brasington are hired for this summer! Yes, we are as excited as you are to have them back.

From this Haven,

Adam and Ann

We hope you're feeling fine!

ann boyd — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:14:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Smile! Smile! Let me see you smile!

Good Moring All You Merri-Mac Girls!

We are writing this as quickly as we can because Camp is losing power today! Our next step in making camp beautiful is to put some of our power lines under ground so when you drive up next summer the thing to notice is what is not there. We are also busy ordering our new camp clothing this week. Be sure to let us know if you have anything you would like to see us order. Finally, we thought you might like to know that the Merri-Mac barn is keeping busy this year. Jan began a year round riding program at camp so some of our favorite horses have stayed with us. Cody says hi!

From the campers we have word that Marissa D. is looking forward to starting boarding school next year. Don't worry, she's still coming to camp. Mary Page is planning on visiting Brianna D. at her school tomorrow and Ann sees Lillie M. and Adair every Sunday because she teaches their Sunday School class. They're both doing great and looking forward to camp. Finally Rylie B. wrote to say "I now have a baby sister! Her name is Brooke and she is SO cute!"

Adam just came back from a trip meeting new campers in Atlanta and is about to go to Virginia where he will see Lang M., and all the Mertens (they have 4 campers!). After that he will be turning his attention full time to staff because there is not much room left for new campers.

Stephen is also on his way to VA today as he goes to Va. Tech. to meet new boating and climbing counselors. Vanessa borrowed a camp boat so she can get more time on the river before camp starts and our favorite news...Dave wrote to say hi.

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

If I had the wings of a turtle dove...

ann boyd — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:09:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - straight to Camp Merri-Mac I'd fly!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

February is a favorite month at camp because this is the time we begin getting ready for camp in earnest. While we are still traveling meeting new campers and staff, we are also starting to plan all of our programs for this summer. Adam has been busy preparing to take our climbing program to the next level by scouting for new rock. Ann is preparing for staff discipleship by finishing her third seminary class. Dan and Stephen are busy putting the final touches on staff. And everyone is beginning to put our sights on the 2009 launch of our new High School Adventure Travel program (more to come!).

We're also putting the final touches on some of our new construction jobs. We are putting the overhead wires around the Big House underground, replacing bathrooms, building a new counselor section and deck on Comet, building a new covered firing range for Archery, rebuilding our riflery range, and lots of other smaller projects. So there are a lot of things to look forward to this summer. Don't worry, the most important parts will never change!

From the Mailbag:

Anne Archer wrote from Costa Rica saying, "It's beautiful and warm here! I am having an amazing time. I've spent the last 2 weekends at the beach, and seeing waterfalls, volcanoes, and doing canopy tours through the rainforest, and I love my Spanish classes! I hope everything is going great at camp!" P.D. wrote to say, "Hey everybody! I have been missing camp so much lately. I guess it's just that time of the year. I just wanted to tell you all that I miss you so much and I love you! I can't wait to see all of your beautiful, smiling faces again. Also, I am going to be an Aunt again in March; both my sister and my sister-in-law are having babies at the end of March! :)" Finally, Allison says, "I'm going to camp Merri-Mac again!" Allison, we're just as excited as you are...and can't wait to see you all!

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

Camp Merri-Mac, You Will Always Be...

ann boyd — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:14:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - A sign of love and friendship and true sincerety.

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

January is a great time at camp. There has been some snow, the lake has frozen and it won't be long before the bears start coming through camp at night. They stay away whenever there are campers around!

The big news is that we hired Vanessa, and there are at least two "old school" Merr-Mac girls who I expect to sign up in the next week or two, so stay posted for good news.

From the campers we have word that Mary Page B. saw the Woodson girls at her Bag Pipe Competition in Orlando. Her band also won their competition (both Grade 5 and Grade 4b). Ameilia K. got two hamsters for Christmas and named them...wait for it...Merri and Mac! Rachel S. also wrote to say, "I miss camp like crazy! I just got a letter saying that Lauren Davis AND Stephanie Nestor (Comet '07!) are coming back this year! I hope I'm lucky enough to have them as counselors. I just found out last weekend that I'm going to Ireland for Spring break! It will be awesome, but not as fun as camp, of course. Nothing could measure up to Merri-Mac! CHOCTAW'S GONNA WIN THE BANNER!"

Hmmm, I think there are two other tribes who might have something to say about that.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

Memories we cherish...

ann boyd — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:20:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Camp Merri-Mac of you.

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

January is a big month at camp. Most of our time is being spent hiring new, and a few returning, staff. Dan is in LA where he has gotten to see lots of MM girls, and a few new campers too. So far he's been to the Hayden's, Bush's and Duhe's houses. He also went to U of Alabama where he has met some great new counselors.

From the campers we have word from Sabrina K. "I am so completely stoked! Jasmine G. and Shelton C. are coming to see me on the 25-27 of this month! It's going to be so much fun! And of course, Laura S. is coming too, because she lives 15 minutes away from me! It's like the camp pre-show! I'm so excited, and in 148 days I will be SUPER happy! I miss you all!" We heard from Emily F. who sent Mary Page her first King Cake! Also Meg M. wrote to say "Hey you guys! I got really camp-sick at school the other day and started singing our crazy songs at lunch! Everyone thought I was crazy. Well, my travel volleyball team just started and it's going well! I can't wait till camp (RAINBOW '08) this year because I'll hopefully be able to get on the A volleyball team for Seminoles and help us win! I miss you all! See you soon." Yes, Meg, I know I am especially happy to hear about the Seminoles beating the Iroquois at volleyball!

Staff News

Ann Archer is in Costa Rica where she is taking classes and getting ready to teach Kayaking and lead the CIT's next summer. Emily Cornelius is doing great and hoping to come back (no promises yet though). Katy Robb also made a visit to camp and Gibbs says hello to everyone. The most recent Merri-Mac girl to sign up is Autumn Breaux, and we're hoping to have good news from Vanessa Washburn very soon!

We're getting back on the road very soon...Adam is planning a trip to VA, and maybe parts of NC in February, so we'll hope to see you when we're in your neck of the woods.

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

Here we are...we're all together!

ann boyd — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:00:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Having fun...what could be better?

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

Christmas has gone and the snow has come to camp. Things are mighty cold in Black Mountain but we're not worried because we know warm summer days are coming soon!

Mail Call:

We've heard from a lot of you in the past weeks. Rylee B. wrote to saying "Hey Guys! I'm having a ton of fun preparing my new horse, Catdancer, for the big shows we have coming up. I can't wait until next summer!" Mary Page B. is also riding a lot and getting ready for her first show. Rachel J. has been keeping in touch too. "Hey everybody! I miss Merri-Mac so much! This past weekend I got so camp-sick that I made Alston M. talk on the phone with me until she made me feel better! I can't wait for this summer... it's going to be the best one yet!" Another Westminster girl, Anne G. wrote to say, "Hey everyone! Christmas in Atlanta was definitely not white...it was 40 degrees and rainy, but it was still great. Jill and Rachel and I have been making plans all year for this summer, and Choctaw is going to DOMINATE!! I miss all of you so much" (We'll see about that Choctaw thing!). From Jennie G. we hear, "First session girls, guess who's coming back...me!!!! Last year I went 2nd session but now I have a conflict, so Rainbow 1st session, here I come!" Finally, Rachel S. wrote to say, "Hey y'all! I MISS CAMP SO much. I want to say hi to all my counselors and cabin mates from '07. I think about all of you 24/7. I had a blast in Comet last summer. If Noelle O. is reading this, I can't wait to see you this summer. It's freezing in KY. M-M '08 is going to be AWESOME!"

Well you won't have to wait long.

From the Staff:

After a fantastic staff reunion (We included a picture for you) we've been hearing from a lot of counselors. One big item of news is that Anne Archer, Anna Woodson, Anna Fearheily and Nikki S. are also coming back! There's even rumor that Morgan Cogswell is about to sign up! Also, Victoria R. wrote to say, "Well, I miss and love all of you. Senior year has been awesome so far. I can't wait to graduate though. I will be going to a community college nearby for the first two years then transferring hopefully to the University of Florida. Every time I think of Christmas I think of Patti-O passing out hot chocolate and donuts because here in Florida it is as warm here as when we have Christmas in July, so it feels the same. I miss and love you and I can't wait to see y'all this summer."

One last thing...Does anyone know the old name for the Dining Hall? It's a really old name. We'll post your guesses next smoke signals, and of course tell you the answer.

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

Camp Slideshows!!!

ann boyd — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:26:00 +0000

FIRST SESSION SLIDESHOW (Please note that you might need to refresh the page in order to watch both videos)
SECOND SESSION SLIDESHOW

Camp Merri-Mac...

ann boyd — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:18:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - We will always love you!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

The best part of Christmas, and Christmas break especially, is that we get to see so many friends. We're still a couple weeks away and it's already happening. Our favorite visit of the week was from Amelia K. and her mother. They spent Sunday with us looking through all the old Merri-Mac memorabilia and took a lot of it home so they can start a Merri-Mac scrapbook. If you get to visit Amelia this winter she'll have lots of great stuff to show you. Otherwise we'll look forward to seeing what they do this summer. So...if you have any old photos, camp memorabilia, etc. please scan them and send them on. We'll see if we can make them part of the lasting story of Merri-Mac.

Louis also got to see Abigail J. at an Ole Miss/ LSU game. We included a picure of Abigail and her family with Louis at the game. They had a great time together and Abigail says she is looking forward to being in Comet this summer.

Shannon D. wrote to say, "Well it's getting pretty cold up here at school in the Ohio Valley. I'm excited to go home to the warm for Christmas break. I absolutely love Christmas, but it means exam time. NOT FUN. But I am super excited for camp next year! I mean who doesn't like having Christmas twice a year; once with your family, and another time in the summer with your best friends from camp!" We also heard from Caroline D. "Hey guys! Things are going great down here in Florida. My soccer team is undefeated! We've played every team once so now there all after us. School is good, a lot of work though. I can't wait until camp, I'm so camp sick!!!! Miss you all!" Finally, Kate M. wrote, "So I was on the phone with Sam and Gibbs today and I realized how much I miss everyone!! Camp really is the most amazing place in the world and I take it for granted every time I'm there... So many people ask me what's so great about being away from friends for 5 weeks during the summer when I could be at the beach soaking up the sun and all I can ever say is, "You wouldn't understand... it's a camp thing!" That's okay Kate, we understand!

From this Haven!

Adam and Ann

A Note From Sarah Mac!

ann boyd — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:00:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Sarah Mac

As the work load gets much heavier at university and England gets even more rainy and cold (even though I promise the sun does come out!), I can't help but think of my amazing summer with you guys (or should I say y'all) and how much I would give to be back in the mountains of North Carolina!

University is going well. Last year I was at a university in Cambridge, but I've transferred to the University of Essex and am absolutely loving it. I can't believe I'm half way through my whole degree, I've only got another year and a half at university! (we only do three years in the UK!) Time really does fly. Hopefully next year after camp I will be doing a semester at UNC, which is extremely cool!

I am SO excited to be coming back to work at camp next summer, I can not wait to see you all again! I really think I am irritating people now as I constantly talk about camp or try to find opportunities to! I have adorned my walls with pictures from camp, it's reassuring to see all of your smiling faces beaming back at me when I'm feeling down! When people come in my room they always ask me about my pictures and I'm relieved that I get to talk about camp and how amazing it is!

Oh something you might find funny, you may or may not know that in high schools here we don't have cheerleading or American football, but at university we have a variety of societies and sports, cheerleading and American football being two of them! So, naturally, I joined up to be in the cheerleading team, and made it! Currently we are 1st in the university league and ranked 2nd nationally, so our team is pretty good! It's hard work but I'm loving it.

Bring on Summer 2008, it's going to be amazing!

God Bless,

Sarah

We Wish You a MERRI Christmas...

ann boyd — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:29:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - and a Happy New Year!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

Christmas is a great time around camp. We place decorations on the sign and all of Black Mountain celebrates together with parades and other events. The best part is seeing our friends around town. This year Summer J., Natalie and Rachael B., Lydia B. Adair B., Mary Page B., Lilli M., Annie Singletary, Nancy Mackey, Jan Bellows and Becky Hart all came out to Black Mountain for the Holly Jolly celebration but the celebration we're really looking forward to is the one that happens at camp every summer!

It is pretty clear that you are looking forward to camp too. We know Sabrina K. is: "I can't wait much longer for camp! The good news is that after Christmas break the school year speeds up and in no time, we're at camp again. High school is going well and Laura S. and I go to the same school which is good! I can't wait to see all of the Merri-Mac girls next summer! I'm super excited!" Rachel S. also wrote, "I recently went sailing in the Caribbean. I miss camp so much!:) I miss all my Comet girls from '07. If Noelle O. is reading this, I miss you a ton. See y'all in 08! U ROK MY SOX!" Finally, Anna S. shares, "Hey everyone! I've been so busy this past week. We don't even have our Christmas tree up yet, and we normally do by now. Our choir had our Christmas concert this past Friday, I had a descant! And today we had our choir ministry day where we go around and sing at nursing homes and stuff. I can't believe Christmas is already almost here! How exciting is that?"

From the Staff:

Maggie Taylor wrote, "Life is a whole new adventure this year! Teaching is awesome! I love teaching my 10th graders...it's like seeing Sunnysiders all year long! Of course there is and always will be a special place in my heart for my Sunnysiders! I've been having camp withdrawals...I miss the mountains and the fresh air! I'm totally psyched it's the Christmas season:) I love it! We have decorated our apartment a little bit...got the tree up:) I hope you're having a great Christmas season!" From Ally H. we hear, "I was in Atlanta last week and stayed with Grace R. and saw Becca S. and Vanessa Washburn. It was fantastic!"

It sounds like Christmas is happening everywhere. But don't forget, soon we'll be together to celebrate it again at camp!

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

We love you so - we always will...

ann boyd — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:01:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - come again to the land of the hills!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

It's finally winter at camp, we've seen our first snow flurries, and we're hearing more and more about what everyone is up to at home.

From The Mail Bag:

Tiffany P. wrote saying, "Hi camp peoples! I miss camp so much; hopefully I'm going back this summer though. School is good-just got report cards and A's and B's! Anyways, just stopping by to say hi!" Chelsea D. writes, "I am missing all of you like crazy, but I am keeping busy :) I have a lot of responsibility for Student Government and my class, and Christmas season is upon us, so Sew Preppy is in full swing with shows almost every weekend. School is crazy but going well...I can't wait to get back to the mountains ASAP! Love and miss you all bunches!" From Cameron L. we hear, "I was just checking after realizing that I haven't spoken with y'all in ages. I just got back from CT last night, first Thanksgiving home from boarding school. I absolutely love school, though. It's like camp! So MUCH FUN! The staff thus far sounds amazing! Merri-Mac girls...best in the world! Finally Gracie T. wrote to say, "Wow, it seems like it has been FOREVER since I have been at camp. I hope Makenzie M. comes back this year. She was one of my best camp friends 2 yrs ago. Miss ya all!"

In Other News:

We're still doing lots of traveling, and seeing lots of Merri-Mac girls as we do. We have also just finished our new video. The only people to see it so far have been those who have come to the meetings, but we will let you know when it is on line. There are lots of great shots of current MM girls, and special appearances from some staff like Katie Robb, Sassie Nick, Vanessa Washburn, and Lauren Green, so check back next week to see if it is up yet.

From This Haven...

Adam and Ann

That's to be in Merri-Mac Style...

ann boyd — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:46:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Yeah!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

We're back on the road, seeing old campers, meeting new ones, and every day hiring back the best staff in the world. Last night Adam had a wonderful time in Columbia sharing camp with Ann Morrison B's friends. Ann Morrison wanted to know which of her counselors were coming back so we thought we'd share the list.

Who's Coming Back:

We're still talking to a lot of last year's staff but so far Anna Woodson, Ann McShane, Abby Bouchon, Camille Chaumont, Brittany Hogan, Elizabeth Beal, Grace Rickenbaker, Charlotte Flynn, Kristy Pannill, Chelsea Dougherty, Lauren Davis, Berkeley Arakawa, Sallie Guragnus, Haley Fulford, Sam Linhart, Molly Seeley, Karen Beauchene, Hillary Gibbs, Ruth Gibson, Ali Howard, Maddy Perino, Elizabeth Webb, Sarah McEllinney, Paige Porter, Ashley Herndon, Sarah Rogers, Casey Willard, Rachel Quinby, Victoria Rice, Lennon Dodson, Claire Kelly, Stephanie Nestor, Lauren Glazebrook, and Mimi Dunn have all signed up. On the central staff we have Kay Robb, Annie Singletary, Brie Owens, Patti-O, Leslie Loughran, Janie Southard, Meredith Williams, Dianna Spence, Jill Peterson, Laurie Fishel, Angie Baxter and Deb Rogers. It is a great start, but there are some important names missing so you should call your favorites and tell them you want them back at camp!

Speaking of staff, Laurie Fishel wrote to tell us "I am going to be a grandmother!!!! Baby is due May 6, so I think I will be ok to leave for my camp duties in mid July." Also, we hear that Maddy Perino is visiting with some Merri-Mac girls over the holiday. I hope you will be able to do the same, and that you'll let us know what you are up to so we can include it in Smoke Signals next week.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

You'll Never Know Dear How Much You'll Miss Us....

ann boyd — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:35:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Till you're far, far, far away!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

There's a lot happening at camp right now. The Archery Range has been expanded (don't worry, it's not much bigger) and as I write we are building a new riflery range just a little higher than the old one. We are also replacing Comet's porch and adding a counselor section to that cabin. That should give us a little more room!

From The Mail Bag:

Lindsay Brasington wrote to say that she is "in grad school at USC, as well as working for an IT company as an executive assistant part-time. My family is also in the process of moving into a house they built, and I am living with them, since it is only a few miles down the interstate from USC. My goal is to become a writer, though, not a PR professional or marketer, which is what the mass communications program is for. In addition I am leading a sixth grade small group Bible study at my church, Cornerstone Presbyterian. I did this several years ago as a senior in high school, and have wanted to get back to doing this, but I have been unable until this year, due to being in Clemson. That is also going really well. We have "Disciple Now" this weekend, which should be a lot of fun. I really miss camp, though..." We miss Lindsay too and are working hard to make sure she's back this summer.

Kristy P. also writes, "I miss camp so much! School is going well. I've applied to all my colleges, and now I'm just waiting to hear back from them. So far I've been accepted into Lenoir Rhyne. I'm hoping to be back next summer!"

Finally, we got word from our First Session Princess saying, "Even though I know I have plenty of time to get ready, I've already started looking for costumes and such for my princess party (I'm way too excited to wait!). I heard second session was amazing (big surprise...). This past weekend I went to Georgia and got to see Grace, Becca and Kate, Marilyn, Gibbs, Vanessa, Maggie, and Robin! And at Christmas Haley is flying down to stay with me for a few days.

Who's Coming Back?

Next Week we'll let you know what staff have already committed to next summer, so stay tuned!

From this haven...

Adam and Ann

Merri-Mac travels

Dan, Annie, Will and Mocha — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:08:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - The colors are blazing at Merri-Mac!

After a wonderful summer Merri-Mac has settled into its fall routine. Adam is traveling in FL, meeting new Merri-Mac campers and Dan has been busy helping with our off season rentals. Ann has been holding down the fort in the office, and we?re all busy getting ready for next summer!

Have you guys seen any camp folks?

In FL Adam has seen Lauren P, in Gainseville, Abby and Ashlyn T., in Naples, Elizabeth S., in Sanibel (Destyny K. also came to their meeting), Leslie L. in Naples, Olivia Z. in Tampa, Libby G. in Coral Gables, and Lia S., in Boca Raton. Tonight he is in Del Ray Beach with Savannah S, and from there he goes to see Mackenzie M, in Orlando and Stephanie T. in Jacksonville. There should be lots more meetings so keep your eyes out for invitations in your mail boxes.

From the mailbag

Meg M. wrote in to say, ?My volleyball season just ended, and even though we didn't do so well it was still fun. And I've been practicing my guitar and I will get my gold rainbow year! This year my cast held me back! I miss you all so much!?

We?d love to hear from you too. Just drop us a line by clicking on the ?Tell us what?s new? link at the bottom of this article. We?ll look forward to hearing from you and will post it on our next Smokesignals.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

Where 'ere you may go, you will always know...

ann boyd — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:04:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - as Camp Merri-Mac keeps rolling along!

It's happening! Camp is starting to look like camp! After a late, and light snow last week the trees are starting to bud, the grass is starting to grow, and the lake is starting to fill. The painters are painting, the slide builders are nearly though building, and it won't be long until we're all back for another summer at Merri-Mac.

The best news all week is that Autumn Breaux will be on staff again. That makes our staff return rate about 80%!

From the Mailbag:

Lee B. likes the idea about the new cabin charm. "I love the idea of cabin charms! Last summer, we got charms for our tribes and this year maybe our cabin. It's like each of our camp "families" gets their own charm. That will make our camp experience a gagillion times more special!! "Me likey!" We do too! Becca S. had a great spring break, saying, "Spring break has been a very campy week and as lovely as it has all been, it's made me miss it (and y'all) something terrible. I had the chance to spend a few days last weekend in Asheville, which of course meant I spent a day in Black Mountain. I ate lunch at My Father's and looked around a little before driving through camp a bit. The new dock is lovely and I can not wait to be back there again! I also had the chance to get some coffee with Vanessa Hayes. I'm so glad to hear she'll be back this summer. Camp is soon approaching (almost 62 days!) and I can hardly wait!"

Jennie G. responds to Katy R.'s idea: "I think that the CD would be awesome!! I also thought (out loud) on Macky's bulletin board that we should have the lyrics on the web page. I think we should also have some songs on the web page too because I ALWAYS forget songs! lol. Oh yeah - I have a band concert coming up and it is totally going to be awesome cause it's disco music that we're playing! It is really hard to play on the flute. TRUST ME! lol. I am counting down the days on my dry erase board! Can't wait! SEE Y'ALL LATER. LUV YAS, LUV JENNIE G.!!!" From Anna S., "Hey everyone! Camp is soon! It's so exciting. I haven't had that much time to think about it since this past week. We went to Branson, Missouri with my choir. It was better than when I went to Disney World last year! Everyone should go there at least once and see the Haygoods and Kirby and Bambi Vanburch's magic show (they are Christians, so their show is really great). Well that's all I have to say. See you all soon!"

From the Staff:

Leah R., who is studying abroad in Italy, writes: "I just want everyone there to know that as much fun as I'm having here (in Italy), I am SOOOO excited to be going back to camp. I don't dream very often, but when I do, it's usually about camp. I can't believe it's so close. Hope everything is well in NC!"

There's lots happening at camp, but very soon there will be much more!

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

43 days and we'll be back...

ann boyd — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:24:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Back to good ole Merri-Mac!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

There's a lot afoot atop Black Mountain, and a lot happening with our campers too.

From the Mail Bag:

Katy R. wrote to say, "I miss camp so much! This past summer was amazing and I can't wait for Dreams End this year! While looking through my camp pictures a few weeks ago I thought of something that would make the memories of camp stay alive and stay strong throughout the year, the songs. Pictures are a great way of remembering but when I think of Merri-Mac I think of tribal and dining room singing, and I would love to be able to have those songs all year long! I had the idea to create a CD with all of our favorite camp songs on it so we can listen to it throughout the school year as we countdown the days till Merri-Mac. All of our favorite breakfast songs could be on it, the friendship circle songs, chapel songs and of course, the tribal songs! I thought this would be a great way to keep our memories of each summer alive! I can't wait to see all of you again and I am so excited for this summer!" The CD is a great idea Katy! Anna Laura N. sends her regards as well: "Hi everyone! I'm very exited because summer is getting closer. Since I'm going to an Irish Dance contest to Austin, TX in May, I WILL BE CLOSER TO CAMP!" When TX is closer, you are a long way from camp! Lee B., the classic Merri-Mac girl, writes, "I can't wait for this summer! I have been drawing the Seminole logo all over my books and binders and my friends say, "Oh, I didn't know you were a Florida fan?" It's really great! I miss you all like CRAZY!! I look forward to camp everyday and every night! You girlies have no idea how much you mean to me, it's like a whole other world is waiting for us this summer." Becca S. adds: "It's been a lovely few days down here in Atlanta. I've been very busy the last few weeks though. I have a new play coming up in May and life guard training in two weeks. And of course camp in 70 something odd days, for which I'm desperately excited and can not wait to see all of you. It is going to be an amazing summer. Finally, Anne G. wrote in to say, "Today I had a lacrosse game (we won 7-2) and guess who was my defender? Ally from Dreams Begin! We were so surprised to see each other because neither of us had any idea what school the other went to. She's going to be a two week Sunnysider next year and it's going to be great. I love seeing camp friends and I can't wait to see the rest of you!"

Merri-Mac girls are everywhere, and soon we'll all be at camp...just where we belong.

Well you won't have to wait long.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

Smile! Smile! Let Me See You Smile...

ann boyd — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 21:42:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - that great big Merri-Mac smile!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

It's official, we're through with our winter travels to recruit campers, and we're almost through hiring the staff.

From the Mailbag:

Rachel N. wrote to say: "I am so excited about camp! I miss all my camp friends, and I can't wait to see everyone this summer!" and Mallory W. added, "I'm so excited that I'll be joining you and all the fabulous girls this year! I cannot wait! Soccer is keeping me busy. I have a game every Saturday. Whenever I'm not playing I'm thinking about camp! I also wanted to thank you for Macky's Bulletin Board. It's great because I've gotten to know some of the girls I'll be camping with this year. I feel like I know some of them already! I can't wait to see you all! I've been looking forward to this day for four years! HOORAY!" Jennie G. checked back in to say, "I can't wait till camp! I am so excited! I really am glad I get to go for five weeks. The things that are new in my life are that I made the school soccer team and I am on the away team for that, which I might add is really hard for a 7th grader. O yeah! I think more people should get on Macky's Bulletin board! It is so much fun to talk to friends from camp!"

Staff Stammerings:

Lynda Wolpert wrote to say: "I have been back to England for Spring Break (and it has been fabulous), and you will never guess who I got to meet up with in London. Vanessa! Yeah... pretty amazing. Can't wait for summer!" Not to be outdone, Vanessa wrote to say, "Life in Oxford is good. I just got back from a trip to England where I visited Anna McDowell and got to spend a day with Lynda Wolpert. It was a great break but I wasn't too sad to come back because I missed all my kids (I teach Kindergarten). I'm getting excited that the summer is only months away. Not only am I getting married in two months but I'm also moving to Black Mountain where I'll spend the summer as the Tech Director. It means all day I get to see all of your smiling faces, I couldn't ask for a better job. I hope everyone is having a great year and is as excited about camp as I am. It will be here before you know it. See you all soon."

In addition to Vanessa, Georgann Stewart also committed to be back. These two might be the best news of the week!

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

The Great Summer Snowball at Merri-Mac!

ann boyd — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:50:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - but we're pining for summer!

Spring is just around the corner and we're getting ready for camp! There are just a few more staff to hire, and a few more camper spots to fill, and then it's full steam ahead into summer.

Staff Hired:

Stephanie Nestor, Holley Acey, Celeste Eaton, Kelsey Korey, Anna Woodson, Kristen Turner, Kaitlin Stojcich, Lynda Wolpert, Elendea King, Marina Kalloway, Elisabeth Utterback, Sassie Nick, Lauren Scowcroft, Shrimpy Tombs, Adelaide Haase, Katy Robb, Marilyn Zapf, Emily Cornelius, Carlin Conner, Erin Pippin, Emily Johnson, Kristy Pannill, Lindsay Brasington, Lauren Davis, Cecile Major, Clare Sullivan, Christina Hall, Ann McShane, Ericka Newall, Elizabeth Holby, Julianne Crew, Charlotte Wolfe, Emily Garner, Leah Rang, Karis Tucker, Anna Fearheily, Hillary Gibbs, Sarah Hord, Elizabeth Webb, Sierra Ulrich, Paige Porter, Jan Bellows, Kara Robinson, Kathryn Salmon, Melanie Forbes, Hannah Quamme, Brooke Brewster, Lauren Storms, Jenna Colie, Sara Katherine Paxton, Lauren Green, Maggie Taylor, Betsy Perkins, Megan Molloy, Elizabeth Beal, Victoria Rice, Claire Kelly, Lennon Dodson, Sarah Hibbits, Jordan Winn and Katy Harell will all be on board this summer, and a few others will join them.

From the Mailbag:

Anne G. wrote to say, "Hey everyone! Spring break is soon and I get to go to Italy for my grandparents' 50th anniversary trip. I've never been before and I can't wait. I made the JV lacrosse team at school!!! Our first game is this Saturday and I'm really excited. Counting down the days until June 10th!" Clare S. shares "I am really excited for camp and can't wait to come back!" Anna S. opines, "Hello Merri-Mac! We got our camper packets today and filled them out. It got me really excited for camp. I can't believe how fast it's coming up again. And how close it is to IROQUOIS winning the banner! :)! Finally, Mary Page B. finally wrote to say, "Hey guys! The camp looks GREAT! The field is AMAZING, and the dock is really cool. I can't wait to see everyone. WOOHOO! Everyone needs to know that I-R-O-Q-U-O-I-S are the best tribe. Can't wait till summer!"

Well you won't have to wait long.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

Greetings!

Dan, Annie, Will and Mocha — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:28:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - It's beginning to look a lot like summer!

Great and Gracious Merri-Mac Greetings!

The front porch is covered in boxes...it's the new clothing arriving for this summer! The tractor drivers say they're three weeks, which means five weeks, from finishing the new field. The new dock is about 2 weeks from being finished too. It's beginning to look a lot like summer!

Camper Corner:

We've heard from a lot of campers recently, mostly by phone. From those who've written we heard from Burkey K. who says, "I am so excited! Two of my friends here at school are coming this year, and my other friend, Andrea and I are wondering what tribe they're going to be in. Though I already know that if they're awesome they're totally in Iroquois. I-R-O-Q-U-O-I-S!" Burkey, that's a decision for "the spirit of Merri-Mac." Rachel S. wrote to say, "Hi everyone! I can't wait for this summer! My big bro's excited and so is his best friend. They are BOTH coming to Timberlake this year. Can't wait." We'll tell Dan to watch out for them!

The best letter came from Meg M. She wrote an amazing poem about camp. Here it is:

Bug Spray

Like an ant

Only I am the queen

And I order everyone around

My job, as sharpie master

Is to swoop down from my chamber

ALso known as my bed

And initial everything I see

Then I am looking at my list

And at Wal-Mart

I see the last thing I need

Bug spray

Flower scented

Fifteen percent deet

Now I brace myself

Knowing I will feel

As though I've been in the car for ten hours

After ony two

With four more

To go

FREE AT LAST

I run and engulf myself

Into the embrace

Of the cool summer

Mountain air

Then, Riding, Swimming, Climbing, Dancing, Singing, Diving, Stomping Laughing

Five weeks long

Until I am alone in the cabin

With my bug spray bottle

Flower scent gone

Deet used

Empty

I pray

With my eyes squeezed shut

That it will magically refill

But like fresh cut watermelon

Great and juicy till the last drop

We ate it all up

Faster than planned

And I'm just staring

At that empty bottle

Wishing

For a little more

From The Staff:

Even better is that the staff is really coming together. Our most recent hires include Hillary G., Celeste E., Elizabeth H., Lauren S., and Sassie N. There was also another staff reunion at UGA last weekend.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Adam and Ann

Sippin' Cider...

Dan, Annie, Will and Mocha — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:09:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Absolutely Charming!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

We're still in the process of designing the new charms and have had some great ideas. The photos this week show some suggestions all the way from Mexico and Anna Laura N. She writes: "Here are some ideas for charms. I hope you like them. I'm in the tribe I think is the best one and because of that, and many other things, I want to come back to camp. I LOVE camp and hope to see you soon." Anna Laura, maybe when you come back you will get a charm you designed!

Burkey K. also wrote to say: "Me and my friend Andrea today we're just talking about Merri-Mac, and we kept on talking and talking about Merri-Mac and soon enough we got so excited about coming back that we just had to look at our pictures together from last year. My sister Marilyn I hope is coming back to be a counselor this year, and I will be so grateful to see her at camp because I don't see her much because she's at UGA. I'm so excited! I cant wait!" Finally, Rachel L. wanted to say, "Hey everyone!! I miss and love y'all like crazy! I've been very busy with my freshman year. I made the volleyball team and we were district champs. I can't wait for next year, especially since IROQUOIS IS GOING TO WIN THE BANNER!!!! I miss all my lovely Rainbow ladies from '06 and I find myself singing 'Hey Juliet' and 'I'm goings to the disco'!! I can't wait to see everyone at camp next summer!"

From The Staff:

We've had a lot of our old MM girls sign back up for next summer...we'll give you a complete list next week. There was also a reunion of MM staff again this weekend at UGA. Lots of people came and we'll hope to have a report on that for next week too.

Keep us posted what you're up to by clicking on the "What's New?" link. Be sure to include your name.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

A wintry wonderland at Merri-Mac!

Dan, Annie, Will and Mocha — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 01:17:00 +0000

IMAGE CAPTION - Friendships True!

Good Morning All You Merri-Mac Girls!

We're back on the road, this time recruiting new counselors. There are not a lot of spots left though because so many are returning. Our most recent bit of good news is that Brooke B. will be back in the barn this summer and Elizabeth H. may be back on the docks teaching diving! Speaking of the docks, they've started rebuilding the swimming docks, and while it's pretty cold here, and snow is coming today, it's hard not to imagine how much fun we'll have on the new dock.

From The Camppers:

Rachel S. wrote to say, "My year is going great so far. I can't wait for camp this year. Merri-Mac: First, Last and Always. See you this summer." Anne G. sends her greetings: "Hi guys! I don't have school today because it's MLK Day...I got to sleep in and watch movies with my friends instead of school. I can't wait until summer, and everything's so hot in Atlanta that I keep thinking camp is sooner than it is. Still, only six(ish) more months! I am soooo excited about being in Dreams End (I can't believe how old that sounds). This summer is going to be the best summer ever!!!" Finally, Shannon D. wrote to say, "I hope everyone up there had a great Christmas. I'm happy that I got the gift of coming back to Merri-Mac next year, which I personally think is "the most wonderful time of the year." Also, thank you SO much for sending the Merii-Mac sweatshirt! I love it so much, and the Merri- Mac Christmas card. I hope everyone is well up there. Tell everybody HI."

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann