A Fall Look-back: Louise Ellisen
What a wonderful fall it has been! I can hardly believe how fast the year has gone by and that 2023 is right on our doorstep. It will practically be time to begin packing your camp trunk once the holiday season comes to an end. I have enjoyed staying in touch with many of you and hearing how life outside our camp bubble is going. It has been a treat visiting your hometowns during our fall tour, and we wanted to thank you for the outpouring of support as you all have made Wayfarer such a priority in your children’s lives.
Over the past few months, our travels have extended across the country, including visits to California, Connecticut, Texas and South Florida. From bowling in Spartanburg, enjoying an outdoor concert in Santa Barbara, and catching up over pizza in Charleston, there has been no shortage of golden moments. The most common theme I hear from campers about what they miss most during the year is the meaningful relationships developed at camp. The magic is found in the people; lasting friendships made with cabinmates, relationships built with counselors, and new role model figures found in one another. Having grown up myself at Wayfarer, I understand the profound influence it can have on your life.
It fills our hearts to see the camp connection through banquet awards hanging in bedrooms, letters from camp best friends pinned up on bulletin boards, and arts-and-crafts bracelets clinging to wrists by a thread. It proves how Wayfarer becomes an ever-present part of our day-to-day lives. It is especially gratifying to hear returning campers share their love for Wayfarer with new friends and families. As we wrap up our fall tour, I look forward to continuing to meet with returning campers as well as new families and friends. For our next stop, we are heading to Virginia and DC! I hope to visit with as many of you as possible in the coming months. Take care and Happy Holidays!
– Louise Ellisen
