Camp Illahee: The Land of Jolly Fun

My introduction to Illahee actually started before I even set foot on the 110 acre site. It began on Dolly's front porch, where I was soaking in the mountain summer night.  For those of you who don’t know Dolly, Her Ice Cream is nothing short of a legend in Brevard. Of course there are the standard flavors: (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, etc.) but there is also High Rocks Arctic Slide, Illahee Swirl, Kandalea Avalanche, Keystone Sunrise, Merrie-Wood Boo-Woop, Pinnacle Paradise, Pisgah Perfection.. the list goes on. Each local camp has its own specialty flavor. Yes, yes, ice cream is amazing, but I digress. 

I was sitting on Dolly’s front porch, in a rocking chair enjoying my Music Camp waffle cone (read: coffee ice cream filled with cookie pieces, a touch of coffee swirls and just the right amount of chocolate flakes), when two buses filled with about 40 Illahee campers pulled up. The girls, in their PJs, were out for a late-night treat. Their smiles, genuine happiness and excitement was contagious.

So when I arrived at camp Illahee, I already had some idea of the magic in the air. I met Kris, the assistant camp director, who led me around the camp. Near the entrance are Illahee's tennis courts. Now, these are not you average camp courts; these are the real deal. Equipped with ball carts and automated feeding machines, and a fierce tennis program, there is always a match being played.

As we continued our tour, we stopped by the craft shop in full swing. Girls were working on everything from pottery to bracelets. Making our way across camp, I hear shrieks of joy as campers zip down the zip line. The zip line and high ropes course starts about 50' in the air from the climbing tower known as the Beanstalk. Cabins are scheduled for the Beanstalk once a session. This is a great opportunity to build confidence and cabin community. Another unique feature at Illahee is the tunnel. This tunnel allows campers to safely cross under the camp's main road. The tunnel is approximately 7 feet tall. What a creative solution to cross the road!

In truth, I think the camp welcome song describes the camp's energy and joy quite nicely.

"Welcome to Illahee
the mountains echo welcome to thee
Where bowers of flowers that bloom in the sun, old campers, new campers, guests and everyone,
Oh welcome to our land of jolly fun,
We are happy you have come,
To our guest we'll give a cheer!
Welcome welcome welcome! HEY!"

Camp Illahee is focused on developing girls with 5 essential qualities: confidence, conviction, integrity, faith in God and abiding respect for the natural world and all its wonders. And it shows through the welcoming nature, the magic in the air, and the sound of singing carrying across the lake -- it's all here at Illahee.

-Girl with the Red Umbrella