Under the Tent 2019: A Night to Remember

“Actually, this feels MORE like camp with all the rain. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” exclaimed Caroline Sinegar, this summer’s Leadership Development Director and guest at Under the Tent. Following the success of the inaugural Under the Tent AT Gravatt in 2018, expectations and excitement were high approaching May 4, 2019.  With a full guest list, impressive sponsor line-up, BOOKED lodging accommodations, and a diligent staff, Under the Tent 2019 was on track to be the best Gravatt event yet, and just ask anyone: it was.

While the event looked completely different from the year prior, not one guest went home dissatisfied. Even the spring storm that blew in just before guests were set to arrive could not stop this crew from celebrating their special place in the woods. For 70 years, Gravatt has been a safe place for children and adults of all ages and walks of life. It has become home away from home for thousands of campers, guests, and staff, and Under the Tent is a time to fellowship together, celebrate this place of comfort and memories, and raise funds to support Gravatt’s dynamic ministry of summer camp through the Mac Westmoreland Scholarship Fund.

The fun wasn’t JUST for adults. While they enjoyed dinner, drinks, dessert bar, and a Gravatt art sale split between Collett Dining Hall and the camp Pavilion, campers of all ages enjoyed Under the Tent Camp, a mini-camp experience, with their favorite counselors across the lake on our conference side, complete with s’mores and an A ccapella campfire! Under the Tent Camp has become the perfect way for new campers to try out an evening of camp before committing to an entire session over the summer, and it provides a way to make camp friends before they come over the summer!

The incredible dinner spread was provided and served by Scott Hall Catering and Event Design of Columbia, SC, and despite the dreary weather conditions, Scott’s staff did not miss a beat. Their professionalism and dynamite food proved to be one of the most talked-about aspects of the evening. Following dessert, provided by local bakeries, home-bakers, and restaurants, overnight guests enjoyed a ‘porch party’ with more delicious food and drinks and, of course, more time with friends.

After what turned into an incredible night of celebration, overnight guests gathered for breakfast and a closing Eucharist before driving back up the dirt road. We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone home again next year, May 2, so mark your calendars and join us for Under the Tent 2020!