At Great Blue Resorts, we’re passionate about creating unforgettable family memories. From summers filled with adventure and exploration to cherished moments spent with loved ones, these experiences embody the heart and soul of what makes our resorts so special. In this heartfelt blog, Emma shares her personal journey and the treasured memories she’s created over the years. Her story is a beautiful reminder of the magic and joy that await every family at Great Blue Resorts.
Written By: Emma
The majority of my earliest memories are the times I spent at various Great Blue Resorts. My saddest moments were alleviated by spending time fishing with my dad with my little pink Barbie fishing pole (I caught the biggest bass of my life on that pole), and my happiest moments were spent on the playground, in the pool, or taking part in all of the kids club activities. I learned my numbers on a chocolate bar bingo card, I found my passion for art doing crafts, and I made more friends than any kid could ever ask for.
I had a sense of freedom within the resorts from a young age, exploring the woods and covering my floral dresses with mud while searching for worms to fish with. I was always safe at the resorts, everyone knew everyone. I knew that my dad’s whistle meant to come home, and by the colour of the sky when it was time to join all of the other kids at the playground for manhunt.
I bought a bright yellow net from the general store which I used to catch countless frogs and turtles, except for the mama snapping turtle; everyone knew to respect mama snapping turtle. I discovered water bugs and fireflies, I learned the difference between bass, pike, and pickerel, and that bass was my favourite to eat at the fish fry. As I grew up, it never got old. I may have outgrown the monkey bars, but I never outgrew the resorts. The sunsets are still as bright and beautiful as I remember, and the beaches are just as relaxing. I can still fit on the swings and I have lifelong friendships thanks to these places. My summers were always filled with excitement and adventure with no time spent alone, but instead constantly creating memories that I now cherish more than anything as an adult.
A big part of who I am at my core was created by my time at the resorts. If I close my eyes I can still hear the cicadas on the hot days, and I can smell the food cooking on the barbecue. I can hear everyone laughing and singing at karaoke, and I remember how amazed I was to watch the fireworks. Even on rainy days, we were still a community; watching movies, playing music, and even more bingo. Nothing stopped us from enjoying each day to its fullest. Even now I find myself drawn to nature and to spending as much time as possible with my friends and family because that’s what we did at Great Blue.
My favourite times were in July and August because that’s when we celebrated the big stuff. Christmas and Halloween. Christmas in July meant fun little gifts and Santa riding in on a tractor, pontoon boat, or even a helicopter once. It must have been a nice vacation for him too I imagine. And then my favourite day of all: Halloween in August. Everyone who’s anyone shows up for that one. They all decorate their park models like it’s a contest (which it in fact usually is), with huge blow-up ghosts, skeletons, and more fake cobwebs than you could ever imagine. The costumes are always an eclectic group of well-thought-out homemade ensembles to last-minute creative choices like a pot on your head. There’s candy for the kids and treats for the adults, and frankly, some of my favourite Halloweens took place in August instead of October.
It’s hard to recall all of the things that staying at Great Blue Resorts taught me because realistically, I learned most things there. I learned how to fish, how to climb monkey bars, and how to catch a frog like it’s nobody’s business. I learned how to face my fears in the Halloween in August haunted house, and how to create spider-dogs (the greatest bonfire snack there is).
I practiced my cursive writing and multiplication tables in the living room and memorized all of the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s Fearless in my top bunk. I learned how to scrape my knee but keep on playing, and I learned that some strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet. I wouldn’t trade the childhood I spent at the resorts for anything. I spent every month from September to April waiting for when I got to return because, at the end of the day, it was where I really felt at home. And even now, decades later, I can’t wait for April.