Independence Day is a great time to be at Camp high Rocks! What better place to be to focus on independence as you celebrate it on the same day? We always have a large time on July 4th. Our day starts with all sorts of fanfare and dress. The staff worked hard after hours to decorate the dining hall and have everything ready for the morning. The barn staff showed up for a Paul Revere ride, letting us know that “The Birtish Are Coming.!” Funny that several of the barn staff that were riding ARE British, so they were correct :). We bypass (or at least delay) the bell, where we trade for patriotic music for the wake-up instead. And then we ring the bell. The music continues to echo through camp during the clean-up process and then moves into the dining hall for a super fun morning. This morning we had a “tattoo table” where guys could get a temporary patriotic tattoo for the day as well as some face paint and stickers.
As the boys rolled up for breakfast, I was super-impressed with all the hats, shirts, tights, socks, and even sunglasses all themed to the day’s special event.
We moved through the morning in with a standard schedule, but lots of themes for the day. All sorts of fun in activities. The mountain bikers even did the classic clothespin spoke setup and played “Harley Day” around camp. That’s freedom!
It’s fun to talk about freedom on days like today. I think it’s important as well. While we focus on freedom of activity choice, what we want to eat each day, and how we want to go about our day in the life of camp. I shared with the boys how our actions not only bring freedom but also responsibility. These boys will be leaders one day, and my hope is that their time here at High Rocks will help them make the important decisions and be able to guide those around them.
That’s right! While everything we do is certainly fun. The boys don’t even know they are learning to work together. Look at this boat! Just making sure everyone is sitting in the right place so it doesn’t capsize is the first rule. We then have to ge tthe boat out to the dam and back. It sure was fun! Did they make it? Some of them did. What a fun way to fail, though. Sometimes it’s just the journey…
Tonight, we enjoyed an all-camp event called Freedom Games, including a slip and slide, other relay games and fun!
We finished the day with our big fireworks show! As a studied fireworks professional, I love my job! It is always a pleasure to create an awesome show for these guys. Back in 2009, I received my pyrotechnic license to put on shows commercially. While it wasn’t a huge task of wits, it did take a little bit of time and there is the pesky continuing education every three years. I crack myself up when I tell people I am a licensed pyrotechnic operator. Anyhow, it is just one more of those cool tasks you learn as a camp director. BOOM! BOOM!
It sure was a great day! It’s a cool group of guys to spend a holiday with for the day. thanks for sharing them with us.
Have a great night,
Don
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