Happy Independence Day!!!
July 4, 2018 by Don Gentle
Today started with a bang, or should I say a guitar. Jimmy Hendrix belted out the Star Spangled Banner for wake-up. It has been a tradition or a number of years here at High Rocks. It was a fun treat for the boys coming back fresh from their cabin overnights. When I say fresh, it is sort of a marshmallow and pizza sauce mixed with campfire ash sort of fresh :). Anyhow, all of these guys assisted me with the usual “GOOD MORNING HIGH ROCKS” shout after ringing the bell. They were very proud of their moment to shine.
It was great to see so many of the guys who brought festive items for the Independence Day celebration. The dining hall was covered with red, white, and blue. We brought up our own basket of “flair” the guys to use as well. Our freedom breakfast was fantastic with the freedom to choose some many things! Scrambled eggs, Southern Grits, scratch-made biscuits (really! I watched Nathan cut every single one!), and sausage gravy. Of course, these already amazing items were accompanied by our usual cereals, fresh fruit, and yogurt. We had patriotic songs playing in the background all through breakfast.
Tonight we had a series of “freedom games” for the evening program. The games are a ton of fun and really made for some great pictures on this wonderful mountain evening.
We finish 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. 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!
Sincerely,
Don Gentle
Director…and Licensed Pyrotechnic Operator