Freedom Day 2021!

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 for 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. We belted out “freedom music” all morning.

After assembly, we slowed down just a bit as Woody led us in a lakeside service about (you might guess) independence 😊. He did a great job by starting with a little American History and then moved into more of what independence might mean for the boys here at High Rocks. It was a great lesson.

The morning continued with all sorts of fun “freedom games” including the waterfront, activity field and the pavilion.  We played some classics like egg toss and dizzy bat, but also hit the lake for some refreshing waterslide and ropes swing. After lunch and rest hour, the games continued throughout the day.

After dinner, we headed up for our weekly campfire and a story by Sumner Williams. We talked about the week ahead and all of the excitement. Believe it or not, our Mini guys only have five more days! Will Brown shared a thought and then everyone headed back to the cabin for meetings and quiet until fireworks.

Breakfast: Scratch-made yeast doughnuts hot out of the fryer, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, and assorted cereals

Lunch: Wing Day! Fired wings with honey bbq, teriyaki, or buffalo sauce, mac and cheese, peaches, and two different tossed salads.

Dinner: Cookout with hotdogs and hamburgers including all the classic sides, watermelon, chips, and a weekly candy bar.

We finish the day with our big fireworks show!  As a studied firework 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

Today’s Pictures