Independence Day

Camp is a patriotic place. The second “speech” the girls hear on Opening Day is about why we make such a big deal of raising and lowering the flag. I encourage the girls to have a sense of history when they contemplate that question… what would it be like to be at camp during a World War? In those years, our country’s fate was quite literally uncertain. While camp has always provided a safe “bubble”, it doesn’t erase the concerns of the life… it gives support. I imagine those girls of the 40’s saluted with more intensity than the campers of the 60’s… but it was always with a considered eye of appreciation for what this country provides. America is an amazing place, we want the girls to know it.

Some of our parents are currently serving in our armed forces. My brother was a Marine, my father was an army infantryman; many of our campers come from military families. Freedom is not free, it comes with a dear price that reoccurs with every generation. The flag brings it all together, the official solomn ceremony of flag raising or lowering is a beautiful reminder of this fact. Independence Day is a nice celebration marked by whimsical fun and celebration.

I will break out my Uncle Sam costume for breakfast… the campers “surprised me” with matching carnival T-shirts (note the Nascar theme… Margaret thinks the shirt is “haunting”… I think she is afraid that I am going to start carting the family to Nascar events in the Winnie). We decorated the dining hall in red, white, and blue and sing a trio of special 4th of July songs before we sit down… the day will have a lot of campers wearing “American” theme accessories (all from China) and culminate with a giant carnival and fireworks.

The carnival will have some surprises that the girls will love… remember that it is a Nascar theme… nuff said.

I will preside over the fireworks which should be very good. The only fear in the back of my mind is the possibility of rain (50% chance of rain this evening… not my kind of odds). July rain storms can cut celebrations short on any given afternoon, and we have had 4th of July fireworks postponed in previous years (we work them into a later EP…). I am hoping that the weather will cooperate. One of the things that I purchased was a case of “Giant Frogs” fireworks. Jimmy “three fingers” told me the frogs were really amazing; they certainly look impressive. About 6 inches around, covered in shimmering green foil, two giant eyes of red paper covered explosives, and a giant fixed grin that is formed from a wedge taken out of the round body. Jimmy tells me that “girls go crazy over these things”… I better do a test fire this morning (I like the idea of these being lit close to the girls).

Some people (like my wife) might say that $4,000 is too much money to spend on fireworks; to those people I will point to the case of exploding frogs… Winner.

Breakfast Club today will finish up the “Social” side of the 4 fold growth plan. We talked about the art of “Forgiveness”… not letting the sun go down on your anger, never letting a root of bitterness grow in your heart. Scriptural gold, perfect for this intense camp setting. Tomorrow starts the “Physical” growth plan. I can’t wait!

Thank you for reading the updates. Our “Numbers” have dropped from 1300 on Thursday to 500 yesterday. Lots of parents will be catching up on some reading tomorrow.

God Bless America,

Jimboy