It was a fun and festive Fourth of July here on Johns Island, with all sorts of special activities and traditions to mark the occasion.
Campers were delighted to enter the Lodge in the morning and sit down to camp’s traditional Independence Day breakfast: cinnamon rolls, bacon, yogurt, strawberries, and blueberries. You know it’s Fourth of July when the food is red, white, and blue!
The Troubadours gave their milk carton boat a flag and a name!
Following the meal, our camp directors announced the schedule for the day and encouraged us to reflect on the historical and cultural dichotomies represented in the song we’ve traditionally sung at camp on Independence Day morning, “This Land is Your Land,” which was originally written by Woody Guthrie as a satirical parody. We took a moment to consider the full lyrics of the song and the critique they contain before singing them. Our music staff then led us in singing “This Land is Your Land,” and we all formed a long parade line through the Lodge, down the steps, and onto the lawn below the flagpole. Once we were all assembled, our camper color guard presided over the raising of the colors and led the whole camp in singing our national anthem.
The Mountaineers showed off their Fourth of July pies before baking them.
After the flag ceremony, it was time to move into morning activities. Campers were involved in lots of preparations, including pie baking, milk carton boat building, sign painting, and booth construction. In the afternoon, some campers participated in the Fourth of July fun run while others cheered the runners on from the sidelines. Several campers found creative ways to race, including three-legged racers, human wheelbarrow racers, and a group of campers who sang a camp song (“Lord Franklin”) their whole way along the course. At the conclusion of the fun run, everyone enjoyed fresh watermelon slices on Mission Point.
Lots of campers (and a few staff) got into the spirit of the Fun Run!
The rest of the afternoon activities took place on the waterfront. One camper from each unit competed in canoe and kayak races, and campers launched their milk carton boats from the floating dock for the milk carton boat regatta. A lively rope tug-of-war followed the boat races, and everyone enjoyed some beach time before heading back up to the Lodge for dinner and the Fourth of July pie awards!
The four oldest units selected one camper to represent their unit in the kayak race.
The last event of the day was Carnival, a perennial camper favorite. Each unit developed a unique theme for their booth and advertised with bright signs and catchy slogans. There were booths for nail painting, fortune telling, “marriage ceremonies,” Soul Cycle classes, and a wet sponge toss! Campers took the time to visit every booth, mingling and laughing together in the lengthening twilight.
It was a joyful and memorable Fourth of July, and we’re so glad we got to celebrate together as a camp community!