In so many ways, Camp Highlander is our own little land of the free — a place where kids can be exactly who they are, where time is trivial, and where joy is found in the simplest moments with friends. Today, on July 4th, we celebrated that spirit of freedom in the best way we know how: by shaking up the schedule, making space for connection, and filling the day with traditions old and new that honored the freedom we all cherish.
The day kicked off with energy and excitement as campers and staff laced up their sneakers for our Freedom 5K. The patriotic music, cheers and high-fives from friends, and pride that shone with each completed lap made this the perfect way to start our celebration.
The Color Bomb was the next item on our agenda for the day. Campers and staff headed to the field for an explosion of red, white, and blue, coating everyone in vibrant proof of the fun we were having together.
In the afternoon, the spirit of competition — and history — came alive as cabins split into teams: THE STARS and THE STRIPES. Campers, decked in the team t-shirts, battled it out for the ultimate bragging rights: which is more important, the 13 founding colonies or the current 50 states? Events were broken up into different areas of camp by division, offering more time for friendship, healthy rivalry, team spirit and of course…laughter!
Nothing says ‘Merica quite like a delicious BBQ dinner. Mac, our resident Pitmaster, made the most amazing smoked pulled pork and chicken that had us all cleaning our plates! Bellies full, campers and staff put on their dancing shoes for our Dance of Freedom, where we line danced the night away. With music blasting and friends all around, it was impossible not to smile.
And of course, no Fourth of July at Camp Highlander would be complete without the grand finale: the best fireworks show in three counties. Campers and staff spread out on the athletic field, lounging in their crazy creeks or snuggling close to friends, eyes wide with wonder as the sky lit up in dazzling color. It was the perfect ending to a day that was all about freedom — not just the freedom our country celebrates, but the freedom our campers get here every day.
At Camp Highlander, we celebrate the freedom to be silly. Freedom to cheer for your friends. Freedom to try new things. Freedom to dance like no one’s watching. Freedom to belong.
Today was an amazing day! I LOVED spending time with your children and soaking up the simple joys of summer freedom. Happy Fourth of July from Camp Highlander — our own land of the free, where these memories light up our lives brighter than the fireworks in the sky.
May God Bless America!
Favorite Details of The Day
- Reflect at the Rock: This morning we reflected on the American Flag as Bryan read the Old Glory poem by by Howard Schnauber this morning at Reflect at the Rock
- Weather: Another glorious day of sunshine and cool breezes!! Somebody pinch me!
- Meals: For breakfast we had cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, oatmeal and a fresh fruit bar. For lunch we had chicken tenders and french fries and cold watermelon, along with our salad bar and sandwich bar. Dinner was Mac’s famous pulled pork and pulled chicken, macaroni and cheese, vinegar cole slaw, baked beans, a sandwich bar and salad bar. For dessert we had Gus’ after Camper’s Choice sign-ups.
About Melissa Fitzgerald
