July 4th Celebrations!

Message of the day:
When you arise in the morning give thanks to the morning light
Give thanks for you're life and you're strength and give thanks for the joy of living.

And if you see no reason for giving thanks, rest assured, that the fault is in yourself .  Attributed to Chief Tecumseh of The Shawnee Nation (1768-1813)and shared by Lynn. 

July 4th began as all the volunteers enthusiastically appeared in the back drive way dressed in red, white, or blue. Final plans for the July 4^th celebration were discussed prior to breakfast.

After breakfast, sessions 1 and 2 met in our assigned rooms. For the last two sessions, we met in the large basement room for our Fourth of July presentation.

Lori got it off to a great start with the song "This Land is Your Land.” Jack, a student from Fred's class, read a short summary of the American Revolution. Teams Aloha sang “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.” Then, Lynn presented a short discussion on the evolution of the American flag, followed by a summary of the American Constitution by Al.

Next the class led by Barbara and Kaelan presented a skit about the Boston Tea Party! It was a hit!!!!

Joanne's class presented Polish customs associated with the Polish Independence Day. Lori then asked each volunteer to tell the students how we celebrate this day in our home locations.  The program concluded with first an English translation of and singing the Polish National Anthem. To see what had been learned students in Brenda’s class presented questions related to program content for all to answer.

After lunch, we went various ways. Kaelan went hiking with the campers. Some volunteers planned lessons, some shopped, and some slept.

At dinner we took our first sight of our nation’s birthday cake with its candle. At 7:20 PM we met for relays that Barbara first organized and then presented very well. It was, at least, organized chaos of fun for kids.

 We then watched the kids make S'mores which concluded a day of celebrity and fun.

Later in the evening Al and Fred spoke with David, a student, for over an hour. Our conversation with him made our excursion to this camp more meaningful.