A day full of travel

Wednesday was a day full of traveling for campers at Cheerio on the New River as the day began with the weekly canoe trip. While the river levels were low, laughter could be heard all around as the cool water provided a nice break from the hot sun. At the end of the trip, campers ate lunch at the canoe takeoff before having an extended rest period to prepare for the Third of July celebration at Camp Cheerio.

Cheerio on the New River traveled to the mountains to celebrate the Fourth of July and watch a fireworks show at Camp Cheerio. Staff at Camp Cheerio gave a history lesson of how America gained independence, starting by discussing the British’s tyrannical oppression of the colonies, the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s ride, and finally, the shot heard around the world.

Camp Cheerio staff dressed as the Continental Army, rode horses while shouting “The British are coming,” and fired a single shot to reenact the events that sparked one of history’s most monumental events. The Revolutionary War influenced the French to revolt against their king, and many other countries around the world to stand up to their oppressive governments.

A 21-gun salute was given for the women and men who have served the country and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Following the history lesson and salute, fireworks lit up the sky. Cheers, ooo’s, ahh’s, and booms echoed off the mountains as fireworks shot up and exploded in red, whites, and blue. Across the mountain ranges, flashes from other firework shows could be seen in the distance, giving campers, visitors, and staff one of the best firework shows one could imagine.

• Authored by Orion Griffin