July 4 2025

Greystone was founded by Dr. Sevier just two years after World War I. The United States’ pivotal role in that conflict transformed our national identity. I can only imagine the solemn and inspiring Fourth celebrations back then. Fast forward 20 years, and the world was at war again; our country proved to be the pivotal force for freedom. In that time, most of our families had loved ones who served in the armed forces, and the conflict deeply impacted camp life for many years (an example being families sharing their sugar coupons so we could have dessert on special occasions). VJ Day was August 15, 1945. Dr. Sevier missed that celebration summer, having died in 1944, but my grandmother used the high spirits of that summer to propel Greystone into some of its best years as a camp.

The Fourth of July is celebrated at Greystone. We dress up in gaudy outfits from Amazon, play American-themed music as we march to class, and end the day with a blowout carnival and fireworks show. It has always been a big deal, and hopefully, it will always be joyfully celebrated. Our camp has always reflected an optimistic perspective on the state of our country. We love what God has done for and through this Republic. Granted, we are not a perfect country, but on this day, we do not focus on these deficiencies; instead, we choose to see the donut, not the hole. Our country is founded on noble ideals. On balance, it is a great country, and we take pride in contributing to its improvement over time. Today is a day to be exuberant!

While classes continue as usual, the camp is buzzing with anticipation for the Fourth of July celebration. We’ll watch the carnival preparations with keen interest throughout the day and savor the wonderful aroma of 200 pounds of pork as it undergoes its 10 hours of preparation in the traditional North Carolina style of barbecue. Carnival Al will unload trailers packed with inflatable rides, Head Staff will prepare signs and set up tents, and the nurses will open a case of Tums “just in case” the need arises before bed.

A change this year is the fireworks show. I messed up getting my fireworks license renewed. Any “good” shooter would have carefully read the legislation and realized it would take a lot of time to jump through all the hoops (about 6 months). I, on the other hand, mindlessly called the fire marshal asking when and where to take the test. He laughed and then shared the rules… my heart sank. Obtaining a certified shooter isn’t easy, given the rules (there are only six in Henderson County, and all are professionals already engaged in major events). We had to devise a new plan.

The new plan is fantastic. We are going to watch the big show at Rosco’s! Anyone who has been to camp on the 4th knows that the big show at Rosco’s (the gas station next to camp… yes, that’s right… a big show at a gas station… and they think I’m dangerous). It always starts just after the Greystone show and is remarkably large and loud. It’s hard to go to sleep with that show in the background, so we’ll just embrace the moment! We’ll close the rides around 8:30 and everyone will get cleaned up and gather at the river pasture (about ½ mile past the barn) to get treats, listen to music, and watch the show at 9:30. I think it will be a ton of fun and provide a fantastic experience… but fear not. Peter has volunteered to get his fireworks license just in case we want to go “old school” again next year!

God Bless America on this Great Day!

Thanks for checking in.

Breakfast Donuts, bagels, cream cheese, sausage, yogurt buffet breakfast
Joke I will do “Lunch Club” with a rendition of Jose do you see
Lunch Smoked Turkey Sandwiches
Dinner Funnel Cake, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Cotton Candy, Popsicles… and some real food too: Fried Pickles, French Fries, Chicken and Waffles, Grilled Cheese, BBQ, and hot pretzels with cheese.