The Longest Day

July 5,2025

With respects to the 1962 classic movie of the same title depicting the D Day landing of 1944, yesterday’s non-stop action added up to one mighty vigorous endeavor along the shores of Lake Tarleton. No one is complaining, but boy were we exhausted as a community by the time, nearing 10PM, when the last firework exploded above the heads of the assembly at the council fire.

“Tomorrow starts early for many of you and there is a full day of tournaments on the agenda. Go to bed quickly.” Those were Klaus’s final words of the night. Good advice.

I enjoyed the fireworks a lot, despite the fact that they were meager compared to the extravagant performances in major cities about the country. First of all, they were a totally homespun endeavor, paid for by the camp – a fact acknowledged by a fellow who was mesmerized by camp fireworks when he was a five-year-old camper and who now can sponsor them.

It was fun observing Kingswood staff touch off the various packages of explosives and I loved the echoes bouncing about the surrounding hills of Lake Tarleton.

Most entertaining to this grizzled veteran was the drone, operated by Josh, who chased the colors with the intention of filming them and not blowing anything up on this the most patriotic day in America. My featured photo shows the drone as a green streak to the right.

Sara reports that she has so many photos to post that her efforts are delayed for a spell. My photo albums will have to suffice for now.

I think I will not bother explaining any of the action to you and just let you imagine for yourselves what was going on at any point during the events of the day and night. The tons of pictures do all the talking this time around. Many more to follow.

However, allow me to conclude by acknowledging that I was amused by everything on the day, and that’s why I have remained at Kingswood for all these successive years. Camp makes me laugh.