Day 4 — Saturday, July 4 🎆
Independence Day at camp. The centerpiece of the week: a big BBQ feast and a great fire.
At a Glance
| Block | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Festive pancakes & bacon; lazy start |
| Late morning | Beach / paddle / fishing — pick your fun |
| Midday | Shade, naps, prep the feast |
| Afternoon | All-hands BBQ cook |
| Evening | 🎆 Independence Day feast + campfire celebration |
Morning — Festive & Slow
- Pancakes & Bacon breakfast (go red-white-blue with berries). (Schedule.)
- Easy fun: a morning paddle, beach time, or bank fishing—dealer’s choice.
Midday — Rest & Prep
- Hot part of the day: shade, water, naps.
- Start the feast prep: pulled pork reheating, BBQ chicken thighs on, beans and mac & cheese going, corn ready, watermelon chilling. (Older Smiths coordinate.)
Evening — The Feast 🎆
- Dinner: Independence Day BBQ — pulled pork, BBQ chicken, baked beans, mac & cheese, sweet corn, watermelon, salad, rolls.
- Dessert: s’mores + a red-white-blue treat (berry trifle or flag cake).
- Big group campfire, songs, glow sticks for the kids.
Fireworks: Personal fireworks are generally not permitted in Missouri state parks (fire risk). Confirm at the office. Plan on glow sticks, flashlight tag, and a great campfire instead—and if you want a real show, ask the office or check nearby towns for a community fireworks display.
Make It Special
- A quick “what we’re grateful for / favorite moment so far” lap around the fire.
- Group photo before dinner while everyone’s clean-ish.
- Let the kids run a flashlight/firefly hunt after dark.