The 36th anuual pilgrimage by Dayton Christian Seniors to Awanita Valley, South Carolina was a roaring success with the class of 2012! Ever since Terry Chamberlain and Dan Grabill chaperoned the first class in May of 1976, students have been mudsliding, rafting, jeeping and Biltmoring for their senior trip...
What do you remember about your adventures to the camp at Lake Awanita? Please share your stories!
I was getting over a virus while there, so I missed out on most of the fun stuff like the whitewater rafting, and the mud slide; but I did get in on the big pillow fight in the lounge! I remember Mr. Chamberlain REALLY getting into it! I think he had more fun than we did!!!...and the stop at Gatlinburg on our return trip was fun too!
ReplyDeleteMy raft group was the ONLY one that May 1976 that would go over the "killer falls". Of course we crashed and went under....scared everyone else but we had a blast! Can't think of who else beside me and Cathy were in the raft!!! Her brother was "Eric" from the Class '77!!
ReplyDeleteWe played some game called "Snipe Hunting". I could never decide if there really were Snipes or if I was the only one that believed it. Loved Gatlinburg and LOVED Biltmore Estate. We rode horses for so long that I think it was over an hour before my legs straightened out!
Mr. Reno almost died on the rafting trip. He fell out and went under the raft. David Fraley was showboating on the zip line and forgot to let go, running into the post at the end. I forget who, but some girl fell off the zip line stand through the trees and onto the ground. She was fine. Remember Brad Bowman and Joe Gayda playing guitar. Great volleyball games, it was a blast!
ReplyDeleteMy 12 year old son just the other day asked me what was the most fun I have ever had. This was one of the top 5! Loved every minute of this trip.
ReplyDeleteMr. Greg Kurtz (long-standing DC English teacher and Senior Class advisor), told me that with the Class of 2012, he just completed his 19th trip to Lake Awanita. Other interesting tidbits :
ReplyDelete1. Dayton Christian is the longest continuous-running customer of the Awanita Valley Christian Retreat Center.
2. It's pronounced A-WAN-A-TA Valley.
3. Although most of the original structures are still there, they've also added a lot to the camp over the past 36 years.
4. It costs each Senior $560 this year for transportation / lodging / meals / whitewater rafting / Hummer rides / zip-lines / admission to the Biltmore Estate etc.
5. Their website is : www.awanita.org
I guess the only question is, who wants to organize a DC All-Alumni Reunion trip - back to Awanita Valley, South Carolina next May?! :>)
I could see that this post is interactive. Meaning, readers also take the time to share their stories that would relate to other people. May you continue to inspire others to tell their stories as well.
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