Cheerio Traditions

Many wonderful traditions have been created since camp began in 1960. From singing camp songs in the dining hall to ending each session with our sacred Indian ceremony, tradition is an important part of what makes Cheerio special. Here are a few of Cheerio's more well-known traditions:

Milestone Ceremony

The Milestone ceremony is the highest honor a camper can achieve at Cheerio. Only campers who have been to Cheerio for 5 years or more are invited to learn the secret of the milestone and take part in this fascinating, richly rewarding ceremony.

Singing

DO RE MI... Singing has always been a wonderful part of life at Cheerio. Many of the songs we sing at camp have been around since the beginning. Ask a former Cheerio camper or counselor to sing a camp song and we have no doubt they will be able to sing it in a snap! Here's a classic...

Camp Cheerio, Camp Cheerio
The one we love the best.
She helps us find the righteous path,
Of which our God has shown.

Where the mountains are the bluest,
And the grass is so very green.
There is a little camp we know,
Whose name is Cheerio.

Faith and hope and love of God,
Are in the hearts of all.
We thank the Lord
For this our camp,
Which all of us adore.

Cabin Clean-Up

Beware dust bunnies! Every day after breakfast, campers attack their cabin with vengeance! Campers learn the finer points of bed-making and floor-sweeping in a team effort to have the cleanest cabin at Cheerio. Each day, cabins are inspected during the first activity period, and scores are announced during lunch. The "Honor Cabin" award is reserved for the cleanest cabin, while "Dirty Bill" and Dirty Lil" are left for the most untidy cabin.

Final Indian Ceremony

The end of each camp session is marked by Cheerio's illustrious Indian ceremony. The drums are beating and the bonfires are lit as the Great Chief summons the spirits of Cheerio to join the entire camp by the lakeside. During this memorable ceremony, one camper from each cabin is recognized for being a positive role model and good moral example for all. This is a special time for both campers and counselors -- and a moment that no one soon forgets.