The Calhoun High School Twirl-O-Whirl day camp is teaching children important life lessons through the art of baton twirling. The camp, which ran from June 7-10, has taken place annually for over twenty years.

In its long run, the camp has seen many young participants become CHS majorettes. The captain of the majorettes, Savannah Raspberry, was a participant in the camp when she was a child.

“I loved it so much,” said CHS majorette captain Savannah Raspberry. “I learned so much and the majorettes were so nice.”

The many children who come to the camp each year are treated to new twirling tricks, fun, and the occasional snack, said Raspberry.

But the camp does much more than teach children new twirling tricks, said Savannah’s mother, Deirdre Raspberry.

“The girls learn so much about teamwork,” said Deirdre. “Being part of a team like that really inspires them to pursue their interests while respecting others.”

The popularity of the camp has only grown since its inception and has grown significantly in size, said Raspberry. “Since Savannah participated when she was little, the turnout for the camp has gotten a lot bigger.”

The camp’s promising turnout means good things for the future of the CHS majorette program, said Raspberry.

“We see many of these girls all the way through.”