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Grabbing some shade just before hitting the waves are Jennette’s Pier educators, camp counselors, community volunteers and Silly for Lilly campers. All from left, standing, are Kim McGee, Colin Cone, Eli Hannon, Brayden Adams, Peyton Madonia, Lee Scripture, Suzie Pierce, Jonathan Vernesoni, Alexis Oliver, Sydney Glover, Landon Gibbs and Agatha Knab. Kneeling in the middle row are Ana Figel, Jessica Witter and her daughter Evalynn. In the front row are Lee Lawson, Ina Ruhle, Aylissa Hannon, Maris Osman, Christin Brown, Emily McCoy, David Vincent and Diamond Henson. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Educator Peyton Madonia and David Vincent both give the shaka sign while “hanging loose” on the beach. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Maris Osman braves the cold ocean water with some encouragement from educator Kim McGee. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Brayden Adams screams down a wave while body boarding at Jennette’s Pier. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Sporting their helmets and harnesses at the First Flight Adventure Park in Nags Head are Jennette’s Pier junior councilor Dylan Halloc, David Vincent, educator Peyton Madonia and Brayden Adams. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Tamara Hughes and Tris Roderick collaborated again this year to continue the Get Silly for Lilly Outer Banks Taco Cook-off to honor Lilly Roderick. Proceeds from the May event sponsored the Silly for Lilly camps. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Diamond Henson, left, and education curator Christin Brown pose for a selfie before climbing on the ropes course. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Brayden Adams, center, swings his paddle out of the water while cruising around the surf with educator Kim McGee while volunteer Eli Hannon assists. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

Colin Cone gets set for some fun on the First Flight Adventure Park ropes course with help from volunteer Jackson Hannon. Courtesy Jennette’s Pier

By Jennette’s Pier Staff

Pure joy, that’s what these campers sense while crashing down wave faces and feeling a fish tugging on their line. They eat hot pepperoni slices and dance in Oceanview Hall at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.

The Silly for Lilly Exceptional Day Camp was a rocking two days of unbridled excitement for the 20-some campers on July 20-21.

“It’s like a freedom they get to experience,” counselor Kim McGee said. “You can be a surfer for the day, or a fisherman … ‘just give me a chance.’”

McGee came up with the Exceptional Day Camp idea several years back. The first one was held in 2019.

“They surf, body board, fish, go to the Adventure Park, make crafts and have a pizza, dance party!” she said. “We had ’em doing line dancing – it was a blast.”

The campers’ scholarships were all paid with funds raised during the Get Silly for Lilly OBX Taco Cook-off last spring, which was founded by the pier’s education curator Christin Brown and pier shop manager Tamara Hughes, who was Lilly’s godmother. Lilly’s mom Tris Roderick, her family and friends, are also instrumental in ensuring this memorial event is successful each year.

McGee said Brown and the education department decided to re-dedicate their commitment to offer a summer camp to the exceptional community once the pandemic finally quieted down. So, the Silly for Lilly two-day event was on again.

“They had a lot of fun!” McGee said. “For some, there were new experiences, for others it was just another chance to be out on surf boards.”

Later, on the pier fishing deck, the fun continued, she noted.

“They were catching their first fish while having the time and opportunity to be with people to have fun, learning while they’re doing it,” McGee said.

“They’re not rushing it – it’s so cool,” she said. “The pier is so awesome, supportive!”

Just like the other week-long camps, it took a team of educators and junior counselors to keep everything moving for the Silly for Lilly camp.

McGee was thrilled to be involved. She’s made a career out of helping others.

She first started Zumba with Friends at the Outer Banks Family YMCA in Nags Head with instructor Renee Thompson. She also became a certified equine Special Olympic coach with Mane and Taill Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy in Jarvisburg.

Eventually, McGee started working at First Flight Middle School in Kill Devil Hills in Alyssa Hannon’s special needs classroom. Alyssa and her sons Jackson and Eli all volunteered at the special needs camp.

McGee currently works as the in school suspension coordinator, which has given her the opportunity to start an equine assisted learning program to help students learn social, emotional and behavioral skills, she reports.

One thing is for sure, McGee knows how to get things done and that talent earned her the classified employee of the year designation in 2019 at First Flight. She’s modest about her successes, but she deserves praise.

“I am so thankful for the positivity and support of so many amazing friends, families and organizations in the community,” McGee said. “I would not be able to do any of this without them!

“You all help to bring joy and opportunities to so many, including me!” she said.

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