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Wateree puts families first

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Emily Chilson
  • 20th Fighter Wing
CAMDEN, S.C. --  After a 45-minute drive from Shaw, I pulled up to a picturesque waterfront lined with rustic log cabins. As the sun went down on Lake Wateree, I saw campfires appear one by one as families and friends gathered to enjoy the scenic retreat.

When the cold weather starts to roll in, it's easy to forget about trips to the lake. But it was obvious to me as soon as I settled into the cozy cabin with my dog, Midnight, Wateree had more to offer. It's a place to escape and relax, a place to enjoy the company of others or in my case, to enjoy some time with my four-legged friend.

Before I got ready for a Christmas dinner with fellow Wateree visitors, Midnight and I set out to explore the grounds - the tent and RV sites, the beach and the pavilions. Midnight seemed like he couldn't get enough of the shoreline as he chased ducks and splashed through the water.

On our way back to the cabin we ran into Curt Marshall, manager of Wateree Recreation Area. He showed us around more of the cabins - each with wooden interiors, TVs, kitchens fully-stocked with cooking utensils and porches with views of Lake Wateree.

Mr. Marshall showed us around the office, complete with a little convenience store selling essential items to customers who may have forgotten something. As we walked, Mr. Marshall told us about his plans for re-vamping programs and events at Wateree.

"I'm trying to institute the idea of providing more programs for families," he said. "There are more opportunities for families to come here and relax - we're not just fishing and boating. We're here for the customers," he said.

Mr. Marshall told us about the events they've hosted over the past couple years; events like the Fourth of July celebration, Haunted Happenings, children's fishing tournaments, murder mystery dinners, improvised horse races to compliment the Carolina and Colonial Cups and many more.

"We'll try pretty much anything the customers suggest and we're constantly asking customers, 'what do you like? What do you want to see and do out here?' And we try it," he said. "The events are simple to put on, but they provide something else for the families. We're all working on this together and we want to be the best recreation area in the Air Force," he said.

I thanked Mr. Marshall for the tour as Midnight and I headed back to the cabin. I was getting Midnight settled in for the evening when I heard Santa Claus was murdered at the recreation center.

I hurried to the rec. center where everyone was already gathered around something I couldn't quite see. I pushed my way through the throng of curious onlookers and saw Santa, face-down on the floor, surrounded by bright yellow caution tape.

As curious guests mingled to un-ravel the mystery behind Santa's death, a delicious, home-cooked dinner was prepared. I questioned the guests - eager to put clues together and find the villain who murdered Santa, as part of the Murder Mystery dinner.

While conducting my investigation, I met several guests who shared their Wateree experiences with me.

"We've come out for squadron stuff before," said Sarah Odom, "but I've noticed lately that Wateree has started having more family-oriented programs."

Laura Pilgrim, a likely suspect in Santa's murder case said, "Wateree is more cost-effective for military families and the staff is great. We feel secure knowing it's all military families."

"It's like a vacation but it's not far away from base," said Amanda Gillman. "It's quiet, scenic, and great for the family. The children get excited when we say we're going to Wateree - they pack in a heartbeat."

Pieces to the murder mystery slowly fell into place and we narrowed down the list of suspects. With the help of the 'police' and inside information from 'special investigators,' we finally caught the villain.

For those who missed the Murder Mystery Dinner, Wateree is also hosting a New Year's Eve party.

"We're going to have music, food and a champagne toast, followed by breakfast after midnight," he said. "Come out for the party, have fun and spend the night."

For more information on Wateree Recreation Area, visit the 20th Force Support Squadron Web site at http://www.20thfss.com/Wateree.html or call (803) 432-7976.