Color War Delivers

It has been 2 days since our epic laser show break and we have been busy having the absolute best time with Color War. Every summer is different and each Color War has it’s own character and feeling as well. The only way to fully describe what is happening here at camp is INSANE SPIRIT & ENERGY and It’s CONTAGIOUS. The campers are 100% into it and the staff has enough energy to power up an entire city. The feeling is fun not fierceness, camaraderie not cut throat competition and spirit prevails over all. It is palpable and you can’t walk 10 feet  without seeing the energy and feeling the fun. Teams are cheering on one another and encouraging everyone around them to be involved and be a part of something pretty special. Everyone matters in Color War. Every at bat, every catch, every basket counts. You are part of something bigger than yourself and that is why Color War is so special to each and every one of us. It is why we come together and have each others back during Color War. It is how we bond and how we play that defines the brilliance of Color War. No matter a win or a loss, we keep going and do our part for the greater good.

The Senior girls were at Wiffle Ball and as I walked up to watch their game, I couldn’t quite tell if it was a game or a dance party. The fun all of these girls were having was the story of the day. The girls were dancing in between each at bat and even the batter got in a few moves before she swung the bat. It was a party up at Wiffle Ball with one of the kids saying to me, “I had no idea Wiffle Ball was this much fun.” You just couldn’t help but smile and nor could they. It was contagious and what this War is all about. Our kids are loving life and feeling free. They are experiencing intense fun and joy. It is why we send them to camp and they are at the pinnacle of happiness. If we could bottle up the spirit and energy here at camp it could move mountains. What is happening here at camp is what we all want and desire for our kids – to feel joy, to have purpose and to be surrounded by the most supportive and energetic community. There is nothing quite like the feeling of Color War and we have 3 more days of pure joy.

A moment I was fortunate enough to be a part of today came from two adorbale freshman girls who were on opposite teams, one on Red and the other on Gold. I sat with one at lunch and when I asked her how her first color was going she replied, “It’s fun but I miss my best friend Mackenzie. Can you tell her how much I miss her.” My answer was, of course I will tell her so I walked over two tables away and plopped down with Mackenzie and relayed Talia’s message. Mackenzie was so happy to get her message, she asked me tell Talia that she cant wait for rest hour so they can be together again in their bunk. So of course I walked back over to Talia who smiled so big as I gave her that message. Talia then asked me to tell her friend one more message which went straight to my heart. Talia said, ” Tell Mackenzie that I hope she wins Color War and that would make me happy because she’s my best friend and when she is happy so am I.”  These two little girls met just six weeks and in that short of time, this happened. The best parts of ourselves come out and the is exactly what happened with Talia and Mackenzie.

Tonight was Rope burn and this long standing camp tradition didn’t disappoint. The campers were watching and cheering while the counselors burned the rope and boiled the water. It was female domination as the Gold StarWars team boiled their water first followed by the female team of Red Harry Potter. Then the men of the Gold Team burned their rope followed by the Red team within minutes. It was a great night and this Color War has been so much fun. The spirit is high and this is what camp is all about!!!