GOLD 90's WIN!
With the last day of Color War upon us, everyone was working hard, having fun and giving it every ounce of effort they had. It meant that much to all of us. Win or loose, each team put their heart on the line and played hard. Each field and court was full of Red and Gold spirit, chants and cheers. The feeling on camp is just plain inspirational. To see groups of kids rally around one another in the true sprit of competition and do it in a way that is uplifting and encouraging is awe-inspiring. It’s the way it should be and it exists here at camp.
The score was close and as all the campers entered the Lodge for the evening’s silent dinner, less than 100 points separated the teams. It was close and as always, it all comes down to Sing.
As both teams entered into Shields Hall dressed in costumes right out of the 80’s and 90’s, there was a sense of elation and true Color War pride. This was it, and everyone knew it. Each team presented their plaque and banner and they were truly works of art. It was time for Sing and both were ready to perform the songs they worked so hard on and had so much meaning in every verse. There were tears as Red 80’s sang their Alma Mater and included beautiful lyrics like:
Friendships like this
Are hard to find
We wish we could just rewind
Don’t regret decisions made
That led me to this place with you
Seeing how my life has changed
You’ve turned me into someone new
It was emotional and everyone new that the end of Color War signifies the end of camp. What we have all gone through, will be with us forever but for now is ending and the last five days as two teams are now back together as one amazing camp. Gold 90’s so poetically conveyed in their Alma Mater:
Hanging on as the days are fading
Take me back to the beginning
To when the summer seemed so new
Replay the times we’ve been through
Shed the colors that divide us
Red & Gold together we must
Take the next step forward as One!
In a Chenny tradition of musical chairs, the last Judge to grab his seat was Gold and that relayed the winner of Color War 2012. There was joyous elation throughout the Gold team but just for a moment until they realized that their fallen red comrades suffered feelings of defeat. What amazed me in that hall tonight was to see the empathy and compassion of the Gold team embracing their friends on the Red team. There was that moment beyond the win, it was true friendship and respect. That is what we do here at Chen-A-Wanda. No matter if it is your first summer or 8th, we all get it and it is magical. We are a family up here who genuinely care for one another and it showed tonight.
We all entered Shields Hall tonight as two teams but left as one camp. Arm in arm supporting one another, knowing we have only 3 days left here. There is great sadness about leaving this place. Can’t blame us because life is just great here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.
Chenny out