Red DC WINS!!!!!

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 was indescribable. 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.

Tonight was a silent meal and never was The Lodge so quiet. It was oddly silent as this is the place where we dance and sing but tonight in Color War tradition, we ate silently.  The campers wanted more than anything to talk but knew that every word spoken would loose points for their team. Try and visualize The Lodge full of campers and counselors that just don’t speak. It was a sight to see and not a word to hear. We played tranquil spa music and I definitely saw a few kids rest their head and catch a few zzzz’s with how quiet and relaxed they were.

As both teams entered into Shields Hall dressed as super heroes of every kind,  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. Masterpieces that will forever be proudly displayed inside Shields Hall. 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 DC sang their Alma Mater and included beautiful lyrics that embodied the feelings they have as their summer comes to an end:

Another summer in the books, Two months is all it took

From the freshman to the CIT’s, for us to become a family

Winter nights without you near, wishing that you were here

Turn the clocks bring back the times, when we were sitting side by side

We never want to leave our home, we never want to leave our home

It was emotional and everyone knew that the end of Color War means the end of camp. What we have all gone through will be with us forever but for now is ending and the last four days as two teams are now back together as one amazing unified camp. Gold Marvel sand with meaning and from their heart:

Summer ’17 – Hard to believe that soon I will be missing you

Try not to cry, As days fade to nights, Ill want you by my side

Never say goodbye

Look around this place, we wont forget the memories we’ve made here

Cause Leaving you is my biggest fear – Our summers through , we’re leaving here

In a Chenny tradition of musical chairs, the last Judge to grab his seat was Red and that signifies the winner of Color War 2017. There was joyous elation throughout the Red team but everyone in that hall tonight felt the electricity that raced through the room. You couldn’t help but feel the intense energy that was contagious and incredible. An entire room was celebrating the brilliance of what we all just went through. The tears came but it wasn’t for any loss anyone experienced, it was knowing we are at the end of this journey. We cried, we cheered , we hugged, we let go and allowed ourselves to feel every single emotion tonight. To be present at this moment was to connect in a way that changes our life. The bonds got stronger and the friendships got deeper. What an absolutely incredible night we had.

We walked into Shields Hall tonight as two very separate teams but we all walked out back together as one camp family. Three more days of living where Life is GREAT!

Chenny out