Day two of Color War had us running all day! Today hosted one of the original events of Color War from 1964 and what we call today the Old Forge Run. This run at the old Camp Highlander, located in Highlands, NC, was called the Blue Valley Run. When Camp Highlander relocated to the current campus, they renamed the run Old Forge, since that is the name of the mountain that is home to Camp Highlander today.

The weather was absolutely perfect for a long run. Sunny skies and a cool breeze accompanied our eight runners, four from each team, as they battled a long and challenging event. The runners were very close in time, but in the end the total team time victory went to the White Knights.

We kept running at the Lower and Middle Pentathlon, at kickball and elephantball games, on the tennis court, at the flag football game and ended the daytime events with a running relay - the Carolina Streak. The Carolina Streak is a relay race all over camp with 12 campers from each team. The race was close the entire time, and the Red Devils were slightly ahead until the half way mark and the White Knights caught up to lead their team to another victory.

The athleticism and determination of our campers during Color War always amazes me. These campers work so hard and pour their heart into each and every event. But Color War is not all about athletic talent. There are events that require intelligence, problem solving, artistic talent, musical gifts, performance talent and even listening skills. Today as a Green Giant, I coached the most intense game of Giant Says (Simon Says). These games lasted almost 30 minutes, because the campers were so focused, attentive and listening so well that I could not get them out. It is very impressive to see what our campers are capable of accomplishing for their team!

Tonight’s EP’s were fantastic! Our first EP was Teen Idol. This is a Color War talent show with five categories: vocal talent, instrumental talent, lip sync performance, original dance routine and dancing with the officers. Both teams had incredible talent, but the winner of the Teen Idol was the White Knights. After Teen Idol, we had Harness Pull and the White Knights won in the final round with a score of six to five. Every competitor gave their all and fought to the very last second. It was intense!

More than the talent, the entertainment, the athleticism or the smarts, I am so impressed with the kindness that our campers have shown one another through victory and defeat. I have witnessed campers cheering for the opposite team because friendship is more important than winning. I have watched integrity take priority over victory as a camper says, “The ball hit me, I’m out.” I have seen love rule as best friends compete against one another in Harness Pull, knowing they both win no matter the outcome. Your children amaze me every day. We are so grateful to be a part of their lives and yours!