The final day of Color War 2019 was fantastic! We have been incredibly blessed with gorgeous weather for the past 4 days, and today was no different. We heard that rain was in the forecast, but it held off all day. Tonight as the bell started to ring for dinner, the rain began to fall. Perfect timing. For the first time that I can remember in many years, we did not have to cancel any camper events for rain. What a blessing!

Day four was full of fantastic competition, wonderful memories and indescribable fun. The campers poured their heart into every event, knowing that this Color War was a very close race and that every moment, every effort and every point mattered.

One of the traditions of this final night is that campers and staff break away from the cabin group and eat dinner as a team. And though the dining hall was divided by teams, there was an incredible unity we all felt tonight and throughout camp this year during Color War. I am so grateful for the love and friendship that took priority in the hearts and minds of our campers and staff. It was such an amazing four days of competition, and I loved every minute of it!

One of my favorite parts of Color War is the final program. The final program is a one act play that is written, directed and cast by the staff. The campers have to memorize lines, help build the sets and attend play practice, while competing in events. It is truly an amazing feat! The Green Giants choose a theme each year to inspire meaning for the teams, and this theme is carried out in the play and the plaques for the final program. This year’s theme was a quote from Harry Potter, though Harry Potter was not allowed to be used as a reference for the play or for anything during Color War.

The plays for both teams were incredible. As someone with a background in theatre, I am in awe every year that the teams put on such thoughtful and creative programs. The set design, the costumes, the humor…it is the perfect way to end a very busy and competitive four days at camp. As I sat and watched these campers perform for the entire camp, I was overwhelmed by what these campers and staff have accomplished over the past four days. I am so very proud of each and every one of them for their hard work and dedication to their team.

Congratulations to both teams for an amazing four days of competition, heart and hard work. My heart is always heavy when we announce the winner of Color War each year. I hate to see our campers sad and disappointed after all they gave to their team.

In today’s world too often we want everyone to be a winner, or for everyone to get a trophy, but that waters down the life-lessons that impact the growth in our children. Truth is, you don’t always win. Things in life don’t always turn out how you want them to, and many times there is someone who performs better than you do who deserves the win, the position on the team or the job promotion. This is hard, but this is life. At Camp Highlander we are teaching our campers through Color War that happiness is not about winning. For the past four days, we have learned that happiness is a choice that is found in giving your best, persevering through challenges, celebrating others who achieve their goals, working as a team, laughing at yourself and overcoming your failures. True happiness is yours even in defeat (darkness), you just have to remember to choose joy and turn on the light.

Happiness is exactly what I saw in the gym tonight as I announced the Color War 2019 winners, the Red Devils. There were hugs exchanged between cabinmates, high fives between teammates and congratulations to the winners…true, genuine happiness in victory and defeat.