Traditions are one of the great gifts of camp. They are the constants that we expect year after year, offering comfort and reminding us that we are home at Highlander. Traditions have a beautiful way of connecting our past to our present and even the future that is yet to come. They give spirit to camp and allow us to share our summer with generations that have gone before us.

Color War at Camp Highlander is one of the most cherished and loved traditions of our summer. Color War is about teamwork, competition and learning lessons. Lessons about how to work with others towards a common goal, how to lose with integrity and how to build each other up in moments of disappointment. Most importantly, Color War, like everything else we do at Camp Highlander, is a way to live out our mission of One Love.

As a leadership team, we often gather to reflect on our mission, our camp programs and their relevance to today’s campers and staff. At camp we always strive to make our mountain a more loving, accepting and kind environment . After much reflection, we believe it is no longer honoring our mission for our Color War teams to be named the Red Devils and the White Knights.

This decision did not come easily or without thoughtful consideration of the many years and deep tradition that these teams have had at Highlander.

The truth is, tradition by its very nature is supposed to evolve constantly and meet the changing requirements of time and social context. I think of all the cheers, songs, t-shirts and designs that have changed over the years for Color War, yet the essence behind the competition will remain always… To Strive For Excellence To Prove Oneself

We can’t wait for Color War 2022!

As we begin a new chapter in Highlander history, we will uphold the tradition of Color War with fierce competition, teamwork and unforgettable fun. While transition is hard, the friendships, life lessons and team loyalty of this amazing competition will not change, because Color War is not based on a name, it is all about the people.

So What Are the Team Names?

Wearing the Red and Black, YOUR RED DRAGONS!!!

And representing the Blue and White, YOUR BLUE KNIGHTS!!!

We will stay true to the colors from Color War, because when color war first began there were no mascots, only colors. A mascot for the teams is important because it provides a shared pride for the group working towards a common goal…winning CW! Fictional knights and dragons are a part of fables, fairy tales and legends and for us, will provide a representation of two teams striving, as a pack, toward victory.

The Knights still put their swords up, and the Dragons still put their horns up. And I’ve heard…Blue Knights are #1 and Don’t You Forget it! But then I’ve also heard…Dragons are Dynamite, Don’t Mess with Dynamite! With strategy, practice and the aspiration to conquer, each team will contest in the daunting mountain relay. Beginning with the silent anticipation of will it light, will it burn teams will erupt if their rope snaps first. And performances of drama, dance and song will still culminate the fierce days of competition.

We are so excited about the summer of 2022 and all the fun that it will bring for our campers and staff. We want to get each of our Session C campers even more excited about that too. So, each camper and staff member in Session C 2022 will receive a team swag bag on the first day of Color War with a team t-shirt and other cool team swag. We will also be launching new items on our online store that you can purchase to get ready for an amazing Color War.

So now the only question we have is…Will the Knights slay the Dragons this summer? Or will the Dragons bring the FIRE? Stay tuned… Color War 2022 is coming to you on…nah, just kidding. The break is still a secret!

Questions you may have

1. Can we wear our old team clothes?
   Yes, you can wear old team colors and anything that says RD for Red Dragons or Knights for Blue Knights. Any team gear with Devil, White Knight or WK is not allowed. We understand this may be frustrating for those of you that have your favorite CW shirts and more. We are offering new affordable CW gear in our online store.

2. What will happen to the plaques in the dining hall? We love the creativity and imagination that staff demonstrate each year by creating the CW plaques. We are not hiding history, just evolving. The plaques will stay decorating the dining hall and we can’t wait for the new plaques for 2022.

3. When will we get the give away tee shirts & swag bags? After the break! You know we won’t tell new campers their color till the break, nice try!

4. What about the team cheers? As you read, many of the cheers can be slightly changed and still be chanted during the CW. We are also excited about the new cheers that may come….maybe we sense a new event….

5. Can I change teams? No, if you already have a team you will keep your colors!