We definitely surprised them! This morning as the wakeup bell rang at 8:00, Green Giants were holding in place in the woods and under cabins for a surprising break. At 8:05 fireworks went off and the Color War anthem began to play over all the speakers. Campers looked out the window in shock and disbelief through the green smoke to find the Green Giants standing with torches outside their window. One camper said, “Um Charlie (his counselor,) Spencer is standing outside our cabin with a fiery torch…what is happening?” While the first year campers stared with uncertainty, the returning campers knew that those first year jitters wouldn’t last long and the most exciting four days of Session C have just begun! Those first year jitters immediately turned to JOY when each camper’s name was called to their team and they ran with arms wide open into their Color War family!

BLUE KNIGHTS MAJORS

• Camille R (Cabin 1)
• Nova A (Cabin 33)

RED DRAGONS MAJORS

• Nora A (Cabin 2)
• Reid S (Cabin 33)

We had a great first day of competition. The weather was incredible today - warm and sunny with cooler breezes to bookend our day. The competition today was intense, but the sportsmanship was incredible. I am so proud of our campers and staff who showed amazing teamwork and integrity today. Without any prompt from the Green Giants, campers were shaking hands, offering congratulations, wishing good luck and showing support of the opposite team with hugs and cheers. Both teams walked away from competition with smiles, laughter and arms around their friends, regardless of winning or not. This is what makes Color War so different from any other competition in life. Even when you lose, you win because someone you love wins. While there is disappointment in loss, we still find joy in the success and achievement of our friends.

My favorite part of the day was reffing tonight’s Lower Camp Steal the Bacon, and while the face paint was tough and the stares were cold…as each competitor got down on the mat I heard little whispers that melted my heart. “Good luck Miles.” “I love you Elena.” “Cabin 16 forever.” My heart almost exploded as I watched these precious children fight hard, but love harder! This is truly what Color War is all about - at the end of the day, it’s just a game and the friendships always WIN!