We’ve been racing around all day for day two of Color War! One of the highlights was the Old Forge Run, a tradition dating back to the event’s origins in 1964 when it was known as the Blue Valley Run at the old Camp Highlander in Highlands, NC. When Camp Highlander moved to its current location, the run was renamed Old Forge, after the mountain where the camp is now located. The weather was perfect for the long run, with overcast skies and a cool breeze. Our eight runners, four from each team, battled this long, challenging event with determination and . The times were close, but the Red Dragons clinched the overall team victory, while the top male runner was from the Blue Knights (Davis S. Cabin 30) and the top female runner came from the Red Dragons (Elizabeth H. Cabin 1).

Our divisions kept up the pace throughout the day with various activities, including kickball, ultimate frisbee, tennis, basketball, Tic-Tac-Toe relays, and the final daytime event, the Carolina Streak running relay. Color War isn’t just about running and athletic events. It also involves events that test intelligence, problem-solving, artistic talent, musical abilities, performance skills, and even listening. Today featured activities like Spot It, Pictionary, Heads Up, Thread the Needle, Four Corners, camper plaque, disc golf, tetherball, and much more. I am so impressed with the kindness that our campers have shown one another through victory and defeat. These campers LOVE Color War, but most of all they LOVE their friends and it shows in the way the support and cheer for one another, win or lose. This is why I love Color War, and it is one more reason why I love your children!

Tonight’s evening programs included one of the oldest EPs of Color War, Rope Burning, and the newest EP that was added in 2018, Water Wars. Water Wars was held at the pool and included some old events like the hang and six inches, but showcased many new events like raft tug of war, raft guide relay and tube relay. We had a slight drizzle on and off throughout the event, but the Green Giants said “there’s no way we’re going to let a little rain dampen our spirits…on with the competition,” and the teams went wild with cheers and applause!

Rope burning is an event that dates back all the way back to the first Color War in 1964. This event is the only event that has not changed rules or format in all of Color War. Tonight’s rope burning was more challenging than most because the teams and the wood collectors had to battle the rain we’ve had this session. Finding dry wood was a challenge, and keeping the wood they did collect dry until the event was an even greater challenge, as the rain started right around dinner tonight. Just like Water Wars, as the teams were coming down to watch, the rain started pouring down. The Green Giants almost sent everyone back to their cabins, but the teams begged to start the event. A few minutes later, there was a break in the rain, and we decided to go for it. The Red Dragons got their fire lit first, while the Blue Knights were struggling for over 10 ten minutes to get the fire started. The Dragons fire was burning hot, but they were having trouble keeping it on the rope. As they added more and more wood to the fire, the Knights were feeling the pressure with no fire. Suddenly, a spark turned to a flame and the Knights began blowing and nursing their fire. Little by little, their fire grew stronger and they caught up with the Red Dragons. Slowly and steadily the Knights fed their fire and watched it burn the rope down! It was a huge shock to everyone, but the Blue Knights taught us an important lesson tonight…slow and steady sometimes wins the race!