Last night began the start of the August Color War. The break to the program was absolutely stunning and sure to remain clear in campers’ memories long after the session ends. At dark, camp marched down to the fire circle. As campers descended infirmary hill, the fire circle was completely transformed. The entire area was lit with candles and fires and suspenseful music played in the background. Once everyone was seated and quiet, something strange happened… Blue and red lights lit up in the surrounding woods. Low and behold, it was the Tusc campers creeping out of the woods, illuminated with glowsticks of their respective team colors. Watching the senior campers slowly approach the fire circle amidst complete darkness was truly epic. The senior campers gathered around the fire circle, and, in a crisply choreographed fashion, lined a pathway from the opening of the fire circle towards the Lake. Camp Director John Golden drove in with a flaming torch, his face painted half red and half blue, to light the fire in the middle of the fire circle and officially kick off the Color War. Following John were the Red and Blue Team captains, carrying torches and light up balloons of their team color. As CSL watched this incredible sight, the crowd went absolutely wild! Everyone was told to go back to villages and that they would know their teams when they woke up in the morning. In order to reveal team colors to campers, the counselors were given red and blue bracelets for each of their campers. While campers were sleeping, staff gently placed the bracelets on all campers’ wrists. This way, when they woke up in the morning they knew what team to go to.
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| CSL lined up by team before breakfast |
This morning’s signature event was unlike any other that we have done at camp. All of camp gathered on Tusc beach for an interesting and creative game, akin to water polo. Garbage cans were set up as goals underneath the docks. The goal of the game was to shoot as many tennis balls into the goal as possible. Over a thousand tennis balls were dropped into the middle of the lake for each round. Cayugans on the Blue team played against Cayugans on the Red team, Onondagans on the Blue team played against Onondagans on the Red team, and so on. It was a very exciting match to watch and both teams displayed sportsmanship and drive as they competed and cheered on their teammates. This afternoon’s events are creative by nature. There are activities such as sneaker decoration, Iron Chef, bakery, mural painting, and much more. We are looking forward to seeing what the campers come up with and are all excited to participate in this innovative Color War. Check back soon for another Color War update!
