Wet weather forecast for the entire day almost came true. The boys woke up to a steady rain that was supposed to last through this evening.  Although Color War would have to wait, the fun would not!

While half the camp would play in the Gym and Lodge, the other half would paint their Bunk plaques and play our favorite rainy-day game, Flamingo Bingo!

It’s Bingo with a Skylemar twist.  Fill your card with a row, column or diagonal, and holler out  “Flamingo Bingo”!  That’s the cue for the JC’s (wearing onesies) to jump out from hiding. They run around the Pavilion blowing whistles and banging drums while squirting the kids with water guns.  Then the winner comes to the front and picks a Counselor Stunt Card.  Stunts are challenges for the counselors that are really funny.  Some had to lip sync, dance, sing or improve.  If your counselor does the stunt successfully (which all Skylemar counselors do), your whole Bunk gets a prize.

There were squishy balls, wind-up toys and mini basketball games.  Best prize was the umbrella hats that ended up being used throughout the day. The “Groucho Glasses” were a big hit too, even though the kids have no idea who Groucho Marx was.

The AM washout had the boys chomping at the bit by around lunchtime when the rain finally stopped. Mother Nature’s morning curveball did little to deflate the energy and spirit of this Color War.   There was more rain headed our way, but the best meteorologist anywhere (aka Shep) knew that although we may get a few light showers this afternoon, it would hold off long enough to get in lunch, a quick first rehearsal for Songs & Cheers Night (coming Day 4), and the full slate of afternoon activities. Good call.  

And here’s what happened….

With the score now tied, Gray’s confidence was soaring. They had come back from an early hole and were determined to take their first lead.  Red had other ideas….

… And let their feet do the talking!  Both the Snow and Hejduk Soccer pitches hosted 3 matches between them this afternoon. The Freshmen played a Soccer double-header down on the Snow Field. Red scored a pair of goals in the first few minutes and dominated Game 1 before teammate Luke W hit the lower left corner on a PK to win the 2^nd one, 1-0.  Although not much offensive help, Gray goalkeeper Hendrik was outstanding. Over on the Hejduk, the Stars hard-fought battle also ended in a Red victory behind the outstanding overall play of Nabil, not to mention a fantastic header goal by Bernie.

Red also won Waterfront when their skiers navigated today’s choppy waters well enough to settle it after the two teams split the Swimming and Boating Race elements.  But Gray responded in a big way with a convincing 56-38 blowout in Seniors Football.  Sam P may be our best QB at any age, running and passing the pigskin all over the field to lead the victors, despite David G’s amazing 4-TD day for Red.

The littlest guys strapped the equipment on and played a very exciting Lacrosse game.  Although Red jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first half, Gray answered late behind Knox’s end-to-end hustle, and 3 goals of their own, and split the Cubs/Lions Lax point.  Just down below on the Freddie Pierce, Bradley’s hitting and Gray’s pitching were untouchable in the Red Sophomores Baseball win, but the biggest blow was delivered by Alex (B16) bases-clearing, 3-run triple. 

And finally, the only weather-related schedule adjustment sent the Upper and Lower Court hoops games over to the Sky II Gym for Juniors Basketball.  Henry B was a force throughout, and teammate Myles F hit a long three-pointer to break open a tight game in Red’s Game 1 victory.  Then once again Gray responded with a victory of their own in Game 2. A special shout-out to Leo, who must have snared 20+ rebounds, dominating the boards with his unrelenting effort – and keeping the Gray right in it. 

Still very close. Red will now sleep on the lead….after Movie night, just to take the edge off a bit.