If anyone needed evidence of why our Color War may be the fairest in the land, this one should be all the proof required.  Over 60+ contests, not to mention last night’s Songs and Cheers points bonanza, and again, inconceivably, we’re all knotted up.  That’s because the campers themselves not only vote for and elect the two Captains, but the Captains also then draft the teams themselves.  No Staff intervention or team affiliation, or any other rooting interest – they are referees, judges and officials only and have no part in picking or running the teams.  For 78 years it’s worked great, but this year may be the greatest of all!

Both teams have had hot streaks, charged in front, then WHAM — been abruptly caught and passed in the next AM or PM session.  The situation had already created enough intensity that we really didn’t need the scorcher that Mother Nature dialed up for us today.  But that it was, and the boys responded in a big way….it’s the stuff legends are made of.

The morning meetings were extra-hyped up.  The noise level reverberated all over the 200 Skylemar acres.  Captains TI and Joaquin asked for one more morning of Herculean effort from their boys, and also let them know how proud they were to stand alongside them as teammates and brothers.

But today was it  – the last day.  Everything was on the line… so time to go win this thing!

And out they went on the fields and courts for the very last time this summer.  A full morning schedule and then the ultimate closer – TUGS of WAR — left to decide it.

Cubs Baseball, Tigers Golf & Bocce, Freshmen Hockey, Sophomores Soccer, Juniors Football, Seniors Tennis and Stars Basketball said the schedule – and anything less than a split might put one team on the ropes.  The Red Tigers dispatched Gray quickly, putting them out in front once again.  When Red then won both Freshmen Hockey games soon after down in the Rink (3-0 and 3-1),  it looked like they would run away with it.  But Gray Seniors aced their way back winning Tennis before word came that Red Sophomores held on for a 2-1 victory over at Sky II.  Red was putting the hammer down, but Gray’s littlest guys scored a late run down on the Freddie Pierce to tie the game, enough to stop the Red run.  Then Gray pulled off a double-header sweep on the Upper and Lower Hoops courts to stay alive.  Red was flying into lunch with the lead, awaiting the all-camp Archery results to pad it ….or shrink it, but they’d have it either way.  This very crucial Archery point went Gray’s way, reducing  Red’s advantage after such a strong morning to only 1 ½ points.  And since each Tug this afternoon would be worth 2 points, we were still virtually tied –  and likely the closest Color War ever.

The teams were called to their pre-tugs team meetings – Gray to the Tennis courts and Red to the Hockey rink. A few minutes later, chained up and holding #1s in the air, each team marched to the Snow Field in competitive defiance, ready to give more than they have all week for their brothers.

Shep called the Captains to the front, and not only acknowledged the way each had represented their teams and Skylemar but thanked everyone for giving camp the closest Color War ever.  There was a magnificent display of sportsmanship throughout.  It was already the stuff that legends are made of, so a lot of accolades, applause and appreciation went around before anyone touched a rope.  Then Shep explained the process.  Each of the 7 Divisions would tug (best 2 out of 3), with each Division worth 2 points. Based on the score from the past 5 days,  it would take winning 4 of the 7 Divisions to win Color War, for EITHER TEAM!   We would start with the little guys and work our way up to the Stars for the first Tug round , then run it back with a switch of sides for Round 2 and go from there.

Shep then called, “Tuggers to the Rope!”, one Division at a time.  When pulled across the line, George’s whistle would signal each win.  And pull they did!

Faces tweaked, muscles popped, eyes bulged … it was hard to tell who was screaming more , the cheering teams or the pullers themselves.  The boys used up every ounce of strength and energy they could muster, and then some.  “Pull” –  “Harder” – “Dig”  — “Keep Pulling”  ….the energy was electric! The teams were yelling louder than ever, cheering wildly, and the spectators (our Staff and several Alums among others) may have even been screaming even louder.  It was that exciting!

And no wonder!  The very first Tug (Cubs/Lions) seemed like it lasted forever,  before Red’s little guys prevailed.  So it went….Red won the little guys, Gray won the Tigers.  Then Gray took the Freshmen tugs before Red won the Sophs AND Juniors to pull within one Tug of glory.  But just as they have all week long, Gray “lit the fuse” (as their fight song says) and won the Seniors Tug to pull even once again – with just the Stars tug left to go.  And……{whistle}.…GRAY wins Color War 2026 ! (Final Score: 42 — 41 ½ ).

The most magical night of the year officially closes Color War week.  Waterfront Night washes away the competitive spirit of two teams, blending us back together to celebrate not only the past week, but the Skylemar experience.  The two torch-bearing Captains were followed in solemn, but loving procession as they passed down the Bunkline on way to the lake.  There, they both addressed the camp with messages of gratitude and appreciation before everyone placed a candle-lit Wishing Boat in Trickey’s water.  Legend tells us that if you make a wish for someone other than yourself, that wish might just come true. After Shep delivered his own message of gratitude and appreciation to the entire camp, all were dismissed to an evening of campfires, camaraderie and a lot of love. 

Once again, Skylemar is one.