As we at Maine Camp Experience watch the Tokyo Summer Olympics on TV, we’re thinking of Olympics and similar events (Color War, College Days, Leagues, the Cup) happening now or set to happen at any minute at many Maine Camps. Seeing all the Olympic athletes such as swimmers Caleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky and gymnasts Suni Lee and Jade Carey give it their all and win gold medals reminds us of how our campers go full force as they go for the gold. And, watching Simone Biles cheer on her teammates after she withdrew from team all-around finals and some individual events and congratulate her opponents makes us think about how our campers support each other and practice good sportsmanship throughout these all-camp, multi-event competitions. In fact, these are being called the “kindness” Olympic Games as we see many examples of athletes praising their rivals, literally lifting each other up, and even agreeing to share medals – these touching acts of sportsmanship that are defining the Tokyo Games are similar to the Maine camper experience.
Like the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics, the kick-off to Color War features lots of pomp and circumstance. There’s usually a dramatic break out, which may even be preceded by a fake break or two to build even more anticipation. Once campers are tipped off to break out, they’re often seen running across the grounds to chase the announcer of the event who may be on land, lake, or flying overhead. Flyers, quickly distributed to all campers, share news about the teams.
The days during Color War are charged with excitement. There are non-stop activities that involve every single camper. Events include everything from tug-of-war, to bucket brigade, to running races, to egg tosses, to plaque design, to rope burn, to basketball shoot outs, to dance competitions, to swim and boat races, to Silent Dinner where counselors try to make campers laugh so their team loses points, to Group Sing where campers rewrite the lyrics to popular songs to include happenings at camp – these anthems can be funny, heartwarming and definitely memorable – they become imprinted on the campers’ minds for a long time after. Campers dress in team colors and bond with teammates. Many campers have looked forward to these games the whole camp summer (and even before they arrived!).
It’s often a neck and neck, multi-day competition where it’s truly anyone’s game as the points accrue and the lead shifts from side to side. The announcement of the winner can be extremely dramatic as camp erupts into cheer and the name of the winning team and the year are etched into camp logs, plaques and history books. The whole camp unites after the games to become one big camp family again. It’s a happy, fun, emotional, and exhausting time filled with lots of heart. It’s the culmination of an amazing camp summer and are followed by final camp traditions (campfires, banquets) before campers head home.
So, we take inspiration from the Olympics where participants give it their all, strive for excellence, have fun, and support teammates and competitors. Get ready! It’s going to be a fun ride!
Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools
You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.
Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child? Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks). It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates. Then you can research these camps in more depth.
Next, be sure to contact our Maine Camp Guide, Laurie to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.
Talk to Laurie, our Maine Campcierge®, about choosing the right camp for your child and what to do in Maine.
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