It’s a great day to have a great day at Camp Winaukee.

Here on the mainland, we had an exciting Color War week to wrap up 7 weeks of thrilling summer fun. Going into Color War, I had a vague idea of what it was, but it was nothing like I’d imagined.

It was so much more – the smallest campers in Blue and Buff leading their teams in hype chants; the new camper, who was crying on his parent phone call a week ago, gleefully coming into the office to bring a lost item that belonged to the other team because points are taken away for misplacing stuff; the Rah-Roh-Rees for their rival team after every event; the never-flagging enthusiasm and the way they gave their blood, sweat and tears in every competition; the good-natured ribbing and jokes; and the way they didn’t let any of that get in the way of their brotherhood and community spirit.

Summer camp may be over for the year but I have zero doubt the lessons the boys learned on the field and off the field will be carried forward into the upcoming school year. Being in the office, I was privileged to interact with all the campers at one time or another. I didn’t see every one of them every day but my sporadic engagements with them allowed me to witness their growth and maturity from the first day of camp in June to the last day of camp in August.

I learned a lot from watching them too. They taught me through their kindness towards each other, their eagerness to help, and their passion and zest for life. I came into this experience not knowing what to expect, and I’m leaving this experience with lasting memories from a Winaukee summer on Lake Winnipesaukee. Campers, if you are reading this, “I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.”

So, to cap this season:

The day is done,

gone the sun

From the sky,

to the lake

All is well,

safely rest,

Camp is nigh.

Signing out, Evangeline.