Thursday, July 23

With the passing days, the color war season really started to heat up, with a team game of some sort nearly every other day. For me, the most interesting and skilled team event was alway "War Canoe." It was basically like synchronized swimming, only it was performed with oars on an extra large wooden canoe. As if synchronicity wasn't enough, the whole event was also themed (usually around some sort of musical) and included a skit with songs to match. War Canoe was a Senior Team event, and took place around sunset, down at the Lake, in front of the whole camp. It was absolutely mesmerizing. In 1960, War Canoe took place on the evening of Parents' Visiting Day. The Lenorlog reported it in the following entry:
"...With the Seniors and Inters as spectators, the Green and White teams presentedf the most beautiful display of team competition. This test of skill, accuracy, originality and concetnration consisted of a skit and song, followed by form canoeing. The firs presentation was the Green Team's "Little Abner." The citizens of Dogpatch, (all named) were led by their able cox, Ronnie Druchlag, acting as "L'il Abner." Colorful costumes, two original songs, and precise canoeing highlighted the Green Team War Canoe. "HMS Pinafore" was the theme of the White Team. The skillful sailors (named) adroitly fulfilled the commnds of their captain, Judy Lager. The White Team certainly canoed with nautical precision. Both judges and spectators agreed that the Greens and Whites displayed tremendous sportsmanship, form, originality and spirit."
In 1959, I wasn't yet skilled enough as a swimmer to take canoeing, so I had to take "rowing." A row boat is not nearly as glamorous as a canoe. I decided right then and there that one day, I would be in War Canoe. Five years later, I was. Coincidentally, without any memory of the 1960 Green Team's performance, the theme of the White Team's War Canoe that summer, was also "L'il Abner."