Boys Color War
1, 2, 3, 4… We have Boys Color War! It was a special Friday night in the 12523, and, unbelieavably, the last one of the camp season.
Following Friday dinner, boys side congregated at the waterfront as is tradition. As the last Friday gathering of 2025, Upper Seniors were selected to deliver the sermon: Jack Weinberg and Jonah Cooper. Jack and Jonah shared their lessons and reflections, marveling at the passage of time at camp, and how to get the most out of your summers at Scatico. At their sermon's close, they picked a rock to throw into the crib section of the lake, another final Friday ritual. Different people have different interpretations of what the “rock throw” and ensuing ripples across the water mean for them, but one interpretation is that just as one rock can create ripples that grow and spread across the entire waterfront, so can one person or one action make an impact on the entirety of camp. Each individual at camp has their role and place that contributes to the whole.
Following Friday gathering, Mark announced it was time to head to the Social Hall for a “special ceremony.” Needless to say… everyone was on high Color War alert!!
Once in the Social Hall, the curiosity grew. Division Leaders distributed giant Q-Tips for each camper to hold. There was a projector set up, and a podium. There was a jersey hanging in the back corner. What could be happening?
Mark clarified the evening’s festivities. Boys Side was gathered for the official jersey retirement ceremony of Assistant Head Counselor Quinn Croland’s 2006 Nat Champion Jersey!! Quinn (whose nickname is Q-Tip… hence the props), is the only Nat Champ in all of boys side… and best part yet, Quinn had no idea this ceremony was happening! Mark kicked off the jersey retirement ceremony with a touching speech. Isaac Greenblatt (former Shack Boy) and Moises Torres (co-Assistant Head Counselor) spoke next, followed by Bence (the staff member responsible for delivering Snack) and Harry Savitz in a full-body bug costume to represent the bug that had to be surgically removed from Quinn’s ear earlier this summer (a longer story for another time). Among Quinn’s many roles and responsibilities is keeping the Boys HC organized and overseeing Shack Duty (essentially, manning the HC and its daily operations)… so the speaker lineup was a fitting tribute!
With each passing moment, boys side grew increasingly antsy for Color War, anticipating the moment that a speech might turn into a “Color War!’ announcement. But there was more to come…
Following speeches, we watched a Quinn Croland tribute video, filled with cameos from Scatico alum, including other members of the 2006 Nat Team! Next, DLs performed a “boys sing style” song set to the tune of “Wagon Wheel,” hailing Quinn as the “Shack King.” Shoutout to Sam Ryan, for leading the DLs! Finally, Quinn’s jersey was hoisted into the rafters, and Mark got set to reveal Quinn’s plaque. For anyone paying attention, a plaque of sorts had been hiding under a gold cloth next to Mark’s podium. When Mark announced it was time to give Quinn his plaque, and he took off the cloth… underneath was a sign that said Color War!! Simultaneously, DLs rained green and grey Q-Tips down on Quinn!!
In a flash…. everyone rushed to the A-Court!!!! Boys Color War had officially begun.