In my school the Middle School is divided up into four groups.  These groups are called Houses in which 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are put together.  The purpose of the Houses is mostly to create “unity” througout the grades and throughout the whole Middle School.  So each House has about six or seven kids from 6th, 7th or 8th grade.  I’m in House 3.  Each house has to come up with a House Mascot, Color and Name.  House 3 is The Flaming Phoenix, our color is red and our mascot is, of course, a Phoenix.  So any way each year Middle School goes to Fall Camp, a three day camping trip when all 4 houses play games to earn the House Championship Plaque.The Battle started, Friday, the moment we left our school in buses for our 3 hours drive to the Battle grounds (Don’t worry, the war didn’t start on the bus 🙂 ).  When we arrived we unpacked our armor and headed to the arena (the Sandpit, a large area covered in sand surrounded by bleacher-like seating).  The combat began!  I fought valiantly for my House!  After about three attacks (three games) it was time to rest our selves.  Many of my comrades mingled with the soldiers of enemy Houses!  Outrageous!  Ummm…. on the other hand I think I was guilty of that as well!  During our rest time I was seriously injured!  Well Maybe not seriously, but I did fall and twist my wrist and skin my knee and elbow.  [This was no undercover job by House 2 to take me out, thankfully. It was of my own doing, when I lost my footing.]  Throughout these three days the battle raged on!  Sadly, I was of less help to my House because of my injuries!  My house was not technically what you would call a strong army!  There were too many people wanting to be Generals (leaders) and not enough people wanting to be soldiers (followers) and I was stuck in the middle trying to hold the ranks together!!!  So my experience in war (the games) was not very positive.  There was one attack that I found VERY interesting!  All of the Houses had small lights (Glow Sticks) and when the lines were drawn we were to steal the other House’s flag all in the cover of night!!  (The game was Night Time Capture the Flag with Glow Sticks.)  I would sneak behind enemy lines and pretend I was one of them,  then I would try to edge toward their flag, but most of the time I saw a enemy soldier advancing towards me and I’d think they had detected my identity,  so I’d run for it!  All of these selected Battle days (All of Fall camp) was quite elating, but as the battle drew to an end Houses 2, 4 and (*Sniffle*) 3 were forced to surrender to House (*Sob*) 1!!!  But I will always remember how we fought with honor and tried our best; overcoming some attacks (winning some games) and  being defeated in others.  This is my Battle Tale.

Me and my cabin Mates: (Left to right) Abigael, Tae Eun, Ji Su, Ye Ji, Jenny, and ME!

House 3!!!

Bike relay

Paddle boat relay

Little car race