Paddle Battle

This morning we had a special treat here at camp. A class of senior physics students from Joe T. Robinson High School used one of our lakes to test out their final class projects: self-made watercrafts built exclusively with duct tape, cardboard, and liquid nails. These budding engineers were divided into two teams to see which could make a prototype that would a) float, b) move through water, and c) do so faster than their competition. Here's the play-by-play:

 The teams arrived and unloaded their impressive boats. Team 1's entry (pictured in foreground) went with a compact design and a very minimalist color scheme of red, black, and silver. Team 2 (entry pictured background) embraced a more experimental shape and look. Their long, narrow boat featured two side seats near the rear, so that the aerial view was a cross shape. Their hull was bright blue with multi-colored waves (or flames?) and a bright yellow USA proclaiming their national loyalty. 

Everyone waited in anxious anticipation for the big race. Would they float? Would they fly? No one new for sure...

A whistle and they're off!

Team 2 is looking tough, but it's still anyone's race...

After the turn-around Team 2 increases their already considerable lead.

Things are starting to look pretty bad for Team 1, but they're cheering section was not giving up without a fight. Go! Go! You can do it!

Sadly, Team 1's boat crumpled along with their hopes of leaving Ferncliff victorious. Everyone jumped ship except one stalwart paddler who braved it to the bitter end. 

It was an honorably-waged battle, and we salute the crews of both ships.

Thanks, Joe T. Senior Physics class! It was good to meet you. We're happy for you that it's "unofficially" your last day of high school, and we hope you have fun at Prom tomorrow night.