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Encyclopedia WinterCampica - Suggest Change
Current Entry: 38th Parallel Wargames
In addition to reflecting the camp's number in the Ocean's 38 theme, Winter Camp XXXVIII also paid respect to the number 38 in the 38th Parallel Wargames held on Day One. At the demilitarized zone along the 38th parallel of latitude on the Korean peninsula, armies from North and South Korea are said to compete to see who can build the highest flagpole and so boost their colors above their opponents'. The Winter Camp version of this activity saw two teams compete to construct the highest flagpole at their respective sites: the North team at Cow Camp and the South team at Highland.
The North team took an unusual minimalist interpretation of "flagpole" by eschewing the pole totally and hanging their flag between several ropes strung between two trees. Brian Maghran proved most adept at climbing trees as he engineered the flag's rise from a perch over 20 feet above the ground. The international panel of judges ruled that the lack of a pole rendered the North ineligible to win the contest.
To the South, Keith King led his team in constructing a traditionally-lashed pole measuring approximately 23' 6" high. The Highlanders were awarded bonus points for installing a rope and carabiner so that their flag could be raised and lowered.