Whether your daughter is a seasoned camper or brand new to Green Cove, Tajar Day is one of those camp traditions that leaves parents asking, “Wait…what?” The truth is, to fully understand the magic, you really have to experience it. But I’ll do my best to explain one of Green Cove’s most iconic—and wonderfully confusing—traditions.
Dating back to the 1950s and based on the children’s book Tajar Tales by Jane Shaw Ward, Tajar Day is essentially one giant game of capture the flag…except the “flag” is the Tajar.
Here’s the best part: no one knows when Tajar Day is coming. The surprise announcement begins with the very first line of the beloved Tajar Tales book: “Once upon a time there was a Tajar!”
This year, our beloved camp photographer, Bee, pretended to gather everyone for a photo. Instead, she suddenly shouted, “ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A TAJAR!” It’s the announcement every camper waits all summer to hear. Instantly, campers erupt into screams, cheers, jumping, hugging, and yes—even a few happy tears.
Each camper then draws her team from a bag: Witches or Rangers. The camp-wide game is captained by our Aides and led by our CTs (Counselors in Training). Campers race to throw on their Tajar Day “fits”—black clothing, camouflage, face paint, bandanas, and every Tajar accessory imaginable.
As tradition dictates, the Witches create and decorate the Tajar using an old tin coffee can. Once it’s complete, the Tajar is placed inside a black garbage bag and dramatically STOMPED in front of the entire camp. The Rangers are the first to hide the Tajar and, hopefully, cross it. The game takes place in the creek that runs from Swamp Thing to Black Bottom. The team with the Tajar spreads out along the creek while the opposing team searches for it—either by asking players if they have it or by finding where it’s hidden. To keep everyone guessing, the team with the Tajar also carries several “fake” Tajars to throw off the other side.
The game depends entirely on honesty. If someone asks, “Do you have the Tajar?” you must answer truthfully.
Within the hour, the team with the Tajar must successfully cross it to the other side of the creek. Whether it’s tossed, carried, crawled across, or sprinted through the water doesn’t matter. Once they believe they’ve crossed it, they report to the Aides. If the Tajar has not been successfully crossed, possession goes to the other team.
The twist? Only the final crossing counts. Whoever possesses the Tajar on that last successful crossing wins the game.
Tajar Day is built on honesty, fair play, teamwork, and strategy. It’s also one of the few opportunities where campers of every age are mixed together, creating new friendships and unforgettable memories. Campers love the independence of navigating the woods on their own (don’t worry—they’re never truly alone. Certified wilderness safety counselors are stationed throughout the area.) Meanwhile, our Aides and CTs continue strengthening their leadership, communication, and inclusion skills as they guide the game.
When the final crossing is complete, the winning team celebrates, the “R’s” and “W’s” are washed from everyone’s faces, and camp becomes one family again. The friendly rivalry disappears, but the stories, laughter, and memories of Tajar Day last forever.
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