The Rules of Gizmo
One of the oldest traditions at Boxwell is Gizmo. Dating back to Dutch Mann, Camp Stahlman, and the Commissioner system in the early 1970s, Gizmo has been one of those pieces of camp tradition that not only exists in more than one camp, but morphs to fit each camp’s personality.
By 2003 at Stahlman, a sense of risk had been added to securing the little piece of leather. The Stahlman staff had developed five rules they communicated to the Scouts, a disclaimer of sorts.
1. Gizmo is not a contact sport. If it doesn’t come to you, it wasn’t meant to be.
2. Gizmo is an exhibition and not a competition. So please, no wagering.
3. Once the Gizmo is in the dining hall, you must keep it. Outside of the dining hall however, it may be obtained by any means necessary, except stealing.
4. Staff and Scoutmasters cannot participate.
5. You might get wet.
Seen here is an example of rule #5. Collection of April Messer Mangrum.
The Gizmo water torture, 2003, at Stahlman
