GILPIN COUNTY — Nerf darts whizzed through the air as mothers and sons engaged in an epic battle of love, honor, and playful revenge. The 4th Annual Mother-Son Nerf Battle at the Gilpin County Community Center on Saturday night offered families a chance to bond, have fun, and blow off steam.

More than 70 people attended the event, hosted by the County's Parks and Recreation Department with the help of the Gilpin 4-H Archwood and volunteers.

“We have Gilpin Archwood 4-H here volunteering; they help set it up. And they were doing safety for the archery because these kids are some of our archers," said Special Events Coordinator Krystal Meyer. "They've been helping serve, and then they'll help us with cleanup. And we have Parks and Rec staff, so we have a mix of lifeguards, camp staff, and front desk staff.

"Everybody pitches in to put on this great event."

The multi-faceted social gathering divided the gym into tactical playgrounds. One side held the Nerf war while the other hosted the archery tag battle to Capture-the-Flag, using large bows with foam-tipped arrows.

Full protective gear, including face masks, was offered. Meyer mentioned that the archery tag setup is available to rent for parties and events… perhaps your next team-building workshop?

The mothers geared up to take on their sons, and the boys devised their attack plans in hushed tones, huddled on one side of the gym. A referee sat atop a high chair, calling the action.

Under the rules, catching an incoming arrow meant instant disqualification. Barrier walls created safe zones where teams could regroup before pushing forward. Foam darts bounced off shields and barriers as both sides advanced and retreated across the gym floor.

Sitting back, reloading their weapons, the moms joked there was "nothing to prove here." As their numbers dwindled, the moms courageously kept firing the soft arrows amid heavy contact. 

Not every hit was painless, and the war was not without tears. A few players left the field gripping body parts where the foam projectiles had landed. Despite the mothers' determined defense, the sons claimed victory with a final score of 6 to 3, earning bragging rights for the year.

At 7 p.m., mothers and sons moved to the community center pool for open swim, splashing together and taking turns on the spiral water slide. At only $35 per mother-son pair, it’s no wonder the event had a great turnout — and what a quirky and delightful way to celebrate and cement familial bonds while recreating in Gilpin County.

The Gilpin County Community Center, located at 250 Norton Dr. in Black Hawk, offers fitness programs, classes, sports leagues, and youth camps throughout the year.

More information is available at gilpincounty.colorado.gov/parks-rec.