Just wanted to share this temporary Blog, with a sneak peak into our emotional farewell morning.
The good news is he had you to come home to. We miss him already!
Skylemar Blog
Month: August 2021
To The Sky And Back
No one seemed to notice the rain today at Camp Skylemar. We were too busy playing just one more game and spreading around a whole bunch of love. It’s Thank You Thursday, and we have lots to be grateful for.
Wherever we looked, there was a friend, a mentor, a hero. Not just one, but a couple hundred. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that we’re parting ways tomorrow. Then again, we’re heading home to those we adore.
As the kids write Thank You notes throughout the day, it is this blog writer who overflows with gratitude. Thank you for being the most wonderful parents in the whole wide world, and for sharing your amazing son with us this summer.
We love him to the Sky and back.
PS … Special thanks to my Color War ghostwriter Aaron F for making me sound like I know what I’m talking about. Wink. Now that’s a good friend.
Color War Day 5
After a summer drenched with more than the typical amount of seasonal rain, Mother Nature stepped aside for the past 5 days. A sensational weather week gave us the full range of emotion from every corner of camp. We saw plenty of ups and downs on the fields, courts and in the water, filled with amazing plays, buzzer-beaters, great shots and phenomenal saves, spectacular runs, catches and interceptions, clutch hits and outstanding glove work. There were daily displays of speed, power, agility, quickness, and plain old athletic “smarts”, with too many last-second heroics to mention. We even saw a rare hole-in one! More so, both teams gave it all they had with maximum effort, all-around hustle, and an intensity level you’d expect in a War this close from the very start. The passionate leadership, outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship, and incredible resilient spirit thrilled us all, and will leave a lasting memory for all who witnessed it. Here’s how it ended….
Red’s tenuous lead gained at last night’s Songs & Cheers would be tested right out of the shoot this morning as Gray came storming out and blitzed Red in the first of two Sophomore Soccer matches over at the Hejduk. But Red again was up to the challenge, and made an early goal stand up to win the second. Red then won Juniors Football and both Stars Hoops games and again took command. A pitcher’s duel on the Freddie Pierce saw the Red Cubs slip past the Gray 2-0, before Gray got back on the board with a win in Seniors Tennis. Red victories in Tigers Golf and Bocce, and the all-camp Archery point put them solidly in the catbird seat – before Gray jumped right back in it by sweeping a pair of Freshmen Hockey games as we closed out the week’s athletic events. Gray had fought valiantly, but Red would take the lead into the summer’s most anticipated traditional event – the most memorable activity of every Color War for the past 70+ years – Skylemar’s official closer — TUGS of WAR!!!
Coop’s Red Men had performed magnificently since mid-week, putting them in position to close it out. It would only take two wins out of the seven Divisions in Tugs to win it all. It seemed likely, but history has written many fairy tale endings. Aiden’s Gray Men still believed – and remained upbeat and confident of pulling off the upset.
The time had come… the PA sounded, “Gray Team to the Tennis courts, Red Team to the Hockey courts” for some last second “psyching up,” not that anyone needed it. Shep called the teams to the Snow Field, and within minutes our youngest division, the Cubs, took the rope for the first time, beginning the process. It would take best 2 of 3 tugs for a win in each division; Round 1 saw each Division take their first tug before coming back for Round 2.
“Tuggers take the rope!”, Shep bellowed. Grip tight, feet anchored, George blew the whistle and…
PULL!!! Muscles clenched tighter than tight, faces twisted with Herculean effort. Each participant put every ounce of his very being into pulling that rope because he…has…to…win. The air filled with emotion, so thick that spectators were overcome as well. This demonstration of will power was so intense that many on the hillside teared up. These were our boys!
Those on the sidelines screamed, “Pull…Pull…Pull”! A few tugs seemed like they’d never end. When Gray swept the oldest 3 Divisions, Red’s lead had all but disappeared, down to just ½ point separating the teams – then, just as suddenly, Red closed out the Juniors and Sophomores tugs ….and it was over. RED WINS COLOR WAR 2021!
The Red Team stormed the field in celebration! They leaped into each other’s arms, cheered wildly and just plain exploded with joy. It was the happiest day of their lives.
At least it was until they saw their Gray brothers sobbing, collapsed in raw emotion. They too wanted to win more than anything in the world.
Red Men reached out to Gray with hugs and kind words. The Captains were hoisted on the shoulders of their Lieutenants, and the entire camp followed them down to Trickey Pond.
Here, friends leaped into the lake, which is where the magic happens. Trickey Pond washes away the competition, and Skylemar is one.
The magic continued after sunset, when it’s time for Waterfront Ceremony… perhaps the most loved and cherished Skylemar tradition. The Captains led the torch-lit procession, which included every member of the Skylemar community. The walk was silent, and even the little guys followed the rule tonight.
At the lake was a pathway of torches, with a giant bonfire on top of the water. Once seated, we paused for a moment of gratitude for all those at home as well as at camp. The Captains each had a chance to share their message. They talked about their appreciation for Skylemar, and all that they’ve learned here. The Captains encouraged each camper to be grateful for this opportunity and make the most of every minute.
Shep called each cabin, one at a time, to come to the water’s edge and light their Wishing Boats. Our legend holds that if you light the candle, place the boat in Trickey Pond and make a wish for someone other than yourself, that wish just might come true. The boats sparkled like a sky full of stars, as Skylemar songs were sung from across the lake.
Once up the hill, each Division had their own campfires. Pizza and s’mores too. It was a special way to end a spectacular week.
Color War Day 4
As we moved past the halfway point, the significance of Day 4 cannot be overstated. The weather could not have cooperated better, bringing us maybe the most spectacular day of the summer. This morning’s “psych-up” meetings told the story….
For Red, it was a real chance to separate themselves enough to alleviate any potential pitfalls from tonight’s critical Songs and Cheers competition. They’ve held the lead for the better part of the last two days, although still a bit tentative. Captain Coop implored his guys to continue to “go for the gold” – to play their hearts out and to try to build this lead even bigger. He cautiously warned that there’s still a long way to go.
Gray had other ideas. This group could have been downtrodden from two tough days with not-so-great results. But Captain Aiden squelched any dejected thoughts derived from looking up at the top, oozing confidence as he pushed his guys to build on the momentum gained late yesterday. He promised better results if they remained patient, focused and continued to put it all on the line.
Tigers Lacrosse was the first result in, where Gray made short work of Red and an early move upward, but Red quickly stalled the rally by winning a very well-played Seniors Soccer game over at Sky II, 2-0.
The Sophomores covered both the Sky I and II Tennis courts and showed us again how evenly matched they have been throughout this Color War – today was no different, as they split the Tennis point. Three events in, and still no change – Red remained in command.
Down at Trickey, another ski-off (timed wake-crossings) was needed to determine the winner – except this time we couldn’t declare one as the last skier needed to cross the wake successfully 18 times for a win. The clock ran out as he crossed for the 17th time, leaving us with the first Waterfront tie in many years, splitting Freshmen Waterfront.
A spirited Gray buzz began to simmer when word of their wins in Stars Golf and Bocce spread through camp and was ready to erupt, when the Gray Juniors won Softball down on the Fred Pierce Field.
And erupt they did, due to the morning’s most thrilling contests – of course, again involving our littlest guys. Our Cubs seem to take every event down to the final whistle, and these “gridiron classics” were no different. Since most other contests were decided, the participants from all other Divisions surrounded the two Cubs Football games as the 4th quarter clock wound down in both games. On the Rec Hall field, down 2 scores at halftime, Gray used some creative razzle-dazzle plays to score 3 late TDs in their come-from-behind win. Moments later on the bunkline field, after Red had staged a miraculous comeback of their own late in the 4th to grab their first lead of the game with under a minute to go, Gray used 5 plays to go 70 yards, scoring on a 1-yard plunge with less than 10 seconds left to send the Gray faithful to delirium.
The Gray comeback was complete. Only a half-point now separated the teams as they headed to lunch and Songs and Cheers practice. So, so close.
Waterfront events were now all done, so all the courts and fields were humming with action all afternoon. And when the Gray Juniors quickly swept through two Bocce matches in the Garden, the score was tied…. WOW! A bit later, 8 golf matches were complete with each team claiming 4 wins, halving Juniors Golf. Still tied.
Back and forth they went. In a Lacrosse doubleheader over on the Hejduk, the first game ended in a tie, so the 2nd one was played with the Sophs Lax point up for grabs. Red won in a very close 2-goal game. Then in Cubs Soccer, little Jakey made 2 key saves late to preserve Gray’s 1-0 victory in Game 1, then his teammates won Game 2 handily to secure the point for Gray.
Over in the Hockey Rink, the Red Stars swept a pair of games and regained the lead. Then Gray served and volleyed their way to claim Tigers Tennis, once again drawing even. It looked like the day could end that way as the Freshmen Baseball game seemingly became a twilight affair. They battled ‘til just before dinner, when Red finally broke through with 3 runs in the last inning to come from behind and put Red back ahead. It was just a one point difference as we headed to tonight’s Songs and Cheers Competition. AMAZING!
Throughout this week of non-stop activity from dawn to dusk, somehow each team’s leaders and their devoted followers found the time to prepare for tonight’s important event, Songs and Cheers. Eight total points were on the table, so the impact of one of our most cherished traditions would be felt by all.
Patience. Creativity. Planning. Organization. Talent. These are just some of the skills needed to write five songs and a musical production. Next you have to teach 100 kids the lyrics by memory, in maybe a total of five hours max. Then there’s the choreography, and the effort that it takes to get boys ages 7 to 16 to do what you want them to do.
There aren’t too many adults who could handle this, but we know some Skylemar guys who have what it takes. Ranging in age from 16 down to 13, Alexander S (Red), Jack A (Red), Isaac G (Gray) and Ari M (Gray), along with their assistants, were remarkable leaders. Each team was spectacular, performing a Camp Cheer, Team Cheer, Fight Song, Old Camp Song and Original.
With just two rehearsals, each team also put on a 20 minute show, called The Production Number. It’s a mini-musical that they create, where each person on the team has to be included.
The boys sang their hearts out, even though their voices have been strained by four grueling, intense, wildly cheering days of Color War. Still, somehow, both teams found a way to entertain us all by giving us their best. We then waited patiently as Judges Ethan, Barney and Beags sorted out what they had just seen and heard. The results were handed over to Nick Shep to announce. Red carried the night 5-3, and with it, now a still slim 3-pont lead to sleep on.
Tomorrow sets up for an incredible end to this unforgettable week. If it’s anything like what we’ve seen so far, we are in for some kind of fantastic finish. This one’s still anybody’s game!
Color War Day 3
The forecasted rain blew through overnight and greeted Day 3 with a glorious Maine day. Red now held a slim lead, but Gray remained enthusiastic and confident. Not only has the overall score remained close, but each event seemingly could have gone either way. Today, the trend continued.
While Red began the morning by sweeping both games of Bocce, the Cubs duffers ventured out on the Sky Hills CC tract for morning match play, won by Gray 6-4 in the closest golf matches to date.
Red swimmers and skiers did enough to render the boating portion meaningless, winning another Waterfront point down on Trickey Pond.
The Juniors hit the courts – and a lot more tennis balls after splitting the singles and doubles matches 3-3. That left the skills competition to decide it, but after falling behind early in the ground strokes segment, Red aced the serving section and took the morning Tennis point.
Red’s slight lead was growing, but the Gray Tigers put a quick stop to that, winning a pair of Basketball games at the Hoops Courts. Luke Y hit the biggest shots in a 14-12 barnburner on the upper court, while down below, Sebi’s unsung play defensively and all-court hustle carried Gray in Game 2 as well.
Red then turned the tide back in their favor with two impressive wins in Seniors Hockey. Jack P starred in one dominant win, while Tyler N and Aaron P were the only “skaters” who found the net in the other. Red Freshmen then dominated a Football game on the Rec Hall gridiron before Gray got back on track with a late comeback win on the Bunkline field, highlighted by Danny M’s last minute “pick-6” to seal it. Connor had a “pick-6” of his own for Red in defeat.
The Stars finished off the morning with two very hotly contested Lacrosse games over at the Hejduk, probably the most anticipated spectator draw of any sporting event during Color War. The younger Divisions really love to watch their leaders go at it, and today’s action was no different. In the first contest, Carson’s success at the face-off X controlled much of the action for Red in a 7-4 win. Game 2 provided the most evenly matched display of talent, physicality and great spirit we’ve seen by both teams yet. Captain Aiden was sensational on offense for his Gray men, while Captain Coop showed some incredible defensive prowess for his Red guys. It is said that “defense wins championships,” and that held true today. A late, crafty trail-check by Coop to save a sure tying goal started a fast-break scoring opportunity, converted by Red, to close out a fantastic 9-7 victory in front of the packed Hejduk onlookers. This put Red in control as we hit the halfway point of this incredible week.
The earliest results of the afternoon came from Freshmen Golf and Bocce on the Links and in the Garden. Gray swept both to quickly close the gap. Red then answered just as convincingly as Landon and the Red Seniors made short work of Gray in a lopsided 7-1 win at Sky II.
The Cubs again dueled to the finish like they have been all Color War, this time on the Tennis courts on both sides. Red and Gray split the 6 singles and doubles matches, leaving it to the skills competition to settle it. Tennis Director Ted beamed with pride as he watched some much improved little guys show off, with Red again just a bit better, securing the point, and now building their advantage even more.
Red kept the pressure on, but Gray continued to fight back. In Juniors Hockey, Red led in both games only to succumb to Gray’s unwillingness to relent, fighting back to tie both games and gain the split. Red continued to press on. In Stars Waterfront, Nate’s efforts in the kayak race had the dock rockin’ for Gray, but again Red skied off to another Trickey victory. Red had command with two events left to finish, and had Gray reeling a bit.
Then the Gray Sophomores responded in a Hoops Trifecta – a trio of simultaneous games played inside and out. When the teams split two well-played games on the outdoor courts (decided by 5 total points between them), all awaited word from the indoor gym at Sky II to decide it. There Gray blew out Red to win the Basketball point, and maybe begin to turn the momentum back their way.
A few minutes later down on the Snow Field in Tigers Soccer, Gray scored a tie-breaking, game-winning goal as the final whistle sounded to win in spectacular fashion, and creep within striking distance of the lead as Day 3’s Color War activities ended. Red still led… but Gray was lurking.
A welcome break from the Color War intensity, it was time to kick back and enjoy another amazing Suzie Production, “Willy Wonka”. Congratulations to an all-star cast, who somehow found time to learn lines while playing harder than ever for their Color War team. Now that’s a win!
Willy Wonka Cast
Wonka Kyle YA, Aidan R
Charlie Hayes N, Jack W
Grandpa Joe Noah L
Augustus Gloop Ethan R
Veruca Xander
Violet Jake S
Mike Teavee Keith O
Mr. Salt Ryder
Mr. Bucket Noah K
Mr. Beauegarde Teddy S
Mrs. Gloop Eli D
Mr. Teavee Jonah K
Grandpa George Eli W
Grandma Georgina Jagger
Grandma Josehina Nolan B
Candy Man Cooper E
Phineous Trout Ethan V
Matt Cooper F
Jamie Oscar
Oompa Loompas
Bode
Semaj
Spencer M
Bucky
Max P
Nate F
Charlie L
Tommy W
Bah
Color War Day 2
A bit of early AM cloud cover cleared beautifully into a spectacular Maine day. Both teams seemed fresh and confident as they took to the fields and courts, determined to grab the lead and take control of this War.
And Gray did just that when Zane R went deep on the 2nd pitch of the game (his first ever!) to get his Seniors off to a quick lead in Softball, which they held until the game’s very last batter. With two on and two out, Malibu smoked a game-tying double to knot the score and split the Seniors Softball point.
Over at the Hejduk, the teams split two Freshmen Lax games. Red was led by Will A, Jamie and Brody while Boden and Bode were Gray standouts.
In Tigers Hockey, stout defense with great play by all 4 netminders in both games defined the play, especially Myer, and both Thomas’s (L and T) who were superb – so much so that neither team could find the net, and both ended in scoreless ties… and again splitting the Hockey point.
We thought Gray would finally surge ahead with a dominating win in Stars Tennis. But the lead was short-lived as the Red Cubs won 2 of 3 Hoops contests to again draw even with most of the morning complete.
The Sophomores couldn’t break the tie either. In Football action on the Rec Hall field, Henry H was terrific for Red, but Will D’s all-around play on both sides of the ball led Gray to the 47-38 win, On the Bunkline field, opposing twin QBs Harry and Will provided the wildest “2-minute drill” finish seen in years as they dueled to the final whistle in the most exciting contest so far. Down by 2 scores late in the 4th quarter, Will scored to bring Gray a bit closer. Then Carson, who caught balls all over the field in building their lead, was caught himself by Joel on 4th down (a fantastic lunging flag grab) just before gaining a new set of game-clinching downs for Red, giving the ball back to Gray with 1:20 left. When Will crossed the goal line just a few plays later, Gray had completed an improbable comeback to surge ahead, 70-64, with still under a minute to go. Not to be outdone, Harry then led Red on a 70-yard drive, ending in a spectacular TD run with :11 seconds left to tie it… the 2-point conversion that followed gave Red a most incredible 72-70 win in one of the greatest offensive shows ever seen, as the field swarmed with enthusiastic spectators from both sides. What a finish, and we’re still tied.
Then, news of the Gray Juniors triumph at the Waterfront finally broke the deadlock and all headed to lunch with Gray just a point ahead.
After the meal, the teams gathered to begin practice for the Color War Songs and Cheers competition to be held in the evening of Day 4 (more on that when we get there), before once again heading out to venues at both Sky I and II for this afternoon’s events. Gray had finally edged ahead, but Red remained confident, upbeat and ready to respond.
And that they did indeed, but not before the Gray Tigers won both the Swim and Kayak segments down at Trickey to win the afternoon Waterfront.
In Stars Soccer over at Sky II, Charlie saved everything that came his way in Red’s 2-0 shutout in Game 1, then watched his fellow Redmen win by the same score in Game 2, securing the point for Red. Rex scored the game winner before Sam M punched in a PK for insurance.
The Juniors played a pair of games on the Hoops courts. Red won a very tight one on the lower court, while Michael H led Gray to a hard fought victory on the upper court, splitting the Basketball point.
In Freshmen Soccer on the Snow Field, Nolan C impressed with great play all over the field in a dominant win in Game 1 for Gray. Again, Red bounced right back to split the Soccer point with a convincing 4-1 Game 2 win.
Red was clearly out to make a statement, and when Coop R dazzled the crowd with a 50-yard TD scamper, Red was off and running, leading wire-to-wire in a 62-48 Seniors Football victory. They followed that up with a last inning, come-from-behind 8-7 win in Sophomores Baseball on the Freddie Pierce, and awaited the fate of Cubs Lacrosse to determine whether they had in fact turned the momentum their way.
It was worth the wait. Once again, our littlest guys entertained all with the Game of the Day. After 3+ quarters of back-and-forth action, including a couple of lead changes in the 4th quarter alone, Red held a slim 1-goal lead. With only 10 seconds left, Nolan B scooped up a loose ball behind the cage, dodged and circled the net, and with the final second ticking off the clock (and nearly out of breath), he shot and scored at the horn to tie the game 7-7. It was a fitting finish to the most thrilling, competitive Cubs Lax game in recent memory. That left it up to Game 2, where Asher was the clear MVP for Red in a 7-4 win, taking the Cubs Lacrosse point and sending the ecstatic Red Team to the lead for the first time – one they can sleep on as Day 2 is history.
Just a couple of days in, and the boys have already given us a snapshot of what’s still yet to come. More great action and excitement, more displays of strength, speed, power, agility, teamwork and sportsmanship, and of course, the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”. Stay tuned… this one’s really heating up!