As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Knowing that you’re there to shower him with love makes this very tough day at Skylemar a whole lot easier.
We know you’ll take good care of him. After all, he is the greatest guy in the whole wide world.
See you next year! Same place each night, same late hours….
It’s Appreciation Day at Skylemar. It’s the last day of the season to really soak up how lucky we are.
Activities were extra playful and fun, with the counselors participating instead of their usual coaching. There was enough happiness here to last for a very long time.
In between sports, plaque-making, showers (which included removing a whole lot of Red & Gray eyeblack) and cabin cleaning, many stopped at the Appreciation Station. That’s where you write notes of gratitude to anyone at camp. The simple letters are especially loved by staff members, who get them in the mail from us in the fall.
The Final Banquet was one to remember — lots of awards, speeches, delicious food, and best of all…Retrospect. That’s the end-of-season show that’s produced by alum Bruce Finkelstein and his staff of 7 photographers and videographers. It’s shown on a jumbotron-sized screen, and the energy of the audience cheering throughout is amazing. You’ll get a link to watch at home, but honestly, that won’t compare to seeing it live. It’s like going to a movie theater with 200 friends, and you know every single person, place and happening on the big screen.
As the Banquet ends very late into the night, there’s a whole lot of crying. Big, strong man-sized tears, which come along with knowing that friends will be separated for some time. It’s impossible not to cry when you see them link arms and sing “Skylemar You’ll Linger” just one last time until next year.
These are truly the greatest guys in the whole wide world. Thank you for sharing your amazing son with us this summer.
Last night’s Songs & Cheers results sure flipped this Color War upside down. Red had taken 3 ½ days to build a lead, then in one afternoon Gray not only came storming back but did enough last night to wake up with the lead. There was a nervous energy in the air and once again Mother Nature set us up with another picture-perfect day. The significance of this morning’s activities cannot be overlooked. Red looked to close the gap while Gray hoped to extend the lead, as both teams anxiously awaited this afternoon’s finish – our TUGS OF WAR.
Gray’s momentum carried over. Their Stars captured the Basketball point in a pair of wild finishes. The lower court game ended when Gray’s Jackson faced a pair of must-make free throws after being fouled, down 2 points with a second left on the clock. He calmly sank both, putting the Stars Hoops point on the upper court’s result. Gray came back late in the 4th quarter to win and take Stars Basketball. They followed with a sweep of 2 Freshmen Hockey games in the Rink.
Red was reeling when word of Gray’s sweep in Tigers Golf and Bocce came in, followed by their victory in Seniors Tennis. It was looking like the rout was on, but then Red responded with a big win in Sophomores Soccer over on the Hejduk. That left it up to the little guys to once again provide the most exciting, and for Red, the most important contest thus far. They held on for an edge-of-your seat, 1-0 win in Cubs/Lions Baseball. Off to lunch where Shep announced that Gray had won the all-camp Archery point as well. Their morning success had put them in the catbird seat, as all headed back to their cabins for an extended “rest hour” …. in preparation for TUGS that would settle it all.
What a week we’ve had … and it would all come down to this. Gray Team gathered at the Hockey court, Red Team at the Tennis courts for their last “psych up” meetings. The noise reverberated all around camp and was heard by the huge crowd that had collected down at the Snow Field, a perfect arena for this, the traditional closing event of Color War.
When the teams marched down to the field, the atmosphere was already electric with the intensity built since Elections last Friday night. Shep called the two Captains together, then explained the process to the entire camp. It would take 2 out of 3 TUGS in each Division to win the points (2) for each. Gray’s hot streak coming in had them needing to win only 2 Divisions, while Red needed 6, a seemingly monumental task. One by one, Shep called each Division’s “Tuggers to the Rope”. Once set, George blew the whistle and…“PULL!”
Each boy wants this win more than anything in the world. He PULLS with every single ounce of strength. Faces clench, contort, they yell – whatever it takes. Just PULL. Muscles bulge…it’s as if they’d burst. PULL! Referee George carefully watches till one flag crosses the line and his WHISTLE BLOWS! The winners leap into the air, screaming with joy. The losers…slowly walk to the side lines.
Red reached down deeper than anyone thought they could. In an incredible sequence of 2nd round tugs (after losing the first time through), Red went from the brink of elimination to within a tug of gaining a virtual tie before heading to Round 3 (4 of the 7 Divisions would need a 3rd Tug to decide it). Finally, it took 15 actual tugs to get it done … and GRAY is the winner of Color War 2025!
The Gray team cheered wildly, leaping into each other’s arms! Lots of hearty hugs and high fives all around… the greatest feeling of their entire lives! Until…they turned and saw their Red friends devastated. Some on Red were hugging, but it’s a different kind of hug. Some were crying, and some were face down on the ground feeling destroyed inside. Gray friends found Red friends and offered a hand or an arm around the shoulder.
The oldest and the strongest lifted the Captains on their shoulders, and the Captains embraced. This signified the ties that bind. We are a Skylemar brotherhood.
This one will be remembered for the triumphant class with which Gray won, and the valiant display of heart and inner strength shown by Red in defeat. We’re so proud of the sportsmanship showed by both teams and for doing it the Skylemar way.
The Captains were carried down to Trickey Pond, with all the campers following. Once on each side of the dock, Noah, Max and their Stars Lieutenants jumped into the water. They swam to each other in the center, embraced and then it was everyone else’s turns. Groups of three, four, five and six linked arms and leaped in with gusto!
That’s when the magical waters did their thing. Trickey Pond washed away the competition, and again we are one.
After dinner and a 7th period of activities, the sun sets, and the evening becomes very special. Tonight is the culminating event which is loved by generations…Waterfront Ceremony. The Captains led the torch-lit silent procession, adding each cabin of boys to the long line which snaked down the hill. A bonfire roared on the lake, as we sat under the pines. Skylemar songs were sung from out on the Pontoon, which set the warm and comfortable mood. Captain Noah, Captain Max and Shep each spoke about gratitude. Shep urged all to consider it a responsibility to share the Cool2Care message far beyond the hallowed grounds of Skylemar.
Now for the extra special part: Each bunk was brought to the water’s edge for Wishing Boats. It’s a block of wood with a candle on top. Our legend holds that if you put the boat in the water and make a wish for someone other than yourself, that wish just might come true.
Seeing all the boats with flickering lights was a sight to behold. There were hundreds of positive wishes for those other than ourselves. And that’s how a kid changes the world.
Yesterday’s action had separated the teams a bit for the first time since we began this Color War. Red had taken command and were oozing with confidence. Gray wasn’t going down without a fight and had taken a few runs at the lead. But each time they got close enough, Red was able to respond. This day would go a long way to determine the outcome, especially with the most impactful night of Color War, Songs & Cheers looming. The boys had been rehearsing for days, but tonight’s performance could give one team the momentum it needs going into tomorrow’s finish.
But first, there was another full day of activity to report. Gray might be scrambling to recover tonight if they couldn’t dent the lead, and Red could really put the pressure on….Here’s what happened:
Gray made another move early by winning two of the closest Cubs/Lions Football games we’ve seen. A couple of last minute interceptions by the defense closed it out on both fields as Gray escaped last minute drives that would have won both for Red. Again, Red kept Gray at bay with another win down at the Pond in Freshmen Waterfront. They followed that up with a win in Sophomores Tennis, and it began to look like a tough day for Gray.
In Junior Softball, though, Gray poured it on, scoring in all but one inning in a rout on the Fred Pierce diamond. Then, they surprised everyone by holding the heavily favored Red squad scoreless in a very well-played, but defensive 0-0 Seniors Soccer tilt over on the Hejduk. Gray further swept both Stars Golf and Bunkline Bocce (a new venue for this one) to get back in it.
However, once again Red withstood Gray’s comeback attempt with a frantic one of their own in Tigers Lacrosse, erasing a 2-goal deficit with 5 minutes left to win 3-2, and keep Red in control as all headed to lunch.
Teetering a bit from the Lax comeback that closed the morning, Gray still looked refreshed as Captain Max and his Stars leaders encouraged their boys to dig a little bit deeper as they hit the fields and courts this afternoon. Red Captain Noah urged his boys to keep the pressure on and not let up. Gray would sure keep coming and more than capable of turning it around.
Quickly, the Gray Cubs/Lions sparked a fire by winning the first of two Soccer games on the Snow Field handily, only to see Red respond with a dominating performance in the 2nd to halve the point. Red then followed it up with a win in Tigers Tennis that went down to the last match. Gray Sophomores bounced back and won a nail-biting Lacrosse game at Sky II. Ari F was the savior, stopping a one-on-one shot from the crease as time expired to protect the 1-goal win.
Two fantastic, thrilling finishes in Seniors Basketball finally gave Gray the spark it needed, On the lower courts, Red was down 6 late, but made back-to-back 3’s to tie it at 27, leaving the upper court to decide the point. The game was tight from the opening tap, with neither team able to build more than a 4-point cushion. A put-back shot with 14 seconds left gave Gray a 1-point lead before Archie saved the game with a last second, spectacular blocked shot at the buzzer to preserve the win, 33-32 for Gray.
At the Rink, the teams seemed as evenly matched as the final score in the first game of a double header in Stars Hockey, and tied 3-3 – again leaving it up to the Game 2 winner to settle it. Matt N and Jackson each lit the lamp twice for their respective teams. After Jacob R scored 4 times in the 2nd one to lead his team to a 6-3 win, Gray was now roiling. Over on the Links, Gray continued its surge by quickly dispatching Red in the Juniors Golf matches, then swept both games in Bocce to draw within a point of the lead.
In Freshmen Baseball, when Hunter knocked a two-out, two-strike pitch into centerfield with a man aboard in the top of the last inning to knot the score at 1, it appeared Gray was poised to finally draw even. But Red rallied for a run in the bottom half that would win it and keep Red ahead.
Gray was more than back in it though, sitting just a couple of points off the lead, with a chance in tonight’s Songs & Cheers competition to grab it. Each team would perform 6 “songs”: a Team and Camp Cheer (1/2 point each), Team Fight Song and Old Camp Song (1 point each), an Original Camp Song (2 points) and a Production Number (worth 3 very big points) – a total of 8 points that will surely give one team the momentum it needs to go for the gold tomorrow.
Under another sensational, Maine moonlit sky, the boys put their collective hearts and souls into every note, lifting their performances way above any level they had shown in rehearsals. One of the more amazing, repetitive features of every Color War is how both teams seem to miraculously put it all together on the Rec Hall stage, whether inside or outdoors, when the pressure is on. And tonight was no different.
With so much on the line, Gray has come all the way back, winning the night 6-2 and seizing the lead. What a turnaround! We can’t wait for tomorrow’s finish… a last morning of athletic contests followed by the ultimate closer – TUGS of WAR!
Somehow the weather broke overnight, and we all woke up to an overcast, sweatshirt kind of morning. The boys went through the typical routine and team meetings but were anxious to get going again. And that they did.
Gray was hoping the late Red surge yesterday had cooled off as well and seemed determined to make their push for the lead. When Gray cruised through the Cubs/Lions Golf matches, they were off to the start they were looking for. But Red won the little guys’ Bocce in the Garden, before their Juniors won Tennis, reminding Gray that it wouldn’t be an easy climb to the top.
In Tigers Basketball, it took 3 games to settle it, but again, Red was up to the task winning 2 of the 3, and the Hoops point. Dylan S scored 7 straight points to lead Gray to victory on the upper court, while Lincoln V carried Red to a win on the lower court. In a very close contest in the Gym, Maddox was the difference in a 2-point victory for Red in the clincher.
On the Hejduk, Red had just a bit too much for Gray to handle in their 7-3 win in Stars Lacrosse. Will A chipped in with a pair of goals for the winners, while Lucas had a pair of his own for Gray in defeat. The tide then turned when word came that Gray had swept all three elements at the Waterfront, including the closest set of Kayak races in history. Both the single and double kayak races produced an overall time differential of only .74 seconds, completing Gray’s sweep down at Trickey.
The Freshmen split a pair of Football games. Spencer O was the Red Star on the Bunkline, weaving his way all over the field when running it, and found Ka’Mari often and open when he needed to throw it. On the Rec Hall field, Gray’s defense was the story, stopping Red on the doorstep a couple of times late in the game to win it.
Gray then polished off a two-game sweep in Seniors Hockey at the Rink to hang close. Luke BR did the damage for Gray in Game 2 after TI (2 goals), Oscar and Reed (1 each) hit the back of the net in a 4-2 win in Game 1. No real change to the slim Red lead this morning as all headed to lunch, another Songs and Cheers practice, and a brief “rest hour”.
As the sun came out and the temperature climbed this afternoon, we wondered which team would heat up as well. Our answer came quickly as the Red Cubs/Tigers stroked their way to victory on both the Sky I and II Tennis courts, then swept both games in Sophomores Basketball and Juniors Hockey. Ethan K was stellar in the cage and Braden scored both goals in the Game 1 shutout.
After Red also carried Stars Waterfront, Gray needed a boost to fight their way back – and got it! The Gray Freshmen swept both Golf and Bocce as their Seniors were dominating in Lacrosse at the same time. Ryder N scored 3 first quarter goals to set the tone in the 11-2 romp for Gray.
Down on the Snow Field, the crowd had grown as the other contests were complete, leaving only the 2nd game of the Tigers Soccer twin bill left to be played… and what a game it was! Red had won the first game earlier in a blowout, but the atmosphere for this one felt like the World Cup final. The teams traded goals back and forth, until it was all tied up at 5 late in the 2nd half. When Owen B scored to give Gray the lead with about a minute remaining, it appeared Gray would get the win and needed split to keep them within arm’s length of the lead. But with only seconds remaining, Alex Y volleyed home a loose ball in the box off a corner kick as the final whistle blew, securing a 6-6 tie and preserving the Soccer point for Red. The Red contingent stormed the field in another frenzied celebration — and had bumped their lead just a little bit more.
We’re just past the halfway point with plenty of athletic events to go, not to mention the critical Songs and Cheers competition (8 points up for grabs) tomorrow night. It’s still way too close to call….
But tonight, Color War gets put on the backburner for some good, old-fashioned entertainment — the Skylemar Players presentation of “The Lion King”.
Once again, Suzie, her assistant directors Roxy and Jayden, the incredible cast and crew, blew us away with a fabulous production. How did they ever learn the lines, songs and choreography while trips and Color War were going on? A full show in just a little over two weeks!
The costumes, the scenery, lighting, music – all to make the kids on stage shine. Plus it was so much fun to watch. Many said this was the best play they ever saw at Skylemar. Bravo to these stars:
KJ & Alexander P – Rafiki
Ari F – Mufasa
Henry Z – Sarabi
Palmer – Zazu
Jake P – Scar
Garrett – Baby Simba
Declan O, Alexander D, Bud – Simba
Ethan V, Max A – Nala
Sawyer – Timon
Elton – Pumbaa
Morgan M, Mason W, Fede, Leo, Henry B, Dylan S, Owen B, Luis, Quinn C, Lincoln M, Liel, Troy, Keats, Alfie, Michael L, Noah W, Levi W, James P, Blaine were the elephants, giraffes, birds, antelope, zebras, lions, hyenas and wildebeest. They can dance too!
It’s not like we hadn’t generated enough heat on our own yesterday, but Mother Nature brought us a bit more today. The boys awoke to another glorious morning to set us up for Day 2, with the score all knotted up. Same routine today… breakfast, inspection, and a quick team meeting to put their game faces on. Then off they went from Trickey to the Hejduk and everywhere in between.
The Tigers played a pair of closely contested Hockey games in the Rink, but both went Gray’s way. In the first, Gray scored a pair in the first period, then locked down the rest of the way to hold on for a 2-1 victory. In the other, Robbie scored the game-winner with just under a minute left to win it. However, Red answered by winning two of the three Hoops games to win the Cubs/Lions Basketball. Micah, Jonah and Theo Q were the scoring leaders in Red’s pair of wins.
In Sophomores Football, Dash led Red to a most exciting back and forth victory on the Rec Hall field, overcoming a spectacular TD catch by Gray’s Theo R late in the game that put the outcome in doubt. Ethan V then caught a 4th and goal TD pass with less than a minute to go to seal it for Red. Red Stars also swept the singles matches and carried the Skills competition which put another point on their side of the ledger. And further, they overcame a strong performance by Gray swimmers with wins in the Ski and Kayak elements to carry Juniors Waterfront.
Over at the Hejduk, Gray dominated the first of two Lax games 8-1, led by James K, Matthew and Solomon. In the best finish of the morning, Red’s Sam E saved the day, coming out of nowhere with an incredible sliding stick check on the crease with a second to go, preventing a certain tying goal and holding on for a one-goal victory, and splitting Freshmen Lacrosse. Down on the Freddie Pierce, Coop went deep over the right field fence to provide the early lead, while Thomas T made a couple of sliding catches in left field to protect It for Gray in their 9-4 Seniors win to close the morning activities.
Lots of elusive runs, great catches, incredible shots, tight races, spectacular plays, and close finishes have highlighted the action so far … and we’re only a day and half in. Time for some nourishment and a good rest as the boys broke for lunch with Red now ahead.
This afternoon was more of the same. Red extended the lead further with a 3-0 win by their Stars on Sky II’s Hejduk Soccer pitch. On the Sky I lacrosse field, Gray responded by winning the first Cubs/Lions Lax game, 7-5 behind the outstanding midfield play of Larkin and Lockett. But Red mitigated the loss with a win of their own in Game 2, to spit the point.
Red again surged ahead by winning another Waterfront meet, this time by their Tigers strokers and boaters. But Gray responded convincingly by winning both Hoops games on the upper and lower courts. Sam P and Nate F had it going and led all scorers in the wins.
Gray inched a little closer when they blew out Red in a hitting onslaught on the Freddie Pierce in Sophomore Baseball. Then results came in from the Bunkline Field where Joaquin ran and passed his way all over the field in a 56-30 rout in Seniors Football for Red.
The most excitement of the day was down on the Snow Field. The Freshmen went toe-to-toe in a double-dip of amazing nail-biting Soccer games. In the first, there were 5 lead changes in a very well-played contest, filled with fantastic team play from both sides. In the end, Gray scored with seconds to play to tie it up 4-all, leaving today’s last point on the shoulders of the Game 2 Freshmen participants. With all other games finished and everyone on the hill overlooking this venue, the stadium atmosphere was electric. The tension grew as no one could find the back of the net well into the second half. With only two minutes left, Gray finally broke through a disheartened Red squad and their highlight-reel goalie Declan C who had kept them in it. A wild celebration ensued, and some of the exuberant Gray onlookers had to be cleared from the field. Then, with about a minute left, Red scored the equalizer, which not only tied it up but set off its own Red on-field explosion. It was the Red celebrants that now had to be cleared just as Gray had a minute before … and alas, this one also ended in a tie, halving Freshmen Soccer. What a finish!
Movie night under the stars, maybe the most picturesque, moonlit night of the summer was a perfect antidote for a most exhilarating, spirited action-packed day. Red will sleep on the lead, but has Gray nipping at their heels. Still just a couple of points separate the teams.
Stay tuned….
It was like the first day of camp. By 6 AM kids were up and out of the cabin, sharing which team they were on. “I’m on Red!”…“I’m on Gray!” Excitement was in the air everywhere! And what a beautiful, bright sunny Maine day it was!
But first, our annual Red and Gray Buffet for breakfast. What a spread! Just what’s needed to boost their energy for an exciting day ahead. After the usual morning routine (inspection, etc.), the PA blared, “Red Team to the Mailhouse! Gray Team to the Pine Grove!”
Both teams gathered for their first of several “psych up” meetings that they’ll have throughout the week. That’s when the teams link up and encircle their Captains and Stars leaders. It’s a fever pitch – think loud music, lots of chanting and cheering, with the oldest guys yelling messages of maximum effort and team unity at decibel levels unheard of ‘til now.
Everyone to the Fred Pierce Field for the official opening of Color War 2025!
Both teams watched the first inning of the Stars Softball game, the traditional start of every Skylemar Color War since 1948. After Shep brought the Captains to the field for some last minute instructions, the Gray team took the field as Shep bellowed “Play ball!”. The honor of the ceremonial first pitch was given to Paige, our do-it-all Waterfront specialist, who threw a perfect strike! After the 1st inning, each Division moved to their specific venue for their morning contests.
The Gray Stars got the juices flowing early though. Not only did Luke S jump on the first pitch he saw with a blast into the right field trees in the bottom of the first, he followed up with a grand slam in the 3rd giving Gray a 5-run lead. But Red battled back within a run, before leaving the bases loaded in their final at bat to succumb 7-6.
The Seniors were down at Trickey Pond where the Red team swam, kayaked and skied just a little faster than Gray to win the Waterfront point. In Juniors Soccer over at Sky II’s Hejduk Field, goalies David G and Orlando were stellar in the nets before Max P slipped a shot by late in a very tight, well-played game for a 1-0 Gray win.
Over on the links, Sophomore Golfers displayed some real talent in splitting their matches, while in the Bocce Theatre, Gray dominated in the first of 7 matches to come. The Tigers split a pair of games (and the point) in Football. Mac (R) and Leo (G) both had a “pick 6” on the Bunkline field won by Gray, while Shay led the charge for Red on the Rec Hall gridiron.
The Freshmen also split a pair of B-ball games on the hoops courts and left it up to those at the Gym in Game 3 to decide it. On the upper court, Pablo and Spencer were a tough tandem for Red, although Owen S put up a heroic effort in defeat. Grady A and Mason answered by leading Gray to a victory on the lower court. But over at Sky II, Bud dominated to win the Basketball point for Red.
But the most exciting contest this morning was down at the Hockey rink, where our littlest guys, as they seem to every year, provided our most thrilling finish. And it took three games to settle it. Ari B and Billy G scored in a 2-0 win for Red in the first game of a triple-header, then Porter tallied a hat-trick to lead Gray to a 4-0 Game 2 victory. By the time Game 3 began, all other morning contests were complete, so most of the participants from all over camp had converged to the rink to watch our youngest group battle it out for the Cubs/Lions Hockey point. After a scoreless 1st period, Red’s Junior scored in the 2nd to take a slim lead to the 3rd. But 6 goals later — another by Junior and a pair by Alex B for Red, not to mention 3 late tallies by Gray – and Red barely held on for an edge-of-your-seat 4-3 win. In a wild celebration, the Red supporters heaped all kinds of love on their youngest teammates, and took a ½ point lead into the Pavilion for lunch.
After the meal and rest hour, the teams again gathered for pre-game “psych up” meetings, freshly rejuvenated to go at it again. Back and forth all afternoon, all over camp they went. As you will see, this one looks to be as evenly matched as ever.
This time, the little guys headed to the Waterfront where Gray won the Swim and Boating elements to carry the point. The Juniors went back to the Hejduk, where Red bounced back from their tough loss in Soccer this morning to win 13-8 behind the division’s top laxer, Brooks.
The Red then picked up a ½ point in the Bocce Garden, but Gray Seniors won Golf at the Links. On the Tennis courts, Tennis Director Ted witnessed the most exciting finish of his decade+ of Color War action. After the Freshmen split 3 singles and doubles matches on both surfaces (hardcourts and clay), the Skills competition on the Har-Tru at Sky II would settle it. The final tally was so close, Ted had to check and double check his score sheet, confirming Gray’s 127-124 win in a contest of strokes and accuracy. Wow!
Gray Tigers also won Baseball on the Freddie Pierce, 6-1 behind the pitching and hitting of Morgan. The Sophomores split a doubleheader at the Hockey rink. Red won 4-0 in Game 1, but Gray returned the favor with a shutout of their own, 2-0 in the 2nd behind a pair of goals by Myles F to split Sophs Hockey.
The Stars then lit up the scoreboard, although Red was unstoppable in an 80-56 rout. Carson found himself in the middle of 8 total TDs (passing, running and a “pick 6” to boot). What an offensive show!
This War is already shaping up to be a good one, as only a point separates the teams after a full day of activity on the fields, courts, and Pond. Tonight’s Ping Pong competition, with another point up for grabs, will tell us who, if either team, will sleep on the lead.
And apparently, it’s neither – Red won Ping Pong and after Day 1, we’re all tied up!
To the Skylemoms and Dads of those on last night’s ballot (other than the two who were elected):
Bet we know what you were thinking as you read The Blog last night. Maybe something like, “Oh, man, he wanted this so badly.” Or, “He’s been talking about it for years. It’s all he ever wanted.” Followed up by the big question… “Is he ok?”
He’s totally ok. In fact, he’s a better person now because of it. No one likes to be disappointed, but part of growing up is learning to bounce back and make it to the other side.
There were 23 excellent candidates, and only two could be chosen. So what happens to those who may be heartbroken? They stand up tall, give hugs, handshakes and high fives to their friends, old and young. Few words are needed – just about everyone understands what they might be feeling.
And today is more of the same. These guys are 100% their regular selves, joking around and having a great time just being together. They are the team players who will try their very hardest to bring home a win for Color War 2025.
After lunch, the Captains announced the names of the Lieutenants they have selected, two for each team, in each of the seven Divisions. Congratulations to those who were awarded this privilege of leading an age group. But then again, what about those who were not selected? Despite being miles away, you too, might be feeling his disappointment.
But here’s the thing. There’s a tremendous life lesson wrapped up into all of this. They will learn that you don’t have to have a title to be the leader of a team.
The lesson holds true in all facets of life. It goes along with sports of course, but also the work world and certainly in politics. Being a leader is a lot like happiness. It comes from within. It’s a decision you make. Doesn’t matter what you’re “called”. Everyone has the possibility of being their very best and helping others to shine.
Tonight the Captains and their Stars Lieutenants will meet secretly and draft the teams. Please remember this, moms and dads: the elected Captains, along with their two assistants, are in charge. No rigging, no requesting, no family connections. Teams are divided by age group, not bunk. As mentioned on Election Night, the entire camp understands that within one bunk there could be five boys on one team and just one on the other. It could mean that in the case of three brothers, two are on one team and one on the other.
Trust us – it works. If this Color War is like those of the past 77 years, this process is why the teams will be fairly matched and games competitive.
As soon as the draft is completed and camp divided, the magic happens. In the very late hours tonight as Skylemar sleeps, the Captains will sneak into each cabin for “pinning”. The boys will awaken to find either a Red or Gray ribbon pinned to their pillows, signifying their team for Color War 2025. Can’t wait for morning!
Today was the day. For many, it’s the most important one of the summer. For some… the year. And for two… their lives.
The boys have talked about today since they arrived at camp. In fact, they’ve chanted a countdown for the past 10 days. Yesterday they cheered wildly, hollering “ONE MORE DAY! ONE MORE DAY!”
The traditional Sky II Lobster Lunch helped to calm nerves. It’s a meal of camaraderie, with lots of laughter and good vibes. Over many summers, these now 15-year-olds have come to accept, understand and admire each other. We can even think of a few who asked not to be in a bunk with this person or that, only to see now that they are very good friends.
It was a beautiful, Maine-like afternoon, with clear skies and comfortably warm temps. Perfect for casual play, taking some ski runs and hanging with friends. Dinner was delish — spaghetti and meatballs, marinara or alfredo, Caesar salad and garlic bread. Eat big, guys… could be a long night ahead.
IT’S COLOR WAR ELECTIONS 2025!
Evening Activity couldn’t come soon enough. The whole camp gathered together in the Rec Hall, the building that stands strong and tall, protecting our Skylemar family. Wearing their favorite jersey, each member of the Stars Division sat proudly on the stage.
Shep welcomed all, and explained how Color War Elections is one of Skylemar’s oldest traditions, whereby the participants choose their leaders. “You, the campers, will vote for two of these great guys by secret ballot, each one being the kind of person that we hope you will be like one day.”
He explained that the spirit of Red and Gray began with our founders and is based on friendship and fair play. Color War is a unique situation, because this time you’re competing with all of your heart against people who you care about. That doesn’t happen too often in life.
Skylemar’s competition happens only on the fields, courts, lake and stage, but not in the cabin. There will be a winner of each and every game, as well as an overall winner of our 5-day Color War. Whether you win or lose, Shep reminds that you must not over-react. Don’t gloat, and don’t ruin someone else’s fun — sincerely shake hands after the game.
The Captains will be selecting their teams in secrecy on Saturday night. It’s done by draft, which is what makes the teams fair in each Division. It could be that brothers are separated, or that bunks are not at all equally divided. The Captains strategically select each boy, with one goal in mind – winning.
Shep asked all former Captains to step forward. A few did so. Then Shep asked for all those who were on the ballot but did not become Captain to step forward. In this category there were many.
The candidates were each introduced, and truth is, we love them all. Each would be an outstanding choice for Captain.
Simple majority wins. When one candidate gets one more than half of the eligible voters, than he is elected. The magic number is 100.
Those on the ballot cast their own votes and then headed to the Garden Cabin to wait it out. Each Bunk came up to the foot of the stage, and every camper wrote down two names on a piece of paper — then dropped their votes into the ballot box (white pickle bucket, circa 1994). Once all the votes were in, Shep read off every one as Nick kept the tally.
The exact number of votes each person received is something we don’t talk about. But what’s interesting about this year is that there was a much wider spread of votes throughout the Stars Division than in any previous year we can remember. It took two full rounds of voting to elect two Captains, proving that there really were several great choices.
The vote tally grew and grew for the first Captain, the crowd started jumping, hands rose in the air… and it’s… NOAH KLEHR! The crowd mobbed him as he comes through the door.
After a second round of voting and reading off names (meaning that by now it’s 10 PM), the crowd again rushed to the door to welcome the second Captain… MAX BAUM!
Coin flips determined who chose color, as well as the order of picking Stars Lieutenants. Max selected Gray, along with Cosme and Jacob R to stand with him. Noah picked Carson and Jack L. to do so for Red.
Camp Skylemar, these are your leaders for Color War 2025!
The trips are back to home sweet home. After a very rustic couple of days, the camp cots and bathrooms in our bunks are something to appreciate!
The Seniors just returned from Carter Notch in the White Mountain National Forest. It was a very difficult four-mile hike up the mountain, at a very steep incline. A new leader was assigned during every stretch of trail. When it was time for a rest, that camper shared what they believe makes a good leader. Interesting stuff!
Sure, along the way some complained. But in the end, each hiker felt a sense of accomplishment and we bet they’re glad they did it.
It was especially cool when they got to the top and found a beautiful pond. Now that was a real cold plunge… Brrrrrrr! There were rocks to climb, as well as a naturalist, who explained how the rock formations came about.
Also at the top was the AMC Hut where they’d be staying. It’s like a super rustic cabin with wooden bunk beds, a mattress, blanket and kitchen. The “Croo”, a group of 4-5 who runs the hut and does the cooking, carry all of their supplies in every week. Our meal was enchiladas, magic bars for dessert and the best lemonade the kids ever had.
After dinner, it was board-game time. There were other guests there besides Skylemar (sorry, folks), and we were proud when they commented about how respectful our boys were.
No morning reveille at the hut. Instead we woke to a fiddle! Breakfast was served at 6:30 — bacon, eggs and pumpkin bread. There are no trash cans at the top of Carter Notch. Any bit of paper waste goes in your backpack to throw away at the bottom.
The Sophomores went to Mt. Cranmore, also in the White Mountains. We took the easy way up…chairlift! Coming back down was lots of fun on the Mountain Coaster, which was like a little car on a track. You could control how fast or slow you went.
The boys stayed at Franconia Notch State Park Campground. After setting up the tents in teams, Ethan V and Ari F helped the staff cook what Leo V said was “the greatest burger I ever had”. Afterward, all enjoyed a campfire, smores and a cozy sleeping-bag night.
Breakfast was bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, which fueled us up for their own four-mile hike to Lonesome Lake… and yet another awesome cold plunge!
The staff of the Cranmore Mountain Resort said we were “the greatest camp group that ever came through”.
Many of the Stars Division have returned to the United States! They were in Quebec City for a few days and had an amazing time. What’s especially unique about Quebec is that because it’s French, you really feel like you’re in a European country. There were numerous sights to see, foods to sample, jerseys to buy. Skylemar’s been taking this trip for 77 years!
It was really a wonderful cookout dinner here at Skylemar, with everyone back where they belong. Evening Activity was the Final Talent Show. We had to have it inside the Rec Hall on the Gerhard Stage, because it was raining hard at this point. It was a solid show, but with far more silliness than talent. For example, Brothers Lincoln M and Morgan chugged water. Hunter S chugged too. They’re ready for college. Jacob W screamed. Imanzi twisted his fingers. Bud did hula hooping. There was quite a variety of skits, jokes, songs, sports, dances (sort of, although not really sure what they were doing) and general silliness. They love to use a microphone. And they love to be on stage, with everyone laughing with them.
Nevertheless, there was some real talent in the show. Feddie and Billy were incredible with diabolo yoyos. Seth F and David G played the piano. Seth R impressed by reciting Pi. No matter what, those on stage had a great time. You could see it in their faces!