Found!
It’s the Wild Game Hunt! That’s when the staff hides and the campers seek. Each counselor is given an animal name and is worth a certain number of points.
The counselors, as well as Shep for example, take this very seriously. They take tremendous pride in hiding in trees and under things (but you can’t be under, inside or on top of a building or car). One of the most successful hiding places was inside of a duffle bag lying right in the middle of the office porch. It was so obvious that no one found him.
This year’s hunt was a special one. Sixteen years of never being found, but tonight Shep’s streak was broken. After seven summers of seeking, Spencer B was determined that his 8th year at Skylemar would be the one when he found the sought after prize. And he did! Congratulations, Spence!
One of the many activities that’s really taken off this year is Track and Field. Obviously, the skill of running is very important in most sports, and Director Rachel has a way of making running super fun. For example, it’s not just about going around the track. Rachel created a Track Scavenger Hunt — a timed event, so you had to move fast. First, a run to Shep’s cabin to find the name of the fish on the Trickey Pond poster. Then a sprint over to the Basketball courts to get the signature of a coach. There was a whole list of stops across our 200 acres. There were Track related questions for the handful who wanted to take it slower too.
This week Coach Rachel introduced shot put and discus throw. It’s one of those activities that many don’t have the opportunity to try outside of camp. Rachel and her staff focus on form and function. The sport of throwing is harder to do correctly than most people think.
Form is a big part of Strength and Conditioning too. Coach Tom, who runs a year-round Strength & Conditioning/Personal Training program, is the best in the business. He also has a fantastic handle on working with boys of all ages. We’re so very fortunate to have him at Skylemar.
One of the best parts of Strength & Conditioning is that each 50 minute session is packed with an assortment of creative activities, so you never know what to expect. Tom makes it clear that the goal is for each person to be their own best self, as opposed to being better than the next guy.
Same concept for Waterskiing, Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing. The Ski Dock staff works with each camper individually in stages. First-timers practice Waterskiing on the dock, and then the counselor helps you into skis. You start out holding the Boom, which is a pole that comes off of the boat. That way you can hear the instructions clearly and get the feel of how it all works. Next comes short rope off the Boom. Now you’re ready to try behind the boat – knees bent, arms straight and let the boat pull you out of the water. It usually takes a number of tries, but the staff is extra patient. When you finally get up it’s the best feeling in the world for both camper and staff. Once you come out of the water everyone on the dock welcomes you back with cheers and high-fives.
Before long, you’re ready to drop a ski. Many of our guys become outstanding slalom skiers. Others prefer Wakesurfing. That takes a special boat that makes big waves, which we only use in the center of the lake or closer to our property, because we don’t want to bother the neighbors. The wakesurf board is tricky because there’s no shoes for your feet. After many tries, a number of campers can get up with the rope. Then they let go, and surf the wake hands-free.
Back on land, there were “Jungle Book” auditions for all ages. It’s easy. You just tell Suzie if you prefer a small, medium or big part. You recite some lines and sing a little, and then Suzie takes care of the casting. It’s a cool thing to have guys of so many different ages and abilities working together. There’s something for everyone here. That’s the Skylemar magic!
