It was tough to figure out the weather today. It was hot until it wasn’t. Then it rained until it didn’t. Although we made it through morning activities, by lunch it was a Rainy Day Schedule. There were Lodge Games, Dodge Ball in the Gym, Lego, Cupcake Decorating, Sushi Making and Board Games. Meanwhile, the Freshmen went Ice Skating and the Sophomores took a trip to Mt. Cranmore in New Hampshire.
And then… the sisters arrived for dinner. Brothers were in assorted indoor places around camp, so we needed to do a round-up. Once gathered, they had a cookout dinner inside, and then it was dry enough to head to the Lodge to hang out.
For the rest of us, it was a Band of Brothers dinner. Kids of assorted ages sat as a “BOB”, with the Seniors and Stars doing an amazing job of helping those younger feel comfortable. These occasional gatherings in Band of Brothers groups definitely support getting to know each other. The Tin Foil Boat Building Contest was super fun too. Each BOB got an 8” square of foil, and the idea was to turn it into a boat that would float and hold as many coins as possible. The winning boat held 40 quarters!
On another note, it's the last week for Clinics of 2025! At Sunday Signups it’s clear what’s on the mind of many as Color War prep dominated the sports offerings. Golf and Tennis will hone the swings a bit more and offer match playing tips in advance of both Camp Tourney and Color War matches. Football and Basketball will both work on game-type situations as they get ready for Red & Gray contests to come.
Those choosing the Waterfront have plenty of options. The Sail Dock includes the full complement of paddle choices besides the sailboats, while the Ski Dock will see many on the long rope looking to sharpen their runs for Color War. The “Trifecta” on the Swim Dock: 1) Catching thrown balls while leaping off the inflatables; 2) Olympic Time Trials to prep for the races ahead; and 3) Trickey Pond Records for those wanting a shot at breaking them. All will get plenty of action. Let’s not forget Fishing on Trickey over at SkyPines, where the season-long contest for which bunk catches the most fish nears the finish.
Lacrosse will focus on the little things that go into being a great team player – ground balls, hustle and other “unsung” things necessary for team success. Soccer will work on footwork and ball control in “El Futbol”. Baseball will play with every ball we have here, except a baseball or softball (i.e., lax balls, tennis balls, beach balls, volleyballs, etc.) in games of fun! And Archery will find those wanting a last chance to shoot before their score really counts in Color War.
Rafiki stopped by to see how many Chilltoppers would like to work with Props, Scenery and Stage Crew on our 2nd session production of “The Lion King". “Who Let the Dogs Out” will have a different resident canine visit with this group at Shep’s Reading clinic every day, while Yellowhorn’s “Old Favorites” will have the boys reprising their favorite (exploding) experiments of the season.
Track & Field will look to set new records in running, hurdling and shotput. The first camp “Strong Man Combine” will be held in the Strength & Conditioning clinic. And Ziplining with Zippy and the Ropes course crew will give everyone plenty of opportunities to fly through the trees.
By 7 PM this evening we needed a switcheroo on Evening Activity due to the rain. We pulled down the big screen and had an old-fashioned movie night inside the Rec Hall. It's the perfect place to be on a damp one like tonight.
Heard this today…
While waiting their turn for showers, Bunk 3 was coloring with highlighters at Arleen’s desk.
Arleen: That’s really nice. What’s it a picture of?
Blaine: I do abstract.
Arleen: What’s abstract?
Blaine: It means you don’t know what it is.
... only at Skylemar.
And this...
One of the Lions had a remote appointment with a very prominent doctor in NYC, who is difficult to get an appointment with.
When told what time to be ready, the Lion said, “He’s just going to have to wait. I have basketball.”
... only at Skylemar.
