We are a brotherhood like no other. That’s just how we roll.
It’s not a set-up ... it’s for real. No contrived “matches” by grown-ups ... just a way of life. Independently and on their own, the older guys of Skylemar are the best big brothers anyone could ask for.
Skylemar traditions and the structure of our schedule provide opportunity, but it’s the older guys who take the lead. For example, remember the Scavenger Hunt? Teams were two cabins, one old and one young. That’s the first night of shoulder rides and friendships forever.
Then there’s the choice periods, which often are mixed age groups. Five periods per day are by age, but two of them could be with anyone. Take Photography for example. It’s awesome to see an assorted “crew” wearing their cameras, helping each other.
Helping is what the older guys do. They never think twice if a little guy wants to be in the front of the cookout line. When a plate tips and the burger’s dropped there’s a Sky II guy behind to get him a new one.
It’s a rite of passage at Skylemar to care for those younger, and a privilege to be the one they look up to. It’s simply the best when a little guy calls you his “fwend”.
Today was one of our many Sebago trips of the season. That’s when several cabins of different ages spend the afternoon at Sebago Lake State Park. The water’s shallow there, and perfect for tossing a football and splashing around. Best of all, they have a snack bar, where you get to spend real money. Good thing a Senior camper’s nearby to help when you find that the chicken tenders cost more than you have.
The littles are enamored and grateful to their Skylemar “bigs”. They demonstrate this with a treat from The Chocolate Factory. That’s when a U10 cabin gets to make chocolate lollipops with Holly. In addition to making some for themselves, they also make some for an older cabin. They decorate the bags and hand deliver to whoever's lucky.
When we see the littles hanging, draping, laying, pulling and tugging on the bigs, it’s hard to correct them. They’re just reminding us all that you don’t have to be related to be a big brother.
Heard this today…
Luci: Ben, good luck in your basketball game!
Ben: Luci, I don’t need luck. You’re coming to watch.
And so, she did.
Only at Skylemar.
