How do we celebrate the 4th of July at Skylemar? We start by cleaning up! It’s GACU – The Great American Cleanup. Shep calls it “the trifecta of clean”. First you take a power shower, next head over to The Spa, then it’s on to the Infirmary for a health check.
Where is this Skylemar Spa you might ask? It’s on the porch of the Garden Cabin. Mellow music plays, cucumber water is served, and the boys sit in rocking chairs. Their dirty, yucky feet go in tubs of water and then our warrior “manicurists” attack with nail clippers. Many thanks to Adam, Rook, Ellie, Karina, Leah, Maya and Sam who went above and beyond to get the job done.
Weather conditions were perfect for every activity on the courts and fields, with low humidity and clear skies. The wind was strong, which meant that the lake was choppy -- perfect for tubing and sailing (and capsizing...). Meanwhile, the Tigers went on a trip to the Maine Wildlife Park. It’s a refuge for over 30 species of local wildlife that can’t be returned to their natural habitat.
Dinner was delicious at the Band of Brothers Kickoff: pigs-in-a-blanket, barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, sweet peas and Greek salad. In addition to a bunk and division, each camper is assigned to a "Band". It’s sort of a family within the overall camp family. Each Band has a few campers from every age group, with two Stars as their Leader. It’s one of the many ways that kids of all ages get to know each other at Skylemar, and it gives the older guys the chance to serve as role models for those younger.
There are 12 bands: Bears, Owls, Wolves, Deer, Bald Eagles, Otters, Loons, Foxes, Moose, Lobsters, Bats, Dock Spiders. They officially get together for occasional competitions, Evening Activities and special meals where each Band sits together as a group.
Tonight’s competition was the "Spaghetti Mini Marshmallow Challenge". The goal was for each group to build a tower as tall as possible. Twist was that only the little guys in the Band could do the building, while the older ones did the coaching. Congratulations to the Loons – 26 inches tall!
After a traditional “7th”, the choice period with about 15 options, we headed down to Trickey Pond for a very special celebration. Everyone was seated by bunk on either the beach or docks, where we enjoyed Patriotic Popsicles (red, white and blue). Music played and we all sang along (i.e. “Born in the USA”). The counselor Belly Flop Contest was hysterical. Way to go, Preston, for being the champion.
When the sky got dark it was time for Skylemar’s fireworks display. This spectacular display is shared with all our wonderful neighbors on Trickey Pond. Many thanks to our good friend and pyrotechnician Greg who lives across the lake.
Nothing like a July 4th miracle! Ten days ago, during Staff Orientation, a lost black dachshund was first spied at Camp Skylemar. Since that sighting, the family has come daily, calling his name. Staff members have been looking across our 200 acres (we never told the kids, of course), but at this point it was assumed the little dog moved on to another location. With the smells of Skylemar’s chicken grilling and picnic tables with nibbles underneath, the assumption was that if the dog was here, at this point he would have been seen again. A week has passed with no sign of him.
Then comes the miracle…tonight Sebastian was found underneath the Skylemar Rec Hall! Program Director Barney and Waterski Director Quinn were the heroes who crawled on all-fours and did whatever it took to rescue the pup. Goes to show you should never give up!
