No one seemed to notice the rain today at Camp Skylemar.  We were too busy playing just one more game and spreading around a whole bunch of love.   It’s Thank You Thursday, and we have lots to be grateful for. Wherever we looked, there was a friend, a mentor, a hero.  Not just one, but a couple hundred.  It’s...
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After a summer drenched with more than the typical amount of seasonal rain, Mother Nature stepped aside for the past 5 days.  A sensational weather week gave us the full range of emotion from every corner of camp.  We saw plenty of ups and downs on the fields, courts and in the water, filled with...
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As we moved past the halfway point, the significance of Day 4 cannot be overstated. The weather could not have cooperated better, bringing us maybe the most spectacular day of the summer. This morning’s “psych-up” meetings told the story…. For Red, it was a real chance to separate themselves enough to alleviate any potential pitfalls...
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The forecasted rain blew through overnight and greeted Day 3 with a glorious Maine day. Red now held a slim lead, but Gray remained enthusiastic and confident. Not only has the overall score remained close, but each event seemingly could have gone either way.  Today, the trend continued. While Red began the morning by sweeping...
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A bit of early AM cloud cover cleared beautifully into a spectacular Maine day.  Both teams seemed fresh and confident as they took to the fields and courts, determined to grab the lead and take control of this War. And Gray did just that when Zane R went deep on the 2nd pitch of the...
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The dawn of Red and Gray 2021 was upon us. By 6 AM, the air was filled with the buzz only known to those who’ve been through it - a few hundred kids already running all over sharing the news as to which team they are on.  Each boy awoke to find a colored ribbon...
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If you’re the parent of one of the 28 campers in the Stars Division who were not elected Captain, we know what you might be thinking… He wanted this more than anything in the world.  He must be devastated.  Is he ok? Perhaps he was a standout kid who’s been told he was “Captain material”...
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For most, it was a typical day with some extra excitement in the air. 67 little guys swam across the lake (with 32 staff members) at 6:30 in the morning.  Cubs and Tigers had their Tennis Tournament.   The Juniors took a trip to the Maine Wildlife Park and the cast of “Willy Wonka” was busy...
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Staff Orientation, our 10-day training program before the kids arrive, touches on 101 points pertaining to the safety of each child in our care.  This includes discussions and activities about what it means to be a father, mother, teacher and hero.  After all, being a super-hero is what the job’s all about. At one point,...
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“TWO MORE DAYS!”, they chant.  “TWO MORE DAYS!” The most anticipated event in the Skylemar world is around the corner.  The excitement builds every day as we get closer and closer. But for now…. Bones Senior Drip Trip went out this morning.  Trip leader Blake took the Seniors to some of the places he enjoys...
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“WOW!” says it all.  It’s that powerful one-word sentence to describe a jam-packed schedule and an explosion of joy at Camp Skylemar. It was a 6:30 AM depart for the JC trip to Acadia State Park.  Some slept through the three-hour drive, but once they arrived, they all saw that it was well-worth the trip. ...
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Noah, Nate, DMar, Logan, Alexander, Elijah, Sam, DMan, Reese, Stephen, Ryan and Jared…the greatest JC’s in the whole wide world.  These are the leaders of Skylemar 2021. They are the tone-setters of camp.  Because they’re fun and upbeat, we all feel that way.  Each is adored by his cabin of little guys, and all are...
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It’s Tournament Day at Camp Skylemar!  Bacon Fest, Volleyball and Fresh/Soph Tennis. The Snow Field was festival-like and exciting, with eight teams of Cubs and Tigers competing in a Skylemar favorite, Steal the Bacon.  The intensity of these little guys drew a big crowd of spectators.  Those not playing could also try Wiffleball, Jackpot, Kan...
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JOY! You could feel it in the air this morning as the camp gathered for Clinic Sign-ups.  The sun was shining, and we all felt especially comfortable and at ease together.  Three hundred-some brothers, ages 7 to 27, smiling, laughing and singing along to “I’m A Believer” by Smash Mouth.  Wish you were there to...
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Aaaaaah! Now this is how Maine weather is supposed to be. Sunny with clear skies and just the right summer temperature, low humidity and a gentle breeze.   It was a good-mood kind of day. So much to do!  Down at the ski dock the boats never stopped.  They had many days to make up for...
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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  We beg to differ.  Without a doubt, it’s dinner. Whether at camp or at home, a casual dinner bookends the day.  It’s a comforting window of time to talk about what went well or perhaps not so well.  Typically here it’s just regular old...
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From a glass half-full perspective, we did get out on the fields and courts today.  What's come to be a daily rain event passed us by until after lunch.  At times we just accepted that we'd be wet anyway, like at the waterfront.  We were especially proud of new campers who got up waterskiing, like...
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Welcome to the University of Skylemar.  All classes are in-person, and the only prerequisite is a willingness to have fun and be kind to others. Those who don’t know Skylemar may think that summer camp is just about playing games.  Oh, but there’s so much more to be learned in this “academic” institution.  Here's a...
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First day of Second Session, and it poured.  Not just rain, but more like a deluge.  Even most of our early risers stayed in bed until The Morning Show at 8.  The original schedule was literally a wash-out, but Barney had Plan B ready to go. Rainy can’t stop us from having fun.  The big...
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The dancing flames.  The crackling sounds.  The radiant energy. There’s something about a campfire that mesmerizes us.  We stare into it for no particular reason.  Anthropologists hypothesize that it’s an evolutionary thing, tracing back to prehistoric times. Back then sitting around the fire was for survival and perhaps even friendship.  Scientists call it “Caveman TV”,...
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  By the end of the camp season, they’ll have all the skills you’re looking for.  Strategic thinking, conflict resolution, problem solving ability.   They work well in a group setting, know how to negotiate, they’re organized and are good communicators.  They’re responsible, they get along well with peers and are devoted to the cause.  Did...
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Crimson Tide, Fighting Irish, Green Wave, Orange, and Longhorns…what do they have in common, other than the fact that the first 4 (all except the Longhorns) are part of an answer to one of the great collegiate trivia questions -- How many collegiate teams can you name that have nicknames NOT ending with the letter...
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There are very few things in the world that we can’t control.  One, which we tell the kids about all the time, is that you can’t control another person’s behavior.  You can only control your own, setting an example for how you’d hope others to be. The other that comes to mind is the weather. ...
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She’s a one-man-show, jack-of-all-trades, talented singer, dancer and actor.  She’s sugar and spice and everything nice.  She’s the greatest drama director in the country.  She’s…. SUZIE!  SUZIE!  SUZIE!  (as the camp chants) Best of all, Suzie knows boys and understands how to make drama cool and fun.  Never frustrated (well, almost never…), she appreciates that...
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Clinic Sign-ups!  The whole camp gathered in front of the Rec Hall, eager to watch the exciting show.  Counselors performed skits called “commercials”, advertising what they’ll be offering during the Clinic Period in the days ahead.  After everyone presented, each camper independently chose what he’d like to do for an hour each day through this...
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  Our crystal-clear, always refreshing, sparkling gem:  Trickey Pond. Considered one of the cleanest bodies of water in the State of Maine, Trickey Pond is about two miles long, a half mile across, and about five miles in perimeter.  Fed by underground springs, Trickey is 55’ deep and home to landlocked salmon, trout, splake and...
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IT’S SADE’S PALACE!! The only casino in the world where the house never wins! Every patron gets $1,000 in Skylemoney as they walk through the grand entrance.  Food and drink are comped of course.  After all, it’s a star-studded night.  The Palace is the place to be and be seen. There were Wheels of Fortune,...
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To Facetime or not to Facetime.  That is the question. On one hand, it feels great to check in with those you love.   Following a year of parent/child togetherness, during a camp season without Visiting Day, it feels especially appropriate to at least have a five-minute chat once every 10 days.  The kids enjoy showing...
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  Relationship building, communication and trust.  That’s what a Challenge Course period is really all about. Director Dave and his dedicated Challenge Course team kick things off with a creative icebreaker activity on the Snow Field.  Then it’s into the woods for the low and high elements. The low elements consist of cables between trees,...
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  Going away from home for the very first time is an enormous step.  It’s a giant leap of faith that many don’t take until they’re at least 18.  Don’t mean to rush things, but Skylemar guys are ready for college. Of course you’ve done all the prep work, but it’s amazing to see what...
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Big announcement from Barnicus, the Warrior of Clean ... this morning.  It's GACU! That stands for Great American Clean Up.  Each Division gets a period devoted to the “cleanliness trifecta”.  This includes a health check-in at the Infirmary, showering/laundry-put-away at the cabin, and a visit to The Spa. Funny how word gets around.  We once...
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If food is the key to a man’s heart, then that explains why so many nice guys are at Camp Skylemar.  Ours is delish, and there’s plenty of it. Lucky for us, we have the greatest kitchen staff in the entire world.  Jr, Benjamin, Carlos, Superman, Byron, Adolfo, Fabrizio, Luis, Cesar, Sherri, Lily, David and...
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Today, like every day, we celebrated.  Sure, it was the nation’s birthday.  But most importantly, it was a great day to be us. Shep announced it was a laundry day, and the crowd cheered wildly.  Bet that doesn’t happen at home.  As far as the kids are concerned, it’s a magical system.  The dirty clothes...
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  The Skylemar Talent Show is far more important than entertainment. For those who perform, it’s about taking a safe chance, being willing to make yourself vulnerable, and building confidence.  For those in the audience, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate Skylemar warmth and brotherhood.  At the Skylemar Talent Show, we are united as a powerful...
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Mother Nature pulled a fast one and turned down the thermostat.  We went from shorts and t-shirts to sleeping in sweats.   Today was rainy, blustery, and about 60 degrees. We have plenty of large indoor facilities here at Skylemar.  But since we’re cohorting by Division, we do our best at creating a Rainy Day Schedule...
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A surprise visitor came to lunch.  It was Slugger the Seadog! Slugger’s the mascot for the Red Sox AA affiliate, the Portland Seadogs.  We typically bring the entire camp to a game around this time, but this year we’re staying put.  If we can’t get there, we’ll do our best to bring it on at...
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Nico caught the first fish of his life in Trickey Pond!  Sconsett, Jared R, Holden and Tyler were awarded Gold Golf Balls!  Atticus said today’s birthday party was the "best he ever had!"  Wes K ran for the winning touchdown! These are the kind of Skylemar moments you remember the rest of your life.  Most...
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The heart is warmed a dozen times in any one Skylemar day.  Take this morning for example.  Thirteen year-old Harry H was enjoying the lake with a new friend, and they decided to race.  Harry, a skilled swimmer, swam beautifully and clearly out-performed the boy who had the idea for the challenge.   Ahead by half...
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Hot stuff here at Skylemar.   96 steamy degrees during the day, and still a sticky 82 at bedtime. Shep called it Minimal Speed Monday.    The morning schedule would go as planned, but sports were to be played at a slower pace.  We all carried water bottles, and the Sunscreen & Hydration Golf Cart was constantly...
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  No rooster required.  As the sun rises, out of the cabin they pour.  By 5 AM the basketballs were “babump babumping” and sets of little eyes eagerly peered into Shep’s “Lighthouse” window.  Counselors give up on the last hour of sleep, realizing that there’s just no way of holding back their family of super...
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After a tightly-capped and shook-up year, it’s as if a soda bottle of joy exploded at Camp Skylemar.    The greatest guys in the whole wide world have arrived! They came by plane, bus and car, ready for friendship-filled happy days.   Saying goodbye to those we love is emotional, so it was especially impressive to watch...
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