Welcome to the 2019 Skylemar Blog.  It’s a nightly glimpse into your son’s special summer world, beginning June 24.  This one’s just for practice, to make sure all goes well with delivery. LOTS going on here, in preparation for the arrival of the greatest guys in the world.  100 amazing staff members learning a million...
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Happiness explodes at Camp Skylemar! It was a sparkling clear and sunshiny day, perfect for welcoming the greatest guys in the world.  All went to plan with drivers, and even the planes flew on time. We’re told that the boys were amazing on the BWI flight, with only one teeny mishap - a Cool2Care Charity...
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No roosters around here, but there were plenty awake at the crack of dawn. Balls were bouncing and legs were running long before the guys at Sky II even thought about getting up.  Finally – the first official real day of Camp Skylemar 2019! Baseball, hockey, ropes course, golf!  Tennis, football, hoops and fishing!  Gaga,...
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Your heart would be warmed if you listened in on this afternoon’s Counselor Meeting.  While the kids were elsewhere with Bunksters and Bunkles, we sat on the hillside and talked about what we’ve done right, what could be tweaked, what’s coming up, and what’s most important – each and every boy at Camp Skylemar. Counselors...
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It’s cool to care.  And at Skylemar, we do. The phrase “Cool2Care” is the encompassing theme that’s woven throughout our Skylemar world.  Counselor Blake’s “Meal Message” (a few minutes of inspiring words) introduced the concept in three parts. First, it’s cool to care about yourself.  It’s about brushing your teeth, keeping clean and so forth. ...
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Nick says, “Let’s give the kitchen staff 'Two Claps and a Ric Flair'!” The camp responds with a CLAP CLAP WHOO! Then they chant, “KIT CHEN STAFF!  KIT CHEN STAFF! KIT CHEN STAFF! When the greatest culinary team in the world comes out to accept the compliment, they’re greeted with a standing ovation. The meal...
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By day it was Skylemar as usual.  There was a full schedule of activities on land and water, plus a day hike and ice skating.  Cookout for dinner, which is always a favorite.  That’s when George and his counselors grill the most amazing burgers and hotdogs.  The kids get to sit wherever they want in...
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It’s all about the pitch.  Just ask Mary Poppins.  You can get the job done if you turn it into fun. We’re talking about 200 boys, who without constant nagging see no reason to wash their hair, clip nails and so forth.  They have a way of “forgetting” to change their bed linens and might...
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It’s a treasured compliment when a prospective parent says, “We heard you were the camp with the nice kids.”  Today one said, “We’re looking for a gentleman’s camp, and we’re told that’s Skylemar.” Of course, when living together there are times through the day that someone forgets manners or is insensitive to feelings.   But overall,...
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More intercamp fun, on this hot sunny day.  Alex D and Reece were standouts in a 15U soccer round robin.  Reece had double digit saves in every game.  Sam M and Isaac G threw well in 13U baseball, and Coach Mylo referred to Jack C as a warrior.  He caught both games, throwing out 5...
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Hadlock Field - they say it’s one of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the country.  We think so too. Home to the Portland Sea Dogs, Hadlock is the ideal place to take a family of 350 for the evening.  The view’s great from every seat, prices are reasonable, and the ushers are fantastic. ...
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With temps in the 90’s, we changed up the schedule and spent the afternoon getting wet.  We called it “Wacky Water Wednesday Even Though It’s Thursday”. It was a three-way rotation for Bunks 1-25.  A third of the bunks went down to the coolest place at camp - Trickey Pond.   There you could conquer “The...
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The Skylemar WARRIORS.    They give their heart, their soul, their body, their mind. It’s for honor, glory and carrying the torch for those who will one day follow in their footsteps.  They fight till the bitter end and never, ever, give up. Chests are bared to intimidate the others.­­  Muscles bulge, glistening with sunscreen.  They...
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Yes!  It was a perfect weather day.  Just how it’s supposed to be, in the spectacular state of Maine.  Warm but not steamy; sunny with occasional clouds. The older guys had League Football, Softball and Soccer.  That’s a double period of playing the game.  No instruction, just competitive play. While some were down at Trickey...
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Less than half a percent of the people in our country have had the opportunity to try.  It’s the activity that teaches perhaps more life skills than any other, probably far more than what can be transferred in a traditional classroom setting. We’re talking about waterskiing, the most popular and intentionally taught activity at Camp...
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We have a special gift here.  His name is Pap Pap. Pap Pap is Shep’s father, and he’s grandfather to all at Camp Skylemar. He’s 87 years-of-wisdom old, with mind and eyes as sharp as can be.  If it were not for the crippling pain in his legs, he’d be waterskiing on Trickey Pond. Pap...
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They say it takes a village.  We say it takes a Skylemar counselor. 65 college students committed to making a positive difference in the world, one boy at a time.  Their references from teachers and coaches are impeccable, and each is described as a role model for children. Many have been campers before, and we’ve...
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Get their autograph now, because the cast of “Aladdin” sure has talent! The Gerhard Stage was magically transformed into the city of Agrabah this evening. Eighteen impressive campers, age 7-14, worked hard for weeks to entertain and impress the entire camp with a remarkable production.  We loved it! Dylan M (B25) was Aladdin, Spencer (B22)...
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Saturday will be the sunniest day of the year, even if it rains.  A crowd of several hundred will be reunited with loved ones, while getting a seven-hour glimpse of our Skylemar world. Ironically, we gear Visiting Day towards those who don’t have visitors.  There are quite a few, actually, and that’s how it’s been...
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There was enough love in the air to fly to the moon and back.  Even those unable to attend were here in spirit, sending equal amounts of this magic potion that matters most in life. From Maine to Spain (and at least a dozen states in between), parents made their way to 457 Sebago Road,...
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Surprise!  It’s Laser Tag Day!  Giant air-filled obstacles filled Hejduk Field at Sky II.  Each age group had their assigned time to play some Orange vs Green.  The boys love this. Another happy time this evening was our Brother Sister Dinner.  75 beautiful ladies graced Skylemar with a visit, playing tennis, ping pong and mini-golf...
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What do Buffaloes, Bison, Blue Devils, Wildcats, Black Bears and Blue Jays have in common? Well, let’s see… other than the Blue Devils, they’re all animals.  Nope not it…. These are the team mascots of the 6 colleges represented in the 2019 edition of one of our oldest traditions, Intercollegiate Day. The 4 classes (Freshman:...
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  Faster than a speeding bullet.  Stronger than a locomotive.  Able to squash a bug with her bare hands. It takes a special kind of woman to work at an all-boys camp.  She must be strong, confident, savvy and wise.  She has to be compassionate, responsible, creative and fun.   And…she needs to be ok with...
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To the kids, they’re the “Bunkles”.  To us, they’re the foundation of Skylemar, and they’re solid as a rock. Along with their female counterparts (aka “the Bunksters”… see last night’s blog), the men of our leadership team (the Senior Staff) include some fabulous coaches, teachers, grad students and administrators.  Here at camp, they are our...
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Time is flying by!  The weather was perfect for kicking off the second half of camp.  It’s hard to believe that some just arrived – everyone’s friends already. Exciting Clinics this week!  There’s Champion’s League for Soccer (2v2, 3v3, 4v4), and Wide Receiver Clinic for Football.  SkyHoops Debate is about talking basketball as well as...
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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...
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Yikes.  The east coast heat wave has made it "way up in Maine".  The thermometer said 95, but it sure felt like 100. With a full glass of water for all (a “toast to hydration”), Shep explained how the hot and humid day would go.  Morning periods would be more laid back and off the...
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It’s cool to care… at camp, at home or wherever we are.  If we each cared enough to stand up to someone who was unkind, the world would be a better place. Shep talked about this the very first night of camp.  In fact, we all physically “stood up” to get the point across -...
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You might not remember what a teacher taught you, but you always remember how a teacher made you feel.   It’s those special instructors and coaches who inspire and turn you on to their subject or sport who you never forget.  You know, the ones who take tremendous interest in each individual, who make the subject...
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Ever pay attention to the credits at the end of a movie?  It’s astounding to see how many behind the scenes are necessary to make the show possible.  “Titanic” had a list of 2,048 names. At Skylemar, we have about three dozen.  These are our men and women “behind the curtain”, who do whatever it...
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There’s a powerful secret we know that builds boys into men of good character.  It’s called “eating together”. It’s so important that it’s what the Skylemar clock revolves around.  No need for a wristwatch around here.  When the bugle blows, we know it’s time for the happiest of hours - breakfast, lunch and dinner! Sure,...
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Cool2Care news flash!  Between the coins they brought to camp, Visiting Day contributions and leftover trip money, the boys have raised $3,189 for “World of Change” - a fantastic organization for them to support because there’s a focus on helping children in need.  Also, 100% of what our guys contribute goes directly towards other kids,...
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THEY’RE BACK!  The last bus of happy, exhausted Skylemar men has returned.  Trip Week was fantastic, but it sure is great to have them home sweet home. Although we go on trips all summer, the Big Trips are something everyone gets excited about.  Each year you return, something new and exciting awaits! First year campers...
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The Big Trips were amazing, but it’s especially great to have our guys back in the regular swing of things at camp.  There’s a relaxed vibe in the air, with everyone knowing everyone so well.  You saw it on the stage for Lip Sync Battle – we're all at ease and comfortable with each other,...
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As you’ve heard before, nothing “says Skylemar” more than our two Talent Shows.  Just like the one earlier in the season, the crowd is incredibly polite.  They’re silent for each act, except of course for the hysterical laughing for the silly stuff, and the wild cheering afterwards for what’s impressive. The second Talent Show traditionally...
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Need an insurance policy to make sure the weather is hot and sunny?  Just book an expensive indoor waterpark for 70 people.  One of these summers we’ll get it right and it’ll rain. In the meantime, the IC Day winning team, Bucknell, had a fantastic time at Kahuna Laguna Waterpark in NH.   Sure, all the...
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Today was one of those crazy hot and humid ones.  Even in the beautiful, usually comfortable state of Maine, heat advisory warnings were put out by the Weather Service.  We called it “Not Your Typical Tuesday”. In the morning we took it easy, and periods were cut short.  Shep drove around the hay wagon, interrupting...
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The Rec Hall erupts in an ecstatic breakfast chant: “ONE MORE DAY!” “ONE MORE DAY!” It’s fast approaching - the most important night of the year, ELECTIONS, kicking off  Saturday's start to the greatest competition of all time - COLOR WAR 2019! It’s what so many have been patiently waiting for.  The kids have been...
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Elections 2019 – Democracy done right. Twenty-seven outstanding young men, two of whom will be elected as Skylemar leaders.  No lofty campaign promises or electioneering here.  Instead the candidates are authentic, honest, committed and dedicated.  The voters make thoughtful, educated decisions.  After all, they’ve lived with the contenders for many weeks. A simple majority wins. ...
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The joy that a newly elected Captain feels when running into the mob of cheering friends is assumedly indescribable.  There have only been 142 people since the beginning of time who know exactly what it feels like. On the other hand, there have been thousands over 71 years who know precisely what it feels like...
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By 5:30 this morning it sounded like at least half the camp was in the Garden Cabin living room.  Upon closer look, it was the younger bunks exploding with excitement, super-proud to have been pinned either Red or Gray.  Lucky for the counselors the kids decided to gather outside of the cabin. The traditional Color...
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Mother Nature did her part and gave us another spectacular day for Color War competition… and the boys provided the rest.  The morning meetings this 2nd day came from a different perspective than Day 1, but the messages remained positive just the same. While Red leaders urged their team to “keep it up, keep the...
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Another magnificent day greeted the boys as they went through the typical morning Color War ritual – reveille, breakfast, inspection, team meetings and out they went, with each team looking to make something happen. Red hoped to build the lead, but Gray would surely have something to say about that. And it looked like they...
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Dazzling plays, great shots, diving catches, terrific hustle, impressive teamwork, and best of all, outstanding sportsmanship have been displayed for three spectacular days of Color War competition and fun.  Shuey’s Red men had controlled the scoreboard for most of the time, but Jalen’s Gray guys now had their eyes on the prize, ready to seize...
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It’s talked about all winter long.  The buzz had filled the air about the time their feet first hit these hallowed grounds back in June.  The staccato countdown began at Rec Hall meals 10 days prior to the start, reaching a crescendo at last Thursday’s Election.  Then four days of head-to-head divisional play, and finally,...
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It’s a bittersweet time at Skylemar.  We’re exhausted and happy to reunite with parents and siblings.  At the same time, it’s terribly sad to say farewell to our Skylemar brothers, young and old. The strongest of men cried this morning, as the buses loaded and drove away.  This camp director put up a tough face,...
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