Skylemar Blog 2026

Let’s talk Trickey Pond.  

Considered to be one of the cleanest bodies of water in Maine (out of over 6,000), Trickey is the crown jewel of Skylemar.  The spring-fed lake is a little over two miles long, a half mile across and doesn’t connect with any other body of water.  Around the shoreline is just us, some residential homes, a campground and visiting fishermen who come for salmon, trout, bass, splake and perch. 

Trickey Pond is deep – 57 feet in the center, and 30 feet off our docks.  That’s one of the reasons we wear life jackets outside of swimming lessons.  The other reason is so all can safely play together, regardless of swimming ability.

Known for exceptional clarity, Trickey Pond ranks among the top 5% clearest lakes in the state, and receives the highest rating for water quality from the Maine DEP.  It’s so clean that we drink it… all day long.  There’s an elaborate filtration system, and Skylemar’s phenomenal Maintenance Director Ed is our “certified water operator” (which means he went through extensive schooling and testing – not easy stuff!).

Mostly we play and learn in these magical waters. 

Peter’s in charge, along with his assistants Paige, Lexie, Gallo and Quinn.  Together they train and manage a staff of 14 accomplished swimmers, sailors and water skiers, who are lifeguard certified before the rest of the staff arrives.  It is during this pre-camp period that they learn not only how to teach, but about safety procedures for swimming and boat driving.

The boys come to the Waterfront for a double period just about every day.  Peter divides them into groups — some go to swim lessons, while others either head to non-motorized boating (sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards, canoes) or to the ski dock (water skiing, wakesurfing, kneeboarding and tubing).  There’s always time for playing on the Beast (giant inflatable Slide), Iceberg, Rocket and Pontoon as well.  Our second waterfront, over at SkyPines, is where we go fishing and snorkeling.

Some have asked why the name is Trickey Pond as opposed to Trickey Lake.  In Maine, there is no difference between a lake and a pond – it’s just a word.  Ecologically, a pond is water that’s shallow enough for sunlight to hit the bottom.  Trickey is not shallow, but because the water is so clean and clear, you can see all the way down.

As for the first name, Trickey, we’re not really sure.  Some say once upon a time there was a family with the last name.  Others say the name is misspelled, and it’s fisherman’s lore – the ice can be solid one day in winter and next day there’s a hole from the springs making it tricky to cross. 

Why are the waters so clean?  The experts say it’s in large part due to us.  We have well over a mile of tree-lined shore frontage, and no development.  Neighbors across the lake have referred to us as the “protectors of the pond”, a title that brings us great pride and sense of responsibility. 

Speaking of neighbors – those on Trickey Pond are especially wonderful.  We truly care for each other and are grateful to share this gift with such incredible people.  That’s why we got involved with a non-profit called Trickey Pond Environmental Protection Association (TPEPA), to do our part in keeping the lake clean and sustainable.

Because sound travels across the lake, our kind neighbors have little choice but to hear our bugles and announcements throughout the day.  Then again, as one neighbor said, “Thanks to Skylemar, I know when to wake up and when to go to sleep.  When you close for the season, I have to go back to setting my alarm.”

Big question is…why are the waters considered magical?  Because they heal.  Having a lousy day?  Feeling embarrassed?  Made a mistake, apologized and need a fresh start?  JUMP IN!  These special  waters wash away troubles and energize the body.

Tonight was one that you felt the magic and tremendous sense of community.  The whole camp was comfortably seated by the pond.  Surrounding our Waterfront came dozens of boats from down and across the lake.  Most were decorated with red, white and blue holiday décor, and our kids cheered for each as they blew their horns and cheered right back. 

First was the pre-game.  We stood at attention and sang along to Gallo playing the National Anthem.  Next came the Counselor Belly Flop contest!  What a riot!  The campers screamed for their counselors as they jumped and flopped.  The crowd winced with “oooohs” as each participant smacked into the water.

When the sky finally grew darker, our neighbor Greg floated a barge to just outside our inflatables.  From there, Greg launched a wonderful fireworks show for all of us on the lake to enjoy.  This time it wasn’t just us for Evening Activity.  It was good to feel the sense of togetherness that goes beyond our Skylemar world.   

Here’s the secret Santa doesn’t know.  The very best toy for a boy is a garden hose.  A bucket of water, too.  Maybe a sprinkler.  And of course — Trickey Pond.

These are some of the tricks of the trade used by our counselors today during athletic periods.  It’s just too darn hot for a Flag Football game, so why not huddle around some spraying water?  Basketball’s a lot more fun on day like this when a pail of water gets dumped. 

How about changing up the routine with a waterslide?  Start with a leap, and down you go.  Smiles and squeals every time. 

Time to rotate periods?  Take a short cut through the Garden “car wash”.  Stay in as long as you dare till the bucket tips, and then you’re refreshed.

Spring-fed Trickey Pond is cool and invigorating.  Whether you’re jumping, diving, splashing, boating or skiing, it’s all spectacular.  Maybe you’ll even catch a fish or a bit of wind in a sail.

Meanwhile in the Office, Holly and Kristen were organizing tickets and counting out the cash.  Luci and Cory matched up one or two specific campers with every staff member.  Shep assigned leaders for the seven buses and four vans. All because…

WE’RE GOING TO THE SEA DOGS!

There’s nothing like taking 350 of your favorite people to the ballpark.  It’s Hadlock Field, home of the Boston Red Sox Double-A affiliate Portland Sea Dogs.  Tonight, we took on the Altoona Curve.

We do the Sea Dogs differently than other groups.  For us, it’s our chance to show off how amazing our guys are, and we demonstrate this with our great manners.  As you know, reputation matters. 

An older gentleman randomly came up to Nick and said, “I come to this game every year on July 3 and seeing your guys is the best part”.

To open the game, the stadium announcer bellowed, “Throwing the first pitch will be Camp Skylemar’s Dylan S (Bunk 15) and Alex B (16)!”  Seeing Dylan and Alex on the mound made us feel prouder than ever.  Way to go, guys!

Remember the Sea Dogs Swag Clinic at Hilltop?  The posters, custom t-shirts and hats caught the eye of the Sea Dogs videographer who put those with the swag onto the jumbotron.  Maybe, just maybe, they’ll start selling Sky designs. 

When the game was over (the first-place Dogs pounded out a 9-3 win), the players came out and tossed balls to the fans.  Quite a few from Skylemar were the lucky ones, and it warmed our hearts to see older campers give the balls they caught to a Cub or a Lion.

The fireworks were stupendous — perhaps the best we’ve seen in the 20+ years we’ve been taking this trip! 

Between the heat and the Sea Dogs, our crew is exhausted.  The bus ride back was a whole lot quieter than the one to Portland. Most fell asleep, sweetly leaning on a staff member or a friend. After all, counselors had precious cargo to carry to bed.

Of course you’ve heard of this establishment.  It’s been famous for at least 40 years. 

VIPs from around the world never miss an opening.  Everyone who’s anyone is there.  After all, it’s the place to see and be seen. 

ID is required – you  must be 21 or under to enter.  Dress code is costume-room casual.  This renowned casino is one of a kind.  Everyone who enters is given $100 just to get going.  Best of all, the house never wins!  It’s…

SADE’S PALACE!

Customers burst into the gambling parlor, with wads of cash in hand.  They couldn’t wait to hit the tables for Roulette, Craps, Poker and Blackjack.  There were dice games, Bingo,  Chess and Checkers.  Slot machines dinged and donged, while the music boomed.

Not sure what numbers to play?  Sade’s provides fortune tellers to give you the edge.  Just peer into the crystal ball to see the future.

George’s Grill served up the traditional five-star fare:  Strawberry ice cream cups, root beer and pretzel rod cigars.

The entertainment was spectacular.  Karaoke stars Cooper & Jake, along with Alex & Max, performed live from the Garden Cabin Porch.

The paparazzi was occupied with special guest appearances by the entire cast of Scooby Doo and Harry Potter.  Also spied were Al Kaline, Thing One and Thing Two, a Giant Grape and nurses in pink tutus (not sure why but they were very cute). Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ted & Marge Look-a-Likes, a referee, Thor, James Bond, Apollo Creed and some guys in onesies were mingling with the well-dressed high rollers of Skylemar.

The biggest winner of the night was Luke P of Bunk 16, winner of a million $kylebucks in the raffle.  As they say, you gotta play to win.

By night’s end, pockets were bulging with cold, hard cash.  These big spenders took it right to the SkyBank and traded up for prizes.  Balls of all sorts, inflatable guitars and saxophones, light up keychains, mini basketball hoops and assorted trinkets and treasures.

Oh, what a night.  Wish you were there, but you’re a little too old.  Maybe next year!

Heard this tonight…

Said to Paul, dressed in a tux as James Bond,

“Are you a waiter?”

…only at Skylemar.

The steamy hot weather was perfect for ice skating.  Our older guys had the Bridgton Academy rink all to themselves.  Seemed crazy to bring a sweatshirt along on this kind of day, but they appreciated it inside.

The Tigers took an air-conditioned van ride to the Maine Wildlife Park.  It’s a sanctuary for injured, orphaned or human dependent animals.  They saw moose, bears, porcupines and lots of other rescued animals.  On the way home they stopped at the Causeway Dairy Bar, a Skylemar favorite.

Back at camp we played sports at half-speed and focused on staying hydrated.  The Sunscreen & Water Wagon was always on the go.  Of course, the Waterfront was as popular as ever, for swimming, sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boards, waterskiing, knee boarding and wake surfing.  Our six motorboats were cruising! 

Temps were a bit cooler in the trees of the Challenge Course.  Trout, Lippy and their team run a phenomenal program, and their encouragement is what gets so many to bravely climb high and traverse across the elements.  The Zip Line and Giant Swing are the most popular parts.

Even cooler was Chaotic Cocktail making at Yellowhorn.  They squeezed oranges, lemons and limes in an old-fashioned hand juicer, and created delicious beverages with fruit and tiny umbrella garnishes. There’s so much to do at Yellowhorn, thanks to our awesome director Michaela (aka a talented physical therapist who is also an incredible science teacher).  Also today were candy games and Alka-Seltzer explosions.  Several cabins baked raisin cinnamon bread.  Yum!

While the Seniors and Stars went to a social at a nearby girls’ camp, it was a….

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY!  The kids grabbed their Crazy Creeks, and got comfortable at our drive-in movie on the Bunkline.  The guys were so animated and excited about the USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina match shown on the big screen that it almost felt live.  Soccer Director Paul kept us entertained with group chants and trivia whenever the commercials played.

Lots of plans are in the works for alternate programming the next few days while it’s so very hot.  The SkySlide is pumped and ready to go!

The Skylemar Code of Honor.  It’s a pledge that everyone buys into during the first few days of camp.  Here’s how it reads:

Skylemar is all about being together with friends, enjoying the outdoors, playing games and showing kindness.  At Skylemar, I promise to be the best person I can be, and agree with the following:

• The Directors, Counselors and Staff are responsible for my safety. I will do my best to listen to them when they ask me to do or not to do something.
• I will do my best to treat everyone kindly– the way that they wish to be treated. 
• Everyone is entitled to have fun. I promise not to ruin someone else’s fun.           
• It is my responsibility to tell Shep or Arleen if something is wrong. It is also my responsibility to politely remind others to be kind if they forget.
• I will respect others’ property, as they will respect mine; this includes body and belongings.
• If someone asks me to “stop”, I will.
• Skylemar is about people, not about electronics. I promise I do not have a cell phone or any electronics with internet access or video capability.
• I understand why we have these rules at Skylemar and agree to follow them.

This is how we set the tone.  Of course, there are many times in a day that parts are forgotten and mistakes are made.  Abiding by rules comes easier to some than to others.  After all, they are children.  Skylemar’s pledge is to make a positive difference, one boy at a time.

Manners matter here, and so does appreciation.  As the boys go through the buffet line, “please” and “thank you” is what we say as plates are held out to servers.  Every single time.  After lunch today, Shep spoke to Camp about our hardworking kitchen staff, and how grateful we are to have them here.  The kids gave them a standing ovation, and Shep sent each of the eleven chefs and crew members through the “Skylemar Walk of Fame”.  That’s when the honoree walks through the center of the picnic tables, and the boys put out hands for high fives.

The picnic tables were filled with unusual items tonight, collected for the Skylemar Scavenger Hunt.  Two bunks are assigned to work together: one older with one younger.  It’s a great way for those of all ages to get to know each other. Each team then needs to go to six locations to unlock clues.

For example, at the Infirmary, they had to tell the nurses the temperature of a person who is not sick, and name three muscles of the body.  Then they had to show them two pieces of clothing with a ball on it, something neon and a wildflower not planted by Kristen.

At Mary Beth’s station they had to do the chicken dance, show five letters in ASL, and show her a pair of Adidas sneakers, two sports cards and a pair of multicolored socks.  At Trout’s station you had to guess her real name – this stumped everyone.  At Frog and Noah’s station you had to tell a joke to make them laugh and show them two candy wrappers.  Making them laugh was easy but the candy wrappers were harder to come by than some might think.

All of this had to be done fast because there’s a lot to collect.  At evenings end the items were counted, and judges determined the winners.  Congratulations to Bunks 15 and 18!

Heard this today…

SkyPines leader Jack was explaining to Bunk 6 about making a fire with steel and flint.

Luke G asks, “Do you get the flint from the dryer?”

…only at Skylemar.

Presenting….Barnicus and Laundricus, Skylemar’s Warriors of Clean!  As they arrive after breakfast, the camp welcomes them with “Clap, clap, clean!  Clap, clap, clean!”  The back and forth comical banter between the two ancient characters teaches the boys the seemingly impossible – how to clean a cabin.

It’s called Inspection and we do it every morning.  Campers make their own bed, and then each “family member” has a chore — sweep, dustpan, toilet, sink, trash, etc.  Sunscreen gets applied, stand by your bed, and the inspector comes to give you a score.  The bunk in each Division with the highest score gets an ice cream party. 

Then off to activities they go! 

Lots of Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Lax, Baseball, Hockey, Track & Field, Volleyball, Challenge Course plus Strength & Conditioning. Pontoon Boat Party for Bunk 8, and fishing for 9, 20 and 21.   Bunk 9 also had Backwoods where they learned to make fire with flint and steel.  It really worked!  There was a treasure hunt at Chilltop for the little guys, and then they decorated the treasure chests to hold what they found.  Raft-making at Yellowhorn gave us some truly awesome creations.

At the Waterfront, swim evaluations are just about done.  Our phenomenal and much-loved Waterfront Director Peter Solomon (aka longtime collegiate swim coach and recent inductee into the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association Hall of Fame) leads his top-notch staff in making sure that each camper is comfortable swimming some laps, so they can be placed in classes appropriately.  The instructors get in the water with the kids and swim along, so no one feels intimidated.  These guys and gals are the best.

Groups were scheduled for Porch Time with Shep throughout the day.  That’s when you hang out with Shep, have some Scoobie Snacks, share thoughts and listen intently.  Today they went over the Skylemar Camper Code of Honor and made sure everyone was clear on the importance of kindness, being safe, and listening to counselors.  Each camper has the responsibility to speak up to Shep,  Arleen or the other directors if something isn’t right for them.  It’s made clear that the adults at Skylemar are here for each camper, 24 hours a day.

Clinics kicked off too.  That’s the choice period that comes third, when each camper selects one activity out of 17 choices to really work on for a week.  For example,  Tennis Director Ted and his staff are focusing on groundstrokes and volleys.  The energetic and super cool Basketball staff is working on ball handling and shooting skills.

Out on the SkyLinks golf course, they’ll have the chance to work on their swing and hit lots of balls.  Frog’s Football crew will have the boys running pass routes and working on their receiving skills.  On the Fred Pierce Field, our Baseball staff will keep their focus mostly on fielding and throwing techniques.  Lots of science experiments at Yellowhorn featuring volcanoes, elephant snot, ice sculptures and remote-control cars. 

Our world-class Soccer Director from “across the pond” Paul Harrison will hold our own World Cup, filled with daily skill games and fun-filled mini-competitions, matching the participants with a  national team to represent throughout the week.  Keeping the theme, Adam Shep will be cooking up the Food of FIFA over at SkyDeck  — each day, the opponents of that day’s World Cup games will inspire the cuisine.  Right here at home, Mary Beth and her Chilltop team will have the boys craft up some Sea Dogs Swag (signs, shirts, bucket hats) just in time for our annual visit to the Portland Sea Dogs Baseball game.

 “Sheppy and the Books”(sung to the tune of Elton John’s “Benny and the Jets”) is Reading Clinic.  It’s BYOB (bring your own book) or you can help yourself to one of Shep’s.  3v3 Hockey tournament all week and Coach Bruce promised to take those interested in Lacrosse to another level, with extensive training in all aspects of the game.  Track and Field enthusiasts will learn how to ‘explode out of the blocks”, and how significant that kind of preparation and effort can help in other sports as well, too.

Our most fearless campers will surely be lured by the excitement way up in the trees on the Ropes and Challenge Course.  The high ropes, zipline and Giant Swing will get a ton of action. Always a most popular option, the Waterfront offers fun all over Trickey Pond.  The Ski Dock this week will be packed with first timers as well as veterans who’d like to knock off the rust.  Over on the Sail Dock, campers will learn all the basics, from rigging the boat to its basic operation.  And finally, the Swim Dock not only gives all a chance to get wet, but play on all the toys (the Pontoon, Beast, Iceberg, the Rocket and the Tramps) while doing so!

Whew…  The hardest part is deciding which to pick!