Walking on sunshine all day long!
The fields and courts were hopping. It’s amazing how many things can be done with a ball. There are all the regular games we’ve mentioned, plus today we played Handball, Kickball, Bocce, Volleyball, Spikeball, Mini Lax and Gaga. If you’re not familiar, Gaga is kind of like dodge ball played below the knees inside an octagon sandpit.
There’s lots more than sports at Skylemar which adds variety to the program. The kids love Chilltop, our outdoor Arts & Crafts department. Director Mary Beth is one of the nicest, most fun teachers a kid will ever have. Her projects are geared towards boys, and include sand art, tie dye, model making and Shrinky Dinks (remember those?). They make masterpieces with glitter, architectural structures out of wood and artistic creations out of clay.
The best part of Chilltop might be the conversations which take place while the guys are working. There’s something about looking down and keeping hands busy that’s relaxing, and in turn helps discussions to flow. In fact, they might even toss around ideas for the next hot product. How about an athletic mouth guard that also whitens teeth? Brilliant!
Skylemar has food artists too. The SkyDeck is an indoor/outdoor cooking studio that's one of the most popular places at camp. Today at 6am, Ari F and Barron of Bunk 6 stopped by to cook the mussels they found in Trickey Pond. Director Adam showed them how to do so with garlic and shallots.
The kids love being scheduled for SkyDeck for either breakfast or dinner. Bunk 15 made a three-course meal all on the grill: Elote corn, grilled steak with homemade tortillas, pickled onions and lime crema... then grilled peaches with homemade whipped cream for dessert. Those who signed up for the Tapas Clinic during third period made empanadas and “Spanish Tortilla”, which is a frittata with potatoes inside.
We kept it relaxed for Evening Activity as well. It was Spirit Night - an evening when we gather in the field in front of the Rec Hall for a time of gratitude and togetherness. Tonight’s theme was “Brotherhood” and Bunk 22 led the responsive readings and songs. Shep read a story about brothers helping brothers, and counselor Tommy shared his thoughts on the topic with his sermonette. We conclude with the Apache Blessing (“May the sun bring you new energy by day; may the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries; may you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.”) ...and then a round of ice cream for all. George and Cory are fantastic at leading the camp songs, which always bring smiles and cheers. It was fun to learn that the grandfather of two new campers wrote one of the Skylemar songs almost 70 years ago!
