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 falls the fifth week of camp, which was tonight. The cool thing about this one is that we’ve been living together for weeks now, so everyone’s totally comfortable with each other.
350 people in the audience, and not a single performer is the least bit nervous. Whether they’re age seven or fifteen, they get on the stage without a second thought, and speak into the microphone as if they were having a private conversation with a handful of friends. They definitely don’t think about what they’re wearing or how they look. They don’t even think of the other acts as “competition”. It’s more just like kids in a family making up a show to entertain their brothers. Then again, that’s exactly what it is.
Cooper E (Bunk 2) kicked off the night with a piano solo, playing a song that he created himself. It was extra amazing that he wrote the piece.
Aiden R (B9) and Alex S (B8) did a choreographed dance to “Little Einstein”. Tyler W (B11) did impressions. First, he was “Shrek” (with Tosh as his donkey) and then it was our Tennis Pro Ted. You see Ted has this special way of saying “aaaaah” that’s fun for the kids to repeat... which Ty mimicked perfectly - ask your kids for their version when they get home.
Harry, Will, Lucas of Bunk 10 called up audience members for SkyJeopardy. It was sort of a skit/game show; they asked, “Who’s birthday do we celebrate with ice cream?" (Shirley), "How many former Color War captains are at camp now?" (5) and "What was the first activity Shep taught back when he was a counselor?" (water skiing).
Ben R (B7) was interesting. He took the stage himself, grabbed the mic and said, “There’s this thing I can do with my mouth for three years, so I’m going to do it now.” In case you’re curious, it was a cross between a pop, a snap and a clap.
Nolan and Jamie of Bunk 6 danced to an old favorite, “YMCA”. The whole camp danced and sang along. They did wear sort of a costume… swim goggles. Not sure why, but it worked!
Thomas (B1) did magic tricks, with his counselor Pat as the volunteer. Maybe it was a setup, but it kept us entertained no matter what. Danny K and Leo M of Bunk 14 did a magic act with cards. Grayson (B7) and Jared R (B10) were magicians too (well, kinda sorta…).
The Diabolo is definitely the hot toy of 2019. There were a number of acts where spinning/catching the Diablo was the theme, starring: Alex S (B8), Nathan K (B9), Zach F (B12), Nathan A (B6), Theo G (B6) and Bunk 9’s TI, Leo and Ian.
Evan R (B22), Bennett R (B23) and Jack A (B22) did a Teenage Ninja Turtles sort of skit, and they broke a broom stick somehow. Tre did imitations of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Sponge Bob, Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig. Way to go!
Nate F (B1) told jokes. Cutest part was that he had the book in his hands on stage but didn’t have the jokes picked out. The crowd patiently waited until he found the right one and asked, “What kind of nut has no shell? A donut!”
Bunk 2’s Jordan G, Cooper F and Spencer B did a basketball skit. They got the MC to hold the hoop for them. Bob (B13) did “song farting” (his words, not ours). After all, we are a boy’s camp.
Gaines (B9) danced to a Michael Jackson song. He had all the moves down, including the Moon Walk. Super impressive! Xander E danced to a Selena Gomez song. He can do a cartwheel and handstand too!
Bode and Jacob K started out fine with imitations of our president and Elmo, but then asked a political question and got the hook. Speaking of presidents, Luke Y of Bunk 1 named every single one. Amazing!
Rowan (B7) sang acapella beautifully to “The Sounds of Silence”. Sam S (30) sang “We Found Love”. He asked the MC to announce that the audience should not clap so that we could hear Sam sing. Instead the audience put their hands in the air “raise the roof” style, in silent support. They cheered wildly for Sam when he sat down.
Trystan (B25) did a beat boxing mash up of two songs. His act was truly amazing, and it’s hard to believe that he’s not electronic. Also amazing was Kyle of Bunk 11 who did some breakdancing to the song “Radioactive”. He’s super talented.
Logan A (B27) wrapped it up with his electric guitar. He played the guitar solo of “Hotel California”. Outstanding!
Participants got a prize, whether talented or not. As each act finished and the performers came to sit down, they were all greeted with high fives and congratulations. It was a fantastic Skylemar night.
Heard this today…
A counselor from a nearby girls camp brought a couple of sisters over to see their brothers. At lunch she said, “Your boys are 10 times more well-mannered than our campers. Can I work here?”
Only at Skylemar.
