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 courts. Spike Ball, KanJam, Bocce, Mini Golf, Ping Pong, Porch Games - those kinds of games. Cory kept her Ropes Course cool, with a constant mist of water. Bunks 5-9 went to the Waterfront to work on their swim strokes and skiing.
We had to apply sunscreen seven times! Even so, the sun made its way through for some. In fact, the afternoon was hot enough to fry an egg on the basketball court... well, kinda. We tried it and it made a big mess. Perhaps the luckiest were Bunks 1, 2, 10, 11, 20 and 21 who got to go Ice Skating. Seems crazy, but they had to wear long pants and long sleeves.
The rest of camp had a three-way rotation, between the 60’ SkySlide, waterfront and Cool Zone. The Cool Zone had wiggle sprinklers, wading pools and counselors with hoses. Cocktails were refreshing - giant cups of blue and red “bug juice”, on-the-rocks with fresh fruit garnish.
Lots of smiles at the SkySlide. Shep hosed you down, you leapt in the air, feet tucked and down you went. It’s so fast that the JCs needed to catch you at the end.
Trickey Pond was spectacular. No more cold water – it was more like a bath. Dozens leaped, swung and slid into the water, while others played a game of water basketball.
It was the perfect Evening Activity for a still scorching late afternoon. Blow-Up Carnival! That’s when Hejduk Field is filled with giant inflatable amusements - the Roaring River Alpine Slide, Bungee Challenge, Human Whack-a-Mole, Wrecking Ball, Mega Obstacle Challenge, Human Foosball and the Field Goal Challenge. There were a couple of giant blue elephants misting water and of course snow cones. Blue Raspberry, Banana, Grape, Cotton Candy and Tutti Frutti.
As hot as it was for us today, that doesn't compare to what it felt like for the incredible guys working in the kitchen. Despite the temp, the meal still needs to come out piping hot, and the pots still need to be scrubbed. Not a single complaint from our kindhearted hard-working kitchen crew. We adore them!
One thing’s for sure, Skylemar is exhausted. Hoping the guys sleep well tonight and a cool front moves in.
Heard this today…
Camper: My mom makes the best pancakes.
Director: That’s awesome. Does she make them from scratch?
Camper: Yes. They come from a box in the freezer.
(camper’s name withheld for the protection of his mom)
Only at Skylemar.
