In any one Skylemar day there’s a whole lot of learning going on. Certainly, we learn how to build relationships and live together as a community. We learn about what it takes to be a good friend, take care of ourselves and the importance of doing for others.
There’s lots of games that may be new to many, and the counselors are amazing at passing on the knowledge of their particular sport. The boys discover that Skylemar’s a great place to take safe chances, like trying a new activity that you’ve never done before or even one that you’re not so great at. That’s why the daily schedule is a combination of assigned periods, along with a couple of electives. The boys are encouraged to give all a try.
The best kind of learning is fun, and that’s the world of Skylemar. For example, this morning the camp welcomed Barnicus and Laundricus, the Warriors of Clean, with the traditional chant: “clap clap CLEAN...clap clap CLEAN...!” The two warriors spoke about Cabin Inspection, and what it takes to keep things tidy. Each bunk has a Job Wheel that moves one space to the right each day, assuring that everyone has a particular job while things are kept fair. The Warriors called on Dr. Jeff to speak, who told us about what it takes to keep ourselves healthy. This included how to do a self-tick check, which means paying attention to creases behind the knees and elbows, as well as our hair and ankles. Ticks are rare here because of our robust eradication program, but it’s important to check, especially after a day hike off premises.
Shep did some teaching at his Porch Times. That’s when your bunk takes a break from sports and instead, hangs with Shep and has a treat of Scooby Snacks. He asks lots of questions (like "what was your favorite activity so far?") and always has an important message to share. Today’s was about the “golden rule”, and how to treat others. If you hear someone being unkind to someone else, it’s your responsibility to stand up and say, “that’s not cool”.
Good decision-making is something else we learn about at Skylemar. We talk about the big long-term decisions that matter most, but on a daily basis, it’s mostly about the little ones. For example, each week we have Sunday Sign-up, when the kids decide which Clinic to choose for the week ahead. The sign-up is a special event within itself, because the counselors do “commercials” advertising what they’re offering. Just about all of the skits are hilarious and include dances and even some mind-blowing acrobatics.
For example, this week’s choices include: "Ninja Warrior Course & the Monster Challenge" at the Waterfront, "Sultans of Swing" through the trees at the Ropes Course, "MVP Hoops" Basketball, Snow Field Soccer, "Baseball Basics" with Professor Good Coach, "Mad Science" at Yellowhorn, Beach Volleyball, "Cultures and Cuisines of South China" at the Sky Deck kitchen, "Koolio and his Ski Dock Llamas" Waterskiing, "Reading Pirates", Poster-making and other Sea Dogs Merch at Chilltop, "Full Pads" Lacrosse, "Sail the Seven Seas", "Ground Strokes Week" Tennis, "Swingmasters" Golf, "Nitty-Gritty" Football, and Steal the Bacon.
Which would you choose?
