Skylemar 2023 is off to a terrific start! For the campers, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. The younger half of camp woke at dawn, and couldn’t fathom why their counselors wanted to sleep till 7.
For the counselors, it’s kind of like having your first child. But imagine if it were octuplets, and each happened to be at least 50 pounds. Perhaps like you, they’ve read, studied and attended classes on how to care for kids. You had nine months to prepare – they had two weeks.
Fortunately, Skylemar counselors are fast-on-their-feet, strong and resilient. Yesterday’s explosion of energy has settled thick in the air, and it’s impressive to watch the staff match the enthusiasm of those half their age. College students are super fun, and way cooler than any of us parents.
Since we know that boys are at their best when following routine, our programming structure is for the most part, consistent. Each day has seven periods, five that are assigned along with two that they choose (three when they’re older). This way everyone is exposed to each of our 40+ activities, while also having the opportunity to specialize a bit more in what they like most. Counselors are challenged to keep their activity fun for those of all levels, especially because if you don’t feel good about your ability, then you don’t like the sport. Keep it upbeat, have some patience, mix skill-builders with playing the game and anyone can be turned-on to a sport or game.
At any one time there were kids at the Waterfront, Football, Hoops, Tennis, Spikeball, Bocce, Soccer, Baseball, Golf or Lacrosse. Throwing (shotput today) was in the mix, and so was Archery, Pickleball, Ping Pong and Mini Golf. Some of the activities may be new to you, like Gainesville (strength and conditioning), STB (Steal the Bacon), Chilltop (arts & crafts), Gaga (sort of like dodgeball below the knee) and Yellowhorn (science experiments).
There were plenty of firsts today. For many it was their inaugural time in sparkling clear Trickey Pond. Air temps were in the 80’s, but because the lake is spring-fed, the water’s typically…well…let’s just say “refreshing”. It does feel amazing once you go under. Aquatics Director Peter and his outstanding staff assessed swim levels, and over on the Ski Dock, Director Quinn taught everyone the important hand signals for waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and wakesurfing. Lots of splashing and play time came next. First to get up waterskiing for 2023 was Theo N in Bunk 26.
Scavenger Hunt for Evening Activity. Teams are a combo of old and young cabins, an ideal way for all ages to get to know each other. The goal of the Hunt is to unlock six clues. In order to do so, there are items you need to collect and questions that must be answered. For example, to unlock one of the clues you had to tell Dr. Jeff a scientific name for the kneecap, find an item that’s name has a “q” in it, find a feather and figure out when was the Doc’s first year at Skylemar. The running around, laughing and cheering continued until dark.
Tomorrow it all starts again!
