It was as if the energy of 200 campers traveled up to the sky. Maybe that’s where the “Sky” in Skylemar comes from. And it definitely gave everyone something to talk about over breakfast.
It was a double cloud-to-cloud thunderstorm that hovered over us from around 3:30 AM until well past 5. To start with the end of the story first…all is 100% fine. No matter how the tale gets told, there actually were no trees down, no fires, no smoke, nothing terrible. But it definitely was at least 90 minutes of FLASH-SNAP-BOOM which only a few slept through.
The lightning rods did what they’re supposed to do, and only the PA system and some computers were affected. The electricity went out, but the generator kicked in. Counselors were stupendous at comforting their boys, and fortunately, we were able to communicate with staff members through a text group. Now that’s a good use of a cell phone!
By the time we sat down to cinnamon rolls, eggs, fruit, cereal, oatmeal and yogurt, the storm was a thing of the past. After each meal we have what’s called “Announcements”. That’s when Shep or one of the other directors talks about what’s ahead. Sometimes counselors speak too, but today Suzie, her assistant Grace and camper Hayes N got up and danced. The song “Move It, Move It” was a clue that the first musical of the season will be “Madagascar”. All ages are invited to audition.
Next the music switched over to a song that we’ve all heard before, but couldn’t quite place. As some pointed down the Bunkline, all eyes followed to see a masked hero riding towards us. It was Sustainabatman!
Sustainabatman teaches us about caring for the Skylemar environment. He urged all to use water bottles instead of disposables, demonstrated how to use the composting bucket for banana peels and apple cores, and taught us how to drink the leftover milk from our cereal bowls. He invited us to join the Clean Plate Club, which means that you only take what you know you will eat. Great stuff, Sustainabatman!
The foggy, drizzly, gray day switched us to a Rainy Day Schedule. Bunks 1-14 played Flamingo Bingo - if you win you need to flap your wings. Bunks 15-19 had Board Games in the Pavilion. 20-24 had Lodge Party, with pool tables, ping pong, foosball, and so forth. Sky II had Porchtime with Shep, which is basically a time to talk and hang out with each other.
By afternoon, despite the wetness, these guys really needed to run. After all, many were awake since before 4 AM but hadn’t had much time outside of a building. The courts were too wet, but the grounds were fine for Mini-Lax, Football, Volleyball, Soccer Training, Gaga, Spikeball, Kan Jam and exploding soda at Yellowhorn.
Movie Night for Evening Activity. Most of the camp watched “Minions: The Rise of Gru”, while the older guys watched their movie in The Lodge. It was fun to be together, all spread out over the Rec Hall floor. A happy part was the fresh popcorn and candy, which is a once-a-week movie treat.
More rain expected for tomorrow. We’ll make the best of whatever it is!
