Come as friends. Leave as brothers. That’s what it says on the arbor as you enter Camp Skylemar.
Today we welcomed 80 new friends from Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Maine, Colorado, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida and Washington DC. Those who traveled especially far came from Venezuela, Austria, Mexico, England, Spain and France.
It feels so very great when everyone finally gets here. Many thanks to those at home and camp who drove, flew and escorted, and did whatever it took to get the boys safely to Skylemar.
As the drivers arrived, the sky opened up, thunder rumbled and down came sheets of rain. It was a scramble to get duffel bags inside, and instead of the kids coming to greet, we brought the new friends to the indoor activities.
Program Director Barney scrapped his outdoor plan for the day and instead pulled out a Rainy Day Rotation. Groups went from one building to the next, with super fun activities in each space.
There was Catapult Building in the Rec Hall. Once each group created a catapult, there was a contest for whose worked the best -- mighty impressive structures!
Lego – the best toy a boy could have, and we have lots of it! Even the counselors are excited to play with our mountains of pieces.
Lots to choose from at Board Games in the Pavilion, Garden Cabin and Batcave. All the classics – Monopoly, Life, Trouble, Uno. Each year we get the new ones too, but these stand the test of time.
What’s not to like about Cookie Baking? Best part is you get to eat them too.
The Lodge was a fun place to hang. Here there are pool tables, ping pong, foosball and darts. Dodge Ball in the Gym was also a blast.
By 8pm the rain had stopped, but it was too damp for an outdoor campfire. So we had one indoors. Too warm for the fireplace, but Cory had a better idea. While all the campers sat in Crazy Creek chairs and watched, she sprinkled Fritos (which Adventure Man taught us made for a decent firestarter) on top of some counselors. Then a fire-breathing dragon took a great big breath and “lit” the flames. Turns out it was a human fire, made of Ky, Andy and Rook, dressed in orange, yellow and red.
We sang “60’s Party” with Cory, which is an opening tradition. Then came the best part. Bunk 25 did a synchronized swimming routine. They entered wearing bathing suits, goggles and rain jackets. Off came the jackets and they “dove” into the blue tarp “pool”. Arms up, fan to the side. Feet up, big kicks. More swan dives. But the funniest part was the noises they made as they “swam” the wood floor. Let’s just say they did anything for a laugh, and that they received.
Back by popular demand, counselor Eli K led us in the "Aroostasha" song. It was great to see everyone, even the guys who just got here, laughing, singing and doing the hand motions.
George, Barney and DT added a SNL-type skit called “Session One Update”. Then Nick led the Cool2Care segment, where the guys of Bunk 30 talked about the Cool2Care moments that stuck with them. For example, Eli said that during a baseball game a younger camper struck out three times. He was crushed. One of the oldest guys, who wasn’t even on either team, walked up and said, "You didn’t give up... that’s what matters”. Max said, “It’s not always big, dramatic stuff. Sometimes Cool2Care is just a high five, a saved seat, or a look that says, 'You’re not alone'. We all have the chance to live it every day. Be the reason someone feels included. Be the reason someone smiles. Be Cool2Care”.
The all-camp song was a fantastic version of “Let It Be”, with Cory on the piano. As we sang, the positive energy vibrated in the sturdy walls of our beloved Rec Hall. It was a safe, warm feeling of community tonight.
There were lots more at the Campfire, likes s'mores of course. Adventure Man came, showing all of his gadgets. He taught how to go down an incline when you don’t want to fall. Instead of going sideways, dig your heals in and go ahead.
Can’t wait for tomorrow. Heard that the sun will be shining!
