Polar Bear Swim once again! Over 100 campers and staff members made their way across the lake. It's an invigorating accomplishment to tackle first thing in the world.
The Sophomore Division headed out on an excursion to southern Maine! Blake and Myke led the trip, so first things first -- the kids each wrote a note of gratitude to members of the Skylemar community.
On the way to the movies to see “Despicable Me 4”, the guys were assigned bus partners. They were tasked with finding out something they had in common with each other, which would be shared later in the trip.
This all coincides with a C2C message we’re trying to get across this summer. What does it mean to “be a man”? It means to be inclusive and open to being with all kinds of people. It means to care about and appreciate others. It means to stand up for someone when another says something unkind. In building men of fine character, this is the kind of stuff that gets woven into any one day. Twist is, most of the time the kids don’t even notice.
Ferry Beach State Park was glorious, with sand dunes and the majestic ocean. Without direction, the entire age group linked arms and ran into the freezing cold water. Then they made giant sand forts – yes, 12-year-olds still love to build in sand.
They played games like “Flinch Ball”, and one where the bus partners locked arms and you had to catch a ball each with one hand. When they took a break, it was interesting to hear what duos had in common. Everyone had something of course, like enjoyment of a particular sport or how meaningful something like a dog is to them. This trip's special guest was a Park Ranger. He talked about the endangered species in the coast of Maine.
By late afternoon it was time to head to the Sanford Mainers baseball game. It’s a family-style ballpark for the New England Collegiate Baseball League. It was really fun to be there together.
Meanwhile, back at camp, it was our weekly GACU (Great American Clean Up). That’s when you get assigned a period for a health check at the Infirmary, plus feet soaks and nail clipping at “The Spa” (the Garden Cabin porch). Added bonus was a sheet changing requirement for every camper.
Another bonus was the 16U Grand Slam Tennis Tournament, to crown this summer’s top player. We saw some of the most exciting matches we’ve seen on the courts all summer. One semifinal seemed to go on forever -- a marathon, 2 1/2 hour riveting match that needed a tiebreaker to decide it. Back and forth they went, with both players staving off multiple match points before Nick N outlasted Holden to advance to the final. There, he faced another formidable opponent, understandably a bit fresher, but clearly just as talented. Congrats to Charlie F, our 2024 Camp Champ!
Sky II Carnival for Evening Activity! Hejduk Field was filled with inflatable challenges and games. There were obstacle courses, bouncy houses, bungee run, soccer darts and lots more. Snowballs were the perfect treat for such a joyful and warm summer night. They were served “Baltimore Style”. That’s in a cup with just a little bit of marshmallow. No surprise - blue raspberry continues to be the fan favorite.
