One of the best parts of Skylemar being just for boys is that it’s old-t-shirt, worn-in leather-couch comfortable. It’s all so easy – just be kind, be eager to play and smile. That’s really all it takes. Of course we play to win, but when the game doesn’t go your way,' you know you can get back at it tomorrow.
It’s a boy's world here -- the food (lots of it), the sports (shirts optional on a hot day), the movies (Minecraft), the songs (loud) and the bodily noises that get them all laughing. Best of all, nerves seem to disappear when you’re part of a skit or a show or even just speaking in front of the group. At Skylemar, you can let your guard down and be yourself.
You see it in the counselors for sure. Those who were more reserved the first few days of staff training now feel totally at home and are willing to do just about anything to make the kids smile and laugh. Take tonight’s Super Spectacular Staff Talent Show. Most of the acts were the kind of things we all do when we’re in the car or shower singing along with the radio, feeling like our voices sound pretty darn good. There were skits, songs, raps, dances and sports tricks. Sam O showed how strong he was by lifting campers. Jayden sang so incredibly that we felt like we were at a live concert. And those guys in colorful costumes and crazy hair who worked the audience singing “Let It Go”…you just had to be there.
The counselors brought this same kind of positive energy to Sunday Signups Even Though It’s Monday. A full slate of Clinic activities for the coming week were “advertised” today by their practitioners (AKA Counselor/Staff who specialize in each). Each commercial is an effort to entice the campers to choose their activity for the week, many with great creativity and humor.
Here’s the rundown of the choices:
The Ski Dock will host a “2nd Session Refresher” for those that just arrived, while the Sail Dock’s “Americas Cup” will focus on jibing and tacking skills. In between the docks, The Swim crew will hold a Lifeguarding clinic, and of course, offer lots of fun on the inflatables.
“MB Dox and Rocks” will bring Chilltop (Arts and Crafts) to the Ropes and Challenge course for climbing the Wall, hunting for rocks, then painting them. Archery will find campers “Hunting Big Game” on the course in the woods beyond the targets.
There’s Baseball “Face Off”, a focus on pitching and hitting, and our Volleyball squad will work with our most interested diggers and setters. The Football staff entertained us with some awesome touchdown celebrations, perfect for getting to work on your own in “Catching TDs and Making Big Plays”. Lacrosse for those wanting to join the formidable “Legends of SkyLax” will target shooting, defense and goalie play. With netminders in mind, “Goalie Wars” sounds like a blast on the Hockey rink.
Over at Sky 2, Fishing will have anglers casting at SkyPines. Strength and Conditioning in the Gym continues to work on proper form, working with kettle bells as they move to techniques in dead lift and bench press. Sprinting and Hurdling in Track and Field fill the rest of the fitness offerings this week.
Hoops has “All Star Challenge – Beat the Professor”, where all who sign up will test their skills in ball handling and shooting -- with a chance for prizes in both 3-point shooting and dribbling contests against their coaches. “Everything Soccer” needs no explanation and remains a popular choice.
Shep’s Reading clinic will rediscover the works of Dr. Seuss, an all-time favorite! SkyDeck will go “Around the World” to teach a bit of cooking and sampling from all over, limited to the Tigers division (bunks 7-12) only this week.
Golf will again focus on the fundamentals of the swing, with plenty of chipping and putting on and around the green. Finally, the Tennis courts on both sides will be full of those prepping for the last Intercamp matches, and our own Camp Championships.
Hardest part is choosing!
