Our crystal-clear, always refreshing, sparkling gem: Trickey Pond.
Considered one of the cleanest bodies of water in the State of Maine, Trickey Pond is about two miles long, a half mile across, and about five miles in perimeter. Fed by underground springs, Trickey is 55’ deep and home to landlocked salmon, trout, splake and small mouth bass.
Trickey’s also home to 200 joyful, splashing boys, who love this place more than any other. In Maine, a “pond” and a “lake” are essentially the same, with only sunlight differentiating the two. Sunlight penetrates to the bottom of a pond, but a lake gets no sunlight. Our pond has the highest water quality designation from the Maine Department of the Environment, and the pristine water is clean enough to drink. So we do all day!
We have wonderful neighbors living in year-round and summer homes across the way, who say that they wake up to our bugle. One honored us with the title “Protector of the Pond”. Because Skylemar’s land spans over half of the lake’s length, a good portion of shoreline is untouched forest - ideal from an environment protection standpoint.
There’s a Skylemar alum on the other side of the lake as well. In fact, the past two early mornings a total of 178 “Skylemar Polar Bears” (125 campers and 53 staff) swam across the lake and landed at the Finkelstein’s house (aka Bunk 71). There, all were given a red and gray bracelet as well as a delicious donut. Thanks to Assistant Director “Alaska” (who arranged the groupings for safety) and our large Waterfront staff who swam and boated along with the kids; the Polar Bear Swim is something the boys will always be proud to have accomplished.
The accomplishments never seen to end at the Skylemar waterfront. Peter Solomon, the greatest Waterfront Director in the entire world, does an extraordinary job of balancing learning with fun. He teaches his staff of collegiate swimmers, trained sailors and expert waterski instructors how to teach all abilities with patience and encouragement.
Peter conducts a symphony of activity, orchestrating a rotation of swimming lessons, ski dock activities, non-motorized boating (sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boards) and free-play on the giant inflatables. Swim lessons are customized to particular abilities, but it’s important that everyone has a great time in the water. That’s why we wear life jackets when we play on the trampoline, swing, Beast (the giant slide), Pontoon and Iceberg. If we stick with the rule that everyone wears a lifejacket, a strong swimmer can have fun with one who’s not as proficient yet.
So thank you, waterfront staff. We’re grateful that you keep us safe and happy - always smiling down at Trickey!
Please consider a tax deductible contribution to:
Trickey Pond Environmental Protection Association
P. O. Box 417, Naples, ME 04055
