To the kids, they’re the “Bunkles”. To us, they’re the foundation of Skylemar, and they’re solid as a rock.
Along with their female counterparts (aka “the Bunksters”… see last night’s blog), the men of our leadership team (the Senior Staff) include some fabulous coaches, teachers, grad students and administrators. Here at camp, they are our athletic directors and department heads.
Arriving many weeks before the campers, the 30+ Senior Staffers plan and develop every facet of Skylemar, and then indoctrinate the counselors during Staff Orientation Week. You see, this team “gets it”, and each understands that they are entrusted with the world’s most valuable treasure… our Skylemar boys.
The leaders work together to make the Skylemar machine hum. This is done “family style”, where we all do a bit of everything, with a whatever-it-takes kind of attitude. The big-picture goal is to build character within our community, teach tolerance, acceptance, instill confidence and independence. The Senior Staff strives to make a positive difference in the world, one boy at a time.
They live by the adage that the happiest people have the most on their plate. There’s little time to rest, with a seven-week party to plan. This crew turns it on when the going gets tough - like on a rainy day, when the counselors are exhausted, but the kids are full speed ahead.
In fact, they turn on the fun when whatever needs to be done. Trimming 2,000 toenails might not be mentioned in their job description, but no one ever complains. They play some music, squat on yoga pillows, sip cucumber water and clip away.
Today for example, was “all hands on deck”. There were new boys to welcome, which meant loads of unpacking and organizing. Signs were painted, job wheels created, and beds were made. From the time the new boys arrived until they were fast asleep, these Bunkles (along with the Bunksters and counselors) gave it their all.
But meanwhile, there were planes to meet in Boston, four birthday parties to host, dozens of activities to lead, Clinic Commercials to prepare, a Social to supervise and a Campfire to lead. A toilet needed to be plunged and a retainer wrapped up in a napkin needed to be found….
As they say, there are those that watch it happen, and those who make it happen. These heroes are the latter.
Heard this today…
“You’re squishy”, said a camper as he hugged his overweight camp director.
Only at Skylemar.
