Let’s take it backwards…
After a day filled with good, hard play, we slowed it down with Spirit Night for Evening Activity. It’s a weekly time when the camp gathers together on the Rec Hall field for a non-denominational service focused on gratitude, love and appreciation.
Each week a different bunk gets to lead Spirit Night. Tonight, it was Bunk 24. First, we sing “We Meet Again in Gladness” and then the opening poem is read. The candle is “lit” (battery operated), and the responsive reading goes like this:
“We light this candle in fellowship with our friends. We light this candle with love for our families. We light this candle in gratitude for all those who have helped us. We light this candle in hope of peace, kindness and compassion. We light this candle to reach out to those in need. We light this candle for those who are not here now. We light this candle to see within and brighten our days ahead.”
There’s a Prayer for our Country, and we sing a patriotic song. This week’s reading by Shep was about the courage of Margaret Bancroft, who was a pioneer in educating those with special needs. We say a Prayer of Thanks and silently send out positive energy to those we love at home while Cory plays the piano.
Tonight's “Sermonette” was presented by counselor Eli K. of Bunk 14. Eli was a Skylemar camper for seven years before becoming a staff member two years ago. He read a selection of his college essay, which reflected on his experience as a camp counselor. He inspired us with describing how he never let his medical condition define himself at Skylemar, and encouraged us to face challenges, try something new at camp, push yourself and then push a little farther. Wow – now that’s a Skylemar counselor.
Next came Nick’s Cool2Care presentation. Cool2Care (C2C) means that it’s cool to care about yourself, others and the world around you. It’s cool to want to win, because it’s important to want to do well. No matter how it turns out, you gotta keep it classy. Nick explained that in every sport you either win or you learn. Losing gives you an even bigger opportunity to get better.
Nick read a number of the C2C cards out of the C2C Cooler. When you notice someone demonstrating kindness, you can write an acknowledgment and leave it in the cooler. Two campers were awarded the highest weekly honor – the Cool2Care Chain. Despite the big age difference, both are campers who similarly care about others and go out of their way to make others feel good. Both Nico PH in Bunk 29 and Ethan P in Bunk 2 truly make our Skylemar world a better place.
Speaking of Cool2Care, remember those red money boxes that were sent home in the spring to collect coins for our favorite charity, “World of Change”? The director of this children-helping-children nonprofit came to camp with his special “World of Change” truck. It’s sort of like an old fashioned toll booth on wheels. The boys tossed in their coins, and soon we’ll find out how much we collected.
Continuing backwards…
Earlier in the day was when we “practiced what we preached”. Here’s how that went down…
The U10 Steal the Bacon Tournament held here at Skylemar is always one of the most exciting and spirited of the year. Several camps attend, and there are numerous teams. Our campers and their coaches practice for this and put their heart and soul into winning. Despite it all, this was one of those times to learn instead of win. In true Skylemar form, we kept it classy. Starting tomorrow we take advantage of the opportunity to get better. STB 2026 belongs to us!
