Let the intercamp games begin!
Soccer…Lacrosse…Hoops…Tennis…Baseball!
Some games are home; some are away. It seems like every day teams in different age groups are coming or going. You can sign up to play in a U12 Baseball game on Monday, a Tennis tournament on Tuesday and then a Lax game later in the week. We play to win, but always keep it classy.
The coaches on Skylemar teams stand out from the rest. They’re motivational, strategic and they help each player to feel good about themselves. We’re not the “participation trophy” type of place. Instead, our counselors take tremendous pride in building our athletes. They instill the necessary skills while always keeping sportsmanship front and center.
Sometimes the coaches on the other side make us wince, but you can count on those from Skylemar to encourage, support and stand by our boys whether or not things go our way.
Occasionally we’re asked how we hold our own as a camp of 200 boys playing against those with several hundred more. We do so by knowing the kids and remembering the sage advice of one of our directors, Joel S: “Be the hardest worker and the one having the most fun.”
Today was the U10 Steal-the-Bacon tournament on our Hejduk Field at Sky II. Four camps participated, and “Bacon Fest 2024” dominated this stifling hot afternoon. Coached by members of our Stars Division, these little guys truly gave it their all. Special shout outs to Alex K (Bunk 10), Grady A (B12), Lionel Z (B9) for sportsmanship, and Aiden Q (B9) for MVP. Caidyn (B8) and Max A (B15) were key players, despite having just learned how to play the game.
Not sure how to play? Just ask your son.
Evening Activity was Spirit Night, led by Bunk 22. That’s when we slow down and join together in a night of appreciation. You might call it a non-denominational service, which includes some traditional songs, an opening poem, a prayer for our country, a time when we send thanks out to those at home and an Apache blessing. Shep shares a reading, and tonight’s was written by someone he knows - Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. She’s the niece of President John F. Kennedy, and she wrote about some of the beliefs that JFK stood by. For example, he knew that there’s far more that makes us the same, as opposed to different - we breathe the same air and live on the same planet. He also believed in citizen involvement, no matter how old or young you are.
Counselor Luke S gave an incredible sermonette, in tribute to his cousin Mariah Wilson who passed away. She was an extremely accomplished athlete, who not only graduated from Dartmouth with an engineering degree, but had the courage and strength to train in her sport of cycling as a sponsored professional. Luke’s message to Skylemar was to be a Mariah: When you have opportunity, take advantage of it with everything you’ve got. Do everything in your power to be your best.
Nick Shep gave his Cool2Care message. He explained that if you care for yourself and care for others every day, you’ll have a fantastic summer (as well as a fantastic life!). Two campers were introduced as the recipients of the Cool2Care chain for the week.
The first was described as an expert at doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. He’s kind. He’s fun. He’s embraced his Band of Brothers already. This recipient is Noah K (B27).
The second is a new camper, who has incredible manners that makes us all feel honored and appreciated. He’s a shining light at Skylemar, and his name is Luke McD (B6).
Spirit Night wraps up with popsicles, and a big round of camp songs. This activity serves as a good reminder of how we are one giant Skylemar family, and we’re the luckiest people in the whole wide world.
