It’s fascinating to go through the list of what’s selected for Clinics. Most of the time it’s a totally independent choice, and kids from the same cabin usually go in different directions. Many of the activities end up with a variety of ages participating. If it matters, like in the case of "Basketball Tournament Play", "Mini-Lax" or Soccer "Skills Training", the kids would be broken up by age group. If it doesn’t matter, like in the case of "Ski Dawgs Waterskiing", "Paparazzi Photo", "Boating & Bracelet Making" or Reading, it’s an especially great way to get to know each other.
Skylemar is family, and our brotherhood happens organically. No matchmaking required. The older guys know that it’s their responsibility to help those younger. The little guys feel safe with the big ones and are frequently getting piggy-back rides. It’s just how we roll.
"Sports Trivia", for example, should be interesting. Out of 16 boys, 9 are from different cabins. The ages range from 9 to 13. It’s mind-blowing to hear how versed some of them are, no matter the age.
Other Clinics this week include "Golf Bend and Rotation", Football "Mini Games" (like Razzle Dazzle, Red Zone and Football Newcomb), Hockey "Goalie Clinic", Volleyball "Intercamp Prep" and "Camp Championship" Tennis. Baseball Barney offered an "All-Star Week" on the Freddie Pierce Field. He’ll pull out the radar gun to see how fast you throw from the mound.
There’s "Under the Sea Snorkeling" at Trickey Pond, and "Decaf Dave’s High Challenge Course". Sid will offer "Map Making and Orienteering". Erik will teach his group to play "Viking Clash". It’s a lawn game that’s popular with the counselors. The Lab will take place at the lake with "Water Weights". The SkyDeck Clinic will cover “indigenous cuisine of North and South America before European interruption”. Not sure what that means, but we know it will taste great.
Luckily, it didn’t start raining until after Clinic Sign-Up was complete. Some went ice skating in Bridgton, while others played with a huge amount of Lego. There were games at the Garden Cabin and Pavilion, and fun things to make at Chilltop. The Sophomores and Juniors played games at the Gym and Lodge. As for the Seniors and Stars? The schedule said “Bunk Time”. That’s code word for “sleep”.
It's our friends the Harlem Wizards, back again this year to challenge Skylemar Counselors! We loaded up the buses and headed a few miles down the road to Lake Region High School. It's so much fun to fill the school gym and show off our Sky pride. We've loved the Wizards for many years, ever since our founder Lee brought them to camp in the mid-70's, and this latest edition still brings their Globetrotter-brand of entertainment with every performance. We not only saw some incredible long-range shooting and lots of flashy dribbling and passing, but a dazzling display of thunderous dunks which nearly bought the house down – and that was just from our guys! The Wizards were amazing as always – and not only put Hayes on the court long enough to score a bucket for their side but held a quick "knock-out" game at the center court circle won by Bunk 1’s Henry (and a new basketball prize). The boys loved every second, cheering for their Skylemar stars…. wonder who had more fun? Congratulations to counselors LT, Will, Coby, DT, Mike, Myke, Jacob, Nate and Rob. You made the show better than ever.
