Legend has it that the waters of Trickey Pond may be magical. From our point of view, they most certainly are.
Considered one of the cleanest bodies of water in the state of Maine, Trickey Pond is our precious gem. Fed by underground springs, Trickey is about two miles long and half a mile across. The water is deep (50’ in the center) but is so clear that it looks like you can touch the bottom.
Skylemar’s the only camp on the lake, and our side is protected by over a mile of trees between Sky I and Sky II waterfronts. It’s just us and some wonderful neighbors, who’ve all grown accustomed to the sound of Skylemar bugles telling them when to wake, eat and go to sleep.
Because Trickey doesn’t connect with other lakes, there is very little power boat traffic. It’s mostly our four ski and wakesurf boats, plus the fishermen out catching salmon, trout and bass. We’re especially proud that the Maine Department of the Environment has awarded Trickey Pond the highest water quality designation. It’s clean enough to drink, so that’s exactly what we do. Our extensive filtration system assures that drinking water is delicious and healthy, and we test every day just to be sure.
Yes, the waters are magical. Just jump in and all your troubles are washed away! That’s because Skylemar’s Waterfront is the place for fun!
Gia, Chas, Blake, Quinn and the rest of the staff run a well-oiled machine. When the boys arrive for a double period, they’re divided into groups which rotate between swimming lessons, non-motorized boating (sailing, kayaking, canoeing, standup paddleboarding) and the skidock (waterskiing, wakesurfing, wakeboarding and tubing). Of course there’s always swimming for fun as well, which includes jumping on the Trampoline, climbing and leaping off the Iceberg, flying down the the Beast (the giant slide), bounding off the Rope Swing or diving off the Pontoon.
Beginner swimmers become very comfortable in the water, thanks to a patient and caring staff. Those who are more advanced improve their strokes, with the guidance of instructors who are also collegiate swimmers. As mentioned, the water is deep -- from 8' within the docks to around 30' out beyond them. Therefore, we all wear lifejackets when playing on the inflatables. That way a novice can have just as much fun as a friend who’s advanced.
The staff on the Ski Dock work their magic too. Any camper willing to give skiing a try is guaranteed to get up. They start on the Boom, just to get the hang of it. Then next to the short rope, then onto the long one, and off they go. Part of the fun is being on the dock encouraging friends.
In addition to skiing, the guys especially enjoy Wakesurfing. It takes a special boat to create a giant wake for surfing. For most it’s easy to get up on the wake board (but this camp director is still working it), and it’s especially exhilarating when you can drop the rope and surf as if you’re at the ocean.
The past two mornings were Polar Bear Swims. That’s when you wake up before everyone else, head to the lake and swim across. Lifeguards swim with you, and kayaking counselors help if you need a lift. On the other side is Bunk 71, the Finkelstein house. Yummy donuts await, as well as a motorboat ride back across.
What a great way to start the day!
