One of the many things that Shep’s good at is weather predicting. Of course, he uses assorted apps and a NOA station, but mostly he says he “feels it in his eyes”.
Take last night for example. Bunk 3 was at SkyPines for an overnight. That’s when you grab your sleeping bag and camp out at an especially beautiful part of Sky II. The kids learn about putting up a tent, building fires and how to cook over the open flame. They go fishing and splashing in the shallow water and play whatever games Directors Sam and Santi have in store for them. It’s a great time, and especially cool to stay in the tents with your bunkmates.
As Bunk 3 went over, Shep felt it in his eyes. That’s when he decided to leave a van with the keys inside just beyond where the kids were camping.
Lucky he did, because around 4:15 AM a storm whipped up. Santi, Sam and the counselors were able to wake the boys, get them into the van, and everyone finished sleeping back in their cozy, dry cabin.
So far this summer we’ve had the least number of rainy days than we can remember in a season. That’s the complete opposite of last year, when it seemed like there was rain several times each week. Instead, we’ve been blessed with many hot and sunny days in 2024, perfect for Trickey Pond.
Careful what you wish for, but it’s been such a run of the sun that we actually hoped for at least a little rain. That’s exactly what we got this morning. It was the first Rainy Day Schedule of Skylemar 76th year.
Here’s what we did…
Legos! They get our vote for “best toy” award for boys of all ages. And we have plenty. We opened up some giant tarps and poured out huge containers filled with millions of pieces...literally! Laying down on the floor to build with the many shapes was relaxing and cathartic. It was exactly what the boys needed.
Some played good old-fashioned board games. We have a couple hundred here to pick from. Remember - we had a whole lot of rain last year.
The Super Suzie Trivia Game took place in the Pavilion = and art projects too, like fish painting! Meanwhile, some played Dodgeball in the gym, while others had Porch Time with Shep. That’s when groups get together on Shep’s Porch to talk about stuff. Shep has a topic to cover (like what to do if you see someone being unkind to a bunkmate), and then the guys are allowed to ask him any question. The most frequently asked -- “if you had hair, what color would it be?”.
The Lodge was lots of fun, with all the ping pong and pool tables. There’s foosball too. The oldest Divisions, Seniors and Stars did what they like to do best on a rainy day. Sleep.
There were pockets of hazy sunshine as well. That's when we switched gears and got outside for Softball, Pickleball, Lax, SkyRopes, Waterfront and lots more.
Even though it officially stopped raining by dusk, Movie Night was in the Rec Hall instead of at The Drive-in (the area near Bunk 1 with the big wooden screen). That was the decision, because Shep was feeling it in his eyes. Good thing, too, because a minute after everyone was back in their cabin, heavy rain fell from the sky.
There’s a 50% chance of rain tomorrow. Whatever it is, it is!
