Intercollegiate Day
Let’s play JEOPARDY!
Round: FINAL JEOPARDY
Category: SPECIAL EVENTS for the WIN.
(Reminder: Reponses must be phrased in the form of a question)
And here is the clue:
The Virginia Tech Hokies, Maryland Terrapins, Michigan Wolverines and LSU Tigers
Answer: What are the four institutions of higher learning that will be represented in the latest edition of one of Skylemar’s oldest traditions – INTERCOLLEGIATE DAY 2026!
This time-honored annual event pits four Universities from around the US (selected by each of the team’s leaders) in a frenetic day of sports action followed by a night of competitive entertainment on the Rec Hall Porch Stage. And what a day it was!
It actually began a few days ago when all participants were divided up into 4 teams and announced to the participants, so that they could begin rehearsing their songs and cheers, which ultimately would determine today’s winner. But first, let’s back up a day and see how the tone was set for today’s excitement.
During yesterday’s 3rd period usually meant for the daily Clinic options, the entire camp headed to the Waterfront to cheer on their collegiate leadership, each of whom had constructed a boat from 3 basic materials – duct tape, cardboard, and trash bags. The task was to paddle that boat across the swim lanes from one side to the other, a mere 25 yards. You’d think that should be no problem, but based on last year’s inaugural race, we hoped for better. This time, with a little Yankee ingenuity, the teams did not disappoint as all four boats made it safely across, with passengers and their boats still intact. When the LSU boat “ran aground” (got caught in the ropes) close to the finish, Asher whisked his boat to the finish line, giving Virginia Tech the jumpstart and the early lead.
Just after dinner, the 5K Relay Race had all eight Divisions racing from the Red Cabin at Sky II to the Sky I Waterfront and back, then over to the Sky Hoops and Hockey complex for the exciting finish. The batons passed effortlessly as the Cubs, Lions, Tigers, Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors and Stars, with many of their teammates alongside, raced all over the roads of Skylemar. When bedtime came, the boys were well-stoked for today’s competition.
After breakfast and morning inspection, IC Day Director Nick Shep called all four schools to the Snow Field for the Dash – set to be run for the 78th time. Each of the eight Divisions sent their fastest to run a 60-meter sprint and get this day rolling. Dash winners included Blaine (MD), Logan D (LSU), Max R (MD), Ben B(VT), Alex Sw (VT) and in a photo-finish, Max P (LSU). The inconclusive videotape review and stopwatches which showed less than a few hundredths of a second separation (if any) between Max from Nabil earns them both the title of “fastest men in camp”. Just too close to call.
On to the activities where points for each team would continue to cumulate: As soon as all Dash divisions were complete, the boys moved around to six different venues, with mini tourneys in each to determine how many points scored for your team (points awarded for 1st thru 4th in each sport). All team members would participate in all six events….some were played in the morning and the rest in the afternoon, but all six activities were played by everyone. Games were competed in Blacktop Hoops, World Cup Soccer, Volleyball (Newcomb for the youngest), Steal the Bacon, Gaga and Buoy Ball. The games were quick, fast-paced and spirited – and according to most everyone, lots of fun! There was one other point-scoring opportunity — the annual Golf Long Drive competition for the oldest division. After lunch, Songs and Cheers rehearsal and a shortened “rest hour”, Nick summoned all teams to the front of the Rec Hall to see how far their leaders could hit it. When done, Maryland’s TI stood alone with a nearly 300-yard beauty.
At dinner, the scores were announced and the Hokies held the lead. But less than a dozen points separated the top and bottom teams, so it looked like anybody’s day when the evening Songs and Cheers performances began. An hour or so later, all four teams had brought their best effort to the stage, singing their hearts out. Each team had to perform a set of five musical numbers: Team Cheer, Camp Cheer, Team Fight Song, Old Camp Song and Original Camp Song. Team leaders had been preparing for quite some time, and the boys responded with energy and enthusiasm when they took the stage. They poured so much emotion into each song, and when it was over, the three judges chosen by the teams (Susie, DT, and Mary Beth) had a very tough call. When Nick reappeared on stage, the crowd hushed as he read the decision.
Congrats to the winner of Intercollegiate Day 2026 – the Michigan Wolverines!
