(Clap)(Clap) Clean! (Clap)(Clap) Clean!
The chant spreads throughout the Pavilion, and in they come…
Barnicus and Laundricus, the Warriors of Clean.
The two warriors are our mythical characters in charge of cabin cleanliness. They explain that after breakfast each camper makes their bed, and then does a chore that’s assigned with a turn of the Job Wheel. There’s sweep, dustpan, sink, porch, clothesline, and yes, even toilet cleaning.
Barnicus directs the Inspection challenge, where each bunk competes for the highest score. Laundricus, as you might guess, is in charge of clean sheets on the bed, and laundry in the bongo-hamper. The warriors remind us of the importance of keeping things straight when 8+ people are living in one room. But don’t worry about the toilet, mom. Secret is that Mary, Betty and Vicky (our super-star housekeeping team) sneak in while the kids are at activities and re-do the bathrooms.
Beautiful weather means lots of action at Trickey Pond. Waterfront Director Peter has an amazing staff who teaches swimming, diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing plus all the accomplishments you can master behind one of several motorboats. After working on swimming and boating skills, there’s always time for simply having fun in the sparkling clear water. There’s The Beast, which is a giant inflatable sliding board. The Iceberg has a climbing wall on one side and a slide on the other. There’s the Trampoline, Pontoon Tower and a giant wobbly thing that lots of people can climb on at the same time. We call that the UFO.
All these giant toys are super fun to play on, but the water is 30’ deep in Trickey. That’s why we all wear life jackets, just to be safe. Then everyone of all abilities can have a great time together.
Activities up top today included Football, Track & Field, Golf, Hockey, Soccer, Yellowhorn (outdoor science), Baseball, Hoops and Tennis. Some had Porch Time with Shep. That’s when you hang on Shep’s porch and talk about important stuff while eating Scooby Snacks. Today’s topic was about everyone having the right to have fun here, and if you see someone being treated unkindly you should stand up and speak out. Everyone discussed and signed the Skylemar Code of Honor. Here’s what it says:
Skylemar is all about being together with friends, enjoying the outdoors, playing games and showing kindness.
At Skylemar, I promise to be the best person I can be, and agree with the following:
The Directors, Counselors and Staff are responsible for my safety. I will do my best to listen to them when they ask me to do or not to do something.
I will do my best to treat everyone kindly-- the way that they wish to be treated.
Everyone is entitled to have fun. I promise not to ruin someone else's fun.
It is my responsibility to tell Shep or Arleen if something is wrong. It is also my responsibility to politely remind others to be kind if they forget.
I will respect other's property, as they will respect mine; this includes body and belongings.
If someone asks me to "stop", I will.
Skylemar is about people, not about electronics. I promise I do not have a cell phone or any electronic with internet access or video capability.
I understand why we have these rules at Skylemar and agree to follow them.
No matter your age, it’s a Skylemar plan that all can agree on.
