Let’s talk Trickey Pond.  

Considered to be one of the cleanest bodies of water in Maine (out of over 6,000), Trickey is the crown jewel of Skylemar.  The spring-fed lake is a little over two miles long, a half mile across and doesn’t connect with any other body of water.  Around the shoreline is just us, some residential homes, a campground and visiting fishermen who come for salmon, trout, bass, splake and perch. 

Trickey Pond is deep – 57 feet in the center, and 30 feet off our docks.  That’s one of the reasons we wear life jackets outside of swimming lessons.  The other reason is so all can safely play together, regardless of swimming ability.

Known for exceptional clarity, Trickey Pond ranks among the top 5% clearest lakes in the state, and receives the highest rating for water quality from the Maine DEP.  It’s so clean that we drink it… all day long.  There’s an elaborate filtration system, and Skylemar’s phenomenal Maintenance Director Ed is our “certified water operator” (which means he went through extensive schooling and testing – not easy stuff!).

Mostly we play and learn in these magical waters. 

Peter’s in charge, along with his assistants Paige, Lexie, Gallo and Quinn.  Together they train and manage a staff of 14 accomplished swimmers, sailors and water skiers, who are lifeguard certified before the rest of the staff arrives.  It is during this pre-camp period that they learn not only how to teach, but about safety procedures for swimming and boat driving.

The boys come to the Waterfront for a double period just about every day.  Peter divides them into groups — some go to swim lessons, while others either head to non-motorized boating (sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards, canoes) or to the ski dock (water skiing, wakesurfing, kneeboarding and tubing).  There’s always time for playing on the Beast (giant inflatable Slide), Iceberg, Rocket and Pontoon as well.  Our second waterfront, over at SkyPines, is where we go fishing and snorkeling.

Some have asked why the name is Trickey Pond as opposed to Trickey Lake.  In Maine, there is no difference between a lake and a pond – it’s just a word.  Ecologically, a pond is water that’s shallow enough for sunlight to hit the bottom.  Trickey is not shallow, but because the water is so clean and clear, you can see all the way down.

As for the first name, Trickey, we’re not really sure.  Some say once upon a time there was a family with the last name.  Others say the name is misspelled, and it’s fisherman’s lore – the ice can be solid one day in winter and next day there’s a hole from the springs making it tricky to cross. 

Why are the waters so clean?  The experts say it’s in large part due to us.  We have well over a mile of tree-lined shore frontage, and no development.  Neighbors across the lake have referred to us as the “protectors of the pond”, a title that brings us great pride and sense of responsibility. 

Speaking of neighbors – those on Trickey Pond are especially wonderful.  We truly care for each other and are grateful to share this gift with such incredible people.  That’s why we got involved with a non-profit called Trickey Pond Environmental Protection Association (TPEPA), to do our part in keeping the lake clean and sustainable.

Because sound travels across the lake, our kind neighbors have little choice but to hear our bugles and announcements throughout the day.  Then again, as one neighbor said, “Thanks to Skylemar, I know when to wake up and when to go to sleep.  When you close for the season, I have to go back to setting my alarm.”

Big question is…why are the waters considered magical?  Because they heal.  Having a lousy day?  Feeling embarrassed?  Made a mistake, apologized and need a fresh start?  JUMP IN!  These special  waters wash away troubles and energize the body.

Tonight was one that you felt the magic and tremendous sense of community.  The whole camp was comfortably seated by the pond.  Surrounding our Waterfront came dozens of boats from down and across the lake.  Most were decorated with red, white and blue holiday décor, and our kids cheered for each as they blew their horns and cheered right back. 

First was the pre-game.  We stood at attention and sang along to Gallo playing the National Anthem.  Next came the Counselor Belly Flop contest!  What a riot!  The campers screamed for their counselors as they jumped and flopped.  The crowd winced with “oooohs” as each participant smacked into the water.

When the sky finally grew darker, our neighbor Greg floated a barge to just outside our inflatables.  From there, Greg launched a wonderful fireworks show for all of us on the lake to enjoy.  This time it wasn’t just us for Evening Activity.  It was good to feel the sense of togetherness that goes beyond our Skylemar world.